Hey there, lovely couples! If you’re in the midst of wedding planning and feeling like you’re caught in a game of tug-of-war over choosing the right location, trust me, you’re not alone. The pros and cons list can look like a jumbled mess, making it nearly impossible to decide. Sound familiar?
Let me share a little secret: go with your heart. Now, I know that might sound cliché, but I’ve been in your shoes. I chose a destination wedding, that did come with its challenges, especially during the pandemic. Here’s my story—hopefully, it’ll make your dilemma feel a bit more manageable.
The Dream vs. The Safe Choice
When my husband and I decided on a destination wedding, we had a major decision to make: should we go with a resort we had visited four times and loved, or take a leap and try something new? The thought of a new adventure, new scenery, and new memories made me smile, while the familiar resort felt safe and predictable. You can probably guess where this is going—I wasn’t about to play it safe.
Doing Our Homework
We did our due diligence: read countless travel reviews, contacted several resorts, and finally narrowed down our list. We decided to visit a potential resort before making our final decision. Of course, this was during the height of COVID-19, so our visit was unique—masks, hand sanitizer stations, and a resort at less than 10% capacity. Imagine having the whole place to yourself! No people-watching this time.
Falling in Love with the Perfect Spot
I instantly fell in love with a beautiful beach gazebo. I could picture us saying “I do” on the marble floors, and not far from it, a covered beach area perfect for the reception, with an outstanding view of the ocean. I was sold. My heart was in it, and I didn’t need to see anything more.
The Nightmare Unfolds
We spoke with the wedding planner, confirmed our date was available, and paid the deposit. I excitedly posted about booking our wedding venue—one of the biggest items on our to-do list was checked off. Until we got home.
A few days later, I received an email from the wedding planner asking if we could change our wedding date. They had double-booked us. My heart sank. This was every bride’s nightmare. I wanted to cry; I couldn’t believe this was happening.
Back to Square One
Our wedding date was non-negotiable. The perfect ceremony and reception spots were taken, and the backup options were less than ideal, especially considering the weather. After much back and forth, we finally got our deposit back, but we had lost precious time.
The Blessing in Disguise
With no other choice, I reached out to the familiar resort we had frequently visited. By some miracle, our wedding date was available. It felt like a blessing in disguise. Sometimes, things really do happen for a reason.
Lessons Learned
In the end, everything worked out beautifully for us. But our journey taught me some valuable lessons I want to share with you:
- Do Your Homework: Read reviews, check availabilities, and visit if you can.
- Double-Check Everything: Confirm dates and details multiple times.
- Go with Your Gut: Trust your instincts and your heart.
Choosing the right location for your wedding is a deeply personal decision. It takes time and effort, and sometimes a little bit of faith. Each couple’s journey is different, and what worked for me might not be the perfect path for you. But remember, whatever choice you make, it will be special because it’s yours.
Take your time, breathe, and know that in the end, it will all work out. Because it did for me, and it will for you too.
Happy planning!
XO