Professional Services: What to Handle Yourself and What to Outsource for a Destination Wedding by Barefoot Bride Megan t.

Planning a destination wedding is a thrilling endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the key decisions you'll face is determining which aspects of your wedding to handle yourself and which to leave to professionals. Balancing DIY efforts with professional services can help you save money while ensuring that your big day is both beautiful and stress-free. Here’s a guide to help you decide what to tackle on your own and what to outsource for your destination wedding.

DIY: What to Handle Yourself

1. Place Cards

Place cards are the perfect DIY task since it can easily be packed! Designing and assembling your own place cards can be a manageable DIY task. With a bit of creativity and a little bit of time, you can craft elegant designs that complement your wedding theme. I recommend looking at premade templates on a free canva account and printing your place cards at a local printing store. 

2. Welcome Bags

Welcome bags for your guests are a great opportunity to showcase your personality and local flavor. You can buy reusable bags at local craft or discount stores. Fill them with items like local snacks, maps, or personalized notes. Assembling these bags yourself can be a rewarding project and adds a thoughtful touch for your guests.

I purchased my welcome canvas bags from a local craft store, hanging tassels from a cheap online website (temu) and used the Cricut Machine to iron on the logos to each bag. While this was time consuming, I started 6 months prior to my wedding so it was not a stressful task. 

Inside my welcome bags I included reusable bottles for sunscreen and aloe (our resort provides both) and created labels for each bottle with the Cricut Machine and a little sign letting guests know what to use these for and where to refill them. Aside from these bottles, I also included friendship bracelets with our thank you note, travel sized pepto bismol and advil, and some papers outlining everything they need to know about the resort, an itinerary, etc (which I also created on my free canva account).

3. Wedding Signage

Creating your own wedding signage can enhance the ambiance of your destination wedding. Consider making signs for directions, guestbook areas, signature drink menus, table numbers or food menus. Simple DIY projects like hand-painted signs or printed messages can add a charming and personal element to your wedding decor. Best part - anything printed is easy to pack! 

Pro Tip: If you want to elevate your wedding signage, look for frames (without glass) at local discount or dollar stores. 

I had a friend hand-draw and color a map of our resort! We included this on our invites, on our wedding website and in our welcome bags. Guests loved how it was handmade! 

4. Social Media and Digital Communication

Handling social media updates and digital communication can be done on your own. Creating a wedding hashtag, managing a wedding website, or sending out digital RSVPs can help you keep guests informed and engaged without the need for professional assistance.

Since my wedding consisted of 3 events, I wanted to have a way for guests to share pictures with me. I opted for a WediBox account which is a service that provides you with a QR code. Guests will be able to scan the code and upload all the pictures they took from your events. I am placing the QR code on all printables like welcome bag personalized notes, backside of menus, etc. 

Best part, they provide free templates for mini cards, invitations, wedding programs, QR signs and table signs!

Money Saving Tip

While it may not be considered a DIY, to save money, I would recommend bringing your own little decor pieces that are easy to pack. Think napkins, table runners, signage, photos, etc. 🤑

Professional Services: What to Outsource

1. Photography and Videography

Capturing the essence of your destination wedding requires expertise. Professional photographers and videographers have the skills and equipment needed to document your day beautifully. They know how to handle various lighting conditions, framing, and editing to create high-quality memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.

I highly recommend choosing a photographer and videographer that are frequently at your resort. They will already know the lay of the land, the secret areas for best shots, etc. 

2. Floral Arrangements and Decor

Floral arrangements and major decoration can be complex (and not packable!), especially for a destination wedding where you might need to coordinate with local vendors. 

Professional florists and decorators have the expertise to create stunning arrangements, handle logistics, and ensure that your decor matches your vision. They can also help with setup and teardown, reducing stress on your wedding day.

Working with a floral and decor team that has experience setting up weddings at your resort is a big plus! And if you are looking to save money, here is where you can ask for discounts! 

3. Entertainment and Music

Outside of food and drinks, the next most important part of a wedding is the music! Whether you’re hiring a band, DJ, or arranging live performances, professional entertainment services are crucial. They have the experience to read the crowd, manage sound equipment, and create the right atmosphere for your celebration. Professional entertainment ensures that your guests will have a great time and dance the night away.

I personally decided to go with a DJ and some smaller bands or duos to add a unique touch to my events. Choosing a DJ over a spotify playlist was something I did not want to budge on and made sure it fit in my budget! 

4. Transportation

Arranging transportation for you and your guests can be a complex task, particularly in a foreign location. Professional transportation services can handle airport transfers, shuttle services, and logistical arrangements, ensuring that everyone arrives on time and safely.

I do not recommend hiring local taxis, Ubers or hitching a ride from a stranger at the airport. 

Prior to your flight, work with a Travel Agent who can help you book reputable transportation for you and your guests. (They also make it a less stressful process for you by handling all the complex work!) 

I chose to work with Barefoot Bridals for all of the contracts, flights and transportation. They are a Travel Agency that specialize in destination weddings - they know what they are doing - trust me!

Finding the right balance between DIY projects and professional services is key to planning a successful destination wedding. By handling personal touches and smaller details yourself, you can save money and infuse your wedding with a unique flair. Meanwhile, outsourcing essential services such as photography, catering, and entertainment ensures that you have expert support for the most important elements of your celebration. With careful planning and a strategic approach, you can enjoy a beautiful, stress-free destination wedding that reflects your personal style and creates lasting memories for you and your guests.