So, you’ve decided to have a destination wedding. Congratulations! You’ve officially signed up for the emotional rollercoaster of blending a family reunion, an international logistics operation, and a Pinterest board come to life—all while pretending you’re having the time of your life. If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry. Enter Denae Brennan, the wedding planner extraordinaire who has helped couples like Plymouth's Andrea and Chris Nelson pull off their Newport, Rhode Island reception without accidentally setting something (or someone) on fire.
Brennan, a guru of grace under pressure, knows a thing or two about making sure your "I do" doesn’t turn into an "I didn’t sign up for this." Here are her snark-free (but we're adding some spice) steps to planning the perfect destination wedding. Spoiler: Step one is hiring someone like her so you can sip mimosas instead of managing vendor meltdowns.
Step 1: Hire a Wedding Planner (Yes, Really. No, It’s Not Optional.)
According to Brennan, not hiring a planner is like deciding to perform your own root canal. Sure, technically you could do it, but why would you? A full-service planner is an "investment in peace of mind," which is a polite way of saying, "Do you really want to be the one coordinating 17 flower arrangements while your Aunt Karen is having a meltdown over her lost luggage?"
Brennan wears more hats than a royal wedding guest: project manager, designer, etiquette expert, confidant, and professional mind reader. She handles vendor research, budget tracking, and logistics so you can focus on important tasks like arguing about seating arrangements.
Step 2: Plan Way Ahead (Like, Yesterday Would Have Been Great)
Thinking of booking a venue six months from now? Cute. Brennan suggests locking down your spot at least 12 months in advance. Thanks to the post-pandemic engagement boom, wedding venues are busier than a Starbucks drive-thru on a Monday morning. That couple who met during lockdown? They’re probably ahead of you in line. Tick-tock.
Step 3: Befriend the Hotel Staff (Bribes Optional, But Encouraged)
Most venues require couples to work with at least a day-of coordinator, but some places (looking at you, California) won’t even let you through the door without a full-service planner. Why? Because venues would rather deal with one professional than your cousin who "totally planned her friend’s birthday party once."
Step 4: Hair, Makeup, and the Art of Looking Effortlessly Perfect
Brennan will recommend top-tier hair and makeup artists, but she won’t choose for you because, well, she’s not your mother. However, she will create a meticulous schedule to ensure your bridal party isn’t scrambling like it’s an episode of "Project Runway."
Step 5: Destination Weddings Are Not Automatically Cheaper (Sorry!)
If you thought hosting your wedding in an exotic locale would save money, bless your heart. Sometimes it's cheaper… until you factor in flights, accommodations, and that irresistible urge to upgrade to a beachfront villa because "it’ll look great on Instagram."
Brennan breaks it down: Mexico? Your money stretches. Lake Como? Start a GoFundMe. Even within the U.S., costs vary wildly. Want a vineyard in California? You can spend modestly or take out a second mortgage. Choices, choices.
Step 6: The Perfect Guest List (Or: How to Offend People Strategically)
The "ideal" number of guests? It depends. Are you envisioning an intimate gathering with close family or a blowout party that rivals Coachella? Brennan says it's personal, but we say it's a chance to quietly exclude that one friend who still owes you $50.
Step 7: Including Guests Who Didn’t Make the Cut (Guilt Optional)
Can’t invite everyone? No problem. Host a "back home" reception, aka a casual BBQ where you show off your wedding photos while pretending you’re totally fine with missing their $20 Target gift. Brennan suggests slideshows, but we suggest dramatic re-enactments of your vows for maximum effect.
Step 8: Legal Stuff (Because Jail Isn’t a Honeymoon Destination)
If you’re getting married abroad, don’t assume your marriage is automatically legal back home. Research local laws or, better yet, get legally hitched in your hometown first. That way, you can focus on your ceremony abroad without worrying about international red tape or accidentally committing bigamy.
Step 9: Rookie Mistakes to Avoid (Spoiler: It’s Not Just the Open Bar)
The biggest mistake? Not hiring a planner. Yes, Brennan said it again because it's that important. Also, forgetting about your guests’ comfort, like leaving them stranded without transportation or assuming everyone enjoys sleeping in bunk beds.
Step 10: The “I Never Thought of That” List
Budget for your guests. Yes, really. With destination weddings, you’re basically hosting a mini-vacation. That means covering things like transportation, welcome parties, and brunches. After all, nothing says "thanks for flying across the country" like a stale bagel and lukewarm coffee.
Step 11: Brennan’s Favorite Destinations (AKA Where You’ll Want to Elope)
Brennan loves California wine country, and who can blame her? Gorgeous venues, amazing food, and weather that doesn’t require a backup plan. But wherever you go, just remember: the goal is to get married, not to reenact an episode of "Survivor."
Final Thoughts: Just Hire the Planner
If there’s one takeaway here, it's this: hiring a wedding planner is the ultimate life hack. Brennan turns chaos into calm, ensuring your destination wedding is memorable for the right reasons—not because the best man accidentally booked a flight to the wrong country.
So, pour yourself a glass of overpriced wine, send this article to your fiancé with the subject line "We Need This," and start planning the wedding of your dreams. Or at least, the wedding that doesn’t end with someone crying in the hotel lobby (unless it’s tears of joy, of course).
Cheers to love, laughter, and a well-organized seating chart.
