Your Guide to a Smooth & Stylish Destination Wedding Weekend
The Tea
Planning a destination wedding? First of all, we are obsessed. There’s just something so dreamy about saying “I do” in a place that feels like a getaway for everyone. Although here’s the truth, when your crew is traveling to celebrate you and your fiancé, it’s all about finding the sweet spot between a well throughout itinerary AND giving your guests time to relax and explore. Because yes, it’s your wedding, yet it’s also their vacation too. Let’s break down how to plan a wedding weekend that’s smooth, stylish, and seriously stress-free (for you and your guests).
1. Less Is More, Babe!
We know you’ve got ideas: welcome drinks, wine/beer tastings, yoga sessions, brunches, hikes, and maybe even a karaoke night (we see you). Yet trust us when we say, you don’t need to do it all! Overloading your itinerary can leave everyone feeling more exhausted than excited.
Pick a few key moments to gather your people and let the rest of the weekend flow naturally. Think: quality over quantity! You’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping champagne instead of checking your phone to see if the group made it to the trail head on time.
2. Kick Things Off with a Welcome Party
Your guests made the effort to travel, took time off work, packed all the cute outfits: now give them a moment to be appreciated! A welcome party is the perfect way to say “We’re so glad you’re here!”
No need to go overboard though, keep it casual. A two or three hour cocktail hour with drinks, light bites, and good music is more than enough. You don’t need a 10-piece band and a fireworks display. Just vibes, conversation, and maybe a cute photo booth if you’re feeling extra.
3. Build in Some Free Time
This one's huge! Whether you're in the heart of Central Oregon, a coastal Cali hideaway, or a cozy vineyard in Washington, your guests are going to want a little time to explore. Give them space in your schedule to hit the local brunch spot, lounge by the pool, or take a scenic hike (and then nap off the mimosa buzz, obviously).
By leaving breathing room, you’re also giving yourself and your partner time to actually enjoy the moment, not just sprint from one event to the next in a blur of outfit changes.
4. The Wedding Day = The Main Event
Your big day should be the star of the show, not one of ten competing activities. When you keep the rest of the weekend more low-key, your ceremony and reception feel that much more special.
Plus, guests won’t be showing up to your vows already wiped out from a full itinerary. Instead, they’ll be refreshed, glowing, and ready to celebrate you in style.
Consider a little day after gathering for those who are still in town, it doesn’t have to be fancy! A laid-back brunch, coffee and pastries, or a chill hang at a local park or beach spot. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak in all the love, share stories from the night before, and say a proper goodbye before everyone heads home.
And if you’re jetting off to your honeymoon the next morning? Even cuter. Leave behind one final sweet memory before you peace out to paradise.
5. Post-Wedding Vibes? Yes, Please.
Ready to make your micro wedding epic in Bend, Oregon or Scottsdale, Arizona or any other dreamy destination? Let’s chat—The Indigo Bride has covered every step of the way.
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