How Important is a Scouting Trip in Destination Wedding Planning?

When planning a destination wedding, it’s tempting to rely solely on stunning photos and virtual tours. But according to renowned wedding planner Michelle Durpetti, nothing replaces the value of stepping into your wedding destination in person. “A scouting trip is truly invaluable,” Durpetti says. “It gives couples the opportunity to physically experience their venue options,…

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What to Do When Someone Invites Themselves to Your Destination Wedding

A wedding invitation suite themed as newspapers, featuring the couple Sheng and Yean, wedding details, rings in boxes, and various decorative elements on a patterned surface.

Planning a destination wedding is incredibly exciting—you’ve chosen the perfect location, curated your guest list, and envisioned every detail. But what do you do when someone assumes they’re invited without actually receiving an invitation? Whether it’s a distant cousin, a coworker hinting at an invite, or a friend asking to bring an extra guest, handling…

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Why Does Everything Cost More When You Say “Wedding”?

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a wooden pier at sunset, with mountains and a lake in the background.

Ever wonder why the moment you mention the word “wedding,” the cost seems to double—or even triple? You’re definitely not imagining it! The reality is that vendors often charge more for weddings than they do for other events. BUT, before you assume it’s just a case of price gouging, there’s actually a lot more to…

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Defining the Role of Mother of the Groom

Today’s Mother of the Groom takes on a dynamic role, blending tradition with modern support. As families navigate wedding planning, responsibilities and expectations can sometimes be unclear. To shed light on this evolving role, we spoke with Suzanne Reinhard of BOLD Events in Atlanta. With over 35 years of experience planning weddings, Reinhard shares her…

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Is it Okay to “Fire” a Member of my Wedding Party?

Planning a wedding is a joyous occasion, but it can also bring about challenges, especially when conflicts arise within the wedding party. In a discussion with Destination I Do, conflict resolution expert Damali Peterman offers insights into whether it’s ever appropriate to “fire” a member of your wedding party. Photo by Koman Photography Assess the…

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Are These Things Still Taboo at Weddings

While couples are more and more increasingly choosing to put their own spins on their wedding days (we see you colorful wedding gowns, cocktail-style receptions, unique entertainment, and themed dress codes!), you might still be wondering: are ANY classic wedding “rules” still a must-follow? We’ve got you covered! Scroll down to see which wedding taboos…

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Rainy Day Activities for Your Destination Wedding

A bride and groom stand at an outdoor wedding ceremony under string lights, holding hands, while guests observe with umbrellas on a rainy day. The background shows a foggy mountain landscape.

Planning a destination wedding is a dream come true for many couples, with visions of sun-drenched beaches, breathtaking mountain views, or historic towns setting the stage for their perfect day. However, even the best-laid plans face the challenge of unpredictable weather. Rain doesn’t discriminate; whether you’re tying the knot close to home or at a…

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Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Wedding Day Makeup

bride in full wedding day makeup framing face with hand with ocean in backdrop

“I can’t believe I even considered doing my wedding day makeup BY MYSELF.” This is a phrase professional wedding makeup artist (and past real bride on Destination I Do), Kayla of Kayla Kollection Artistry, hears all too often from her bridal clients. While it may be tempting to save some dough and DIY your wedding…

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Navigating RSVPs, Menus and More

Adventures in Etiquette Everything from overlooked RSVP deadlines and travel logistics to menu planning and plus ones is covered in this issue’s Adventures in Etiquette. Below we unpack how to navigate these sometimes treacherous situations and make it down the aisle unscathed and a little bit wiser. Q: My RSVP deadline has come and gone and…

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