Have you ever fantasized about being able to say “I do” on a warm sandy beach or in a building that has been there for centuries; but, the thought of planning it from afar is paralyzing?
You are not alone. Planning a destination wedding may sound like a dreamy vacation getaway, but for many couples, the planning begins with a somewhat quiet storm of thoughts.
How do we find people we can trust to help with something we have never been a part of in a country we have never lived in?
Will the venue reflect our vision without being able to see it in person?
Will they even understand our traditions and values if we are planning from afar?
The questions you’re asking does not signal uncertainty in the wedding: that you want to ensure each and every decision is in alignment with what the day truly means. This is where a destination wedding planner becomes your most essential partner. Not just someone to coordinate but someone to think about the big picture, and the little things that matter.
Why Hire a Destination Wedding Planner?
Because your wedding isn’t just an event. It’s a story in motion.
A destination wedding planner is the balance between your imagination and reality. From locally-customized observations and time zones, to destination specific logistics you may never think of, they are the calming presence when things get chaotic, and the artistic collaborator when things get whimsical.
They don’t just help you plan. They help you belong, even if you’re oceans away.
When Should You Start Planning?
Time is your best friend when planning a destination wedding. Ideally, begin searching for your planner 12 to 15 months in advance. This allows room to:
- Secure dream venues before peak seasons book out
- Design guest experiences without rush
- Take care of travel arrangements and legal paperwork thoroughly
- And most importantly, build a trusting relationship with your planner
The earlier you begin, the more personal and peaceful the process becomes.
What to Look for in the Right Destination Wedding Planner
A good destination wedding planner wears many hats- coordinator, confidante, translator, designer. But what matters:
- Global Expertise: Have they planned across various cultures and different countries? Do they adapt easily when plans change?
- Responsive, Clear Communication: You should feel taken care of, understood, and updated regularly — distance should not matter.
- A Robust Local Network: A planner’s pre-established relationships with local vendors can lead to better rates, assurance of quality and favorable execution, potentially saving you from difficulties.
- Cultural Understanding: Whether you’re melding together traditions or intent on specific rituals, you want the planner to honor and respect each aspect with precision.
- Logistics & Legalities: Each venue is similarly distinct in terms of paper work, rules and regulations. Knowing the standard procedures your planner will walk you through will be crystal clear.
Things to Be Careful About
Not all planners are created equal. Trust your instincts — and be mindful of these warning signs:
- Delayed or unclear responses
- Vague or inconsistent pricing
- Little experience with destination events
- Lack of empathy or interest in your story
Hiring a wedding planner is deeply personal. You should feel supported, not sidelined.
The 8 Asthas Difference
We don’t just plan. We listen, understand, and create with heart. From the first idea to the final send-off, 8 Asthas approaches every destination wedding with the care and cultural intelligence it deserves.
We feel any wedding is more than just a moment. It’s a moving memory made — and every couple needs to feel celebrated, supported, and recognized.
Whether you are planning a small scale celebration or a large-scale affair, we can provide you with a seamless mixing of story and setting, creating the effortless, elegant, and true moment that is custom to you.
Your Next Step: Begin With Confidence
A destination wedding should always feel like it is right down the street. The focus of a destination wedding is experiences that make us feel as close to home as possible. With the right wedding planner, ultimately a destination wedding can be as much a representation of us, as individuals, as we want it to be.
So, if you are just starting this adventure and saying to yourself the phrases, “who can I trust” or, “where do I start from,” just know that — you do NOT have to go through this on your own — and you should not settle for an event that is less than a representation of your truth.
At 8 Asthas we will help you on this journey together — together for every step of each detail and promise.
Begin preparing your wedding at its best. Follow us on Instagram for latest updates and offers @8asthas
