Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. What to Consider if You Want a Destination Wedding
Martha Stewart Weddings

What to Consider if You Want a Destination Wedding

Skip gallery slides
Pin

1 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ready, Set, Go!

mws1971_travel09_img_6829_1.jpg

When you plan a destination wedding, one thing is certain: The people you hire should be wizzes at working on location. We asked destination-wedding guru Verona Carter to share her most well-traveled tips to set you off in the right direction. Here's what she wants brides to know.

1 of 7

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

What do on-site planners do?

mwds106380_sip10_482_2.jpg

Once a bride decides to have her wedding with us, she'll start working with an on-site planner. He or she will work hard to find local vendors, coordinate rooming lists, and assist the couple in selecting the perfect menu, color scheme, and flowers. Of course, a bride can also hire a planner closer to home to help her accomplish things like hiring a stationer and a photographer and managing her budget.

2 of 7

3 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

How important is it for a bride to meet with her on-site planner before the wedding happens?

ft_jun05msl01.jpg

It's not absolutely necessary, but I do recommend it. Some brides choose to visit a few months before the wedding so they can taste the food and experience the culture and the resort from a guest's point of view. If that isn't possible, couples are sent a variety of look books with images of decor, cakes, and even meal presentation so they can make informed decisions without being present.

3 of 7

Advertisement

4 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

On average, does it take more or less time to plan a destination wedding?

mwsd106375_sip10_mg_4448.jpg

More, surprisingly. It can take shipped goods up to two weeks to arrive in the Caribbean. And finding and ordering specific types of flowers and food -- like kosher food, for example -- requires three to four months.

4 of 7

5 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Which destination spots are the hottest among your clientele?

esencia-beach-mwd1011.jpg
See More Destination Wedding Hot Spots

There are five: Saint Thomas, Jamaica, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands.

5 of 7

6 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

What's your advice for brides who are considering a wedding away?

courtney-hunter-sum11wds107171-1586.jpg
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

Do it -- it will be a truly unforgettable experience. The only thing better than getting married is getting married on vacation.

6 of 7

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

What is the best piece of advice you can give a couple hosting a destination wedding?

courtney-hunter-sum11wds107171-1154.jpg
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
Get More Destination Wedding Planning Tips

"It's important to take the cost of flowers, alcohol, food, and beverages into consideration when you're working out your budget. The availability of these items varies depending on the location, so some things may need to be shipped from the mainland. It's a good idea to do your research, especially if you have your heart set on a specific flower for your bouquet or a particular type of wine for the reception."

7 of 7

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    • Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades
    • 10 Items You Need to Pack in Your Wedding Dress Emergency Kit
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 7 Ready, Set, Go!
    2 of 7 What do on-site planners do?
    3 of 7 How important is it for a bride to meet with her on-site planner before the wedding happens?
    4 of 7 On average, does it take more or less time to plan a destination wedding?
    5 of 7 Which destination spots are the hottest among your clientele?
    6 of 7 What's your advice for brides who are considering a wedding away?
    7 of 7 What is the best piece of advice you can give a couple hosting a destination wedding?

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    What to Consider if You Want a Destination Wedding
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.