While group travel may frighten some, others love the chance to bring their favorites together on an adventure in a fun destination (like the Black Hills)! The idea of planning a wedding with no local family or friends may excite some and scare off others. We’re here to let you know this can be a reality. Chatting with the local wedding community and using technology resources can help you plan this big event from afar!
Planning Your Out-of-Town Wedding
Start here for tips on planning a wedding with no local family, friends, or inside help!
Get Referrals from Local Vendors
While preparing to reserve your wedding vendors, gather as much advice as you can from them. Pick their brain on any questions about the area you may have. Get local vendors’ suggestions on other wedding vendors they’ve worked well with that offer services you haven’t booked yet. These venue managers, photographers, caterers, decorators, and DJs most likely work multiple events in the area every month and can help give you tips or a perspective you might not find from searching online.
Utilize Technology
When distance is in the way, technology is your friend! When scheduling appointments with your vendors, ask if you can set up a video call on Zoom, FaceTime, or another video chat app they may prefer. You will gain a face to the name and benefit from the visual cues (and smiles!) to help you feel more familiar with your wedding day vendor partner.
Send Save The Dates Earlier
Typically save the dates are sent around 5-8 months before the wedding. (Regular wedding invites sent 6-8 weeks before.) With a wedding with no local family or friends in town, it’s better to send save the dates around 8 months before. We suggest sending them 8 or even 9 months ahead of time if the weekend is a holiday weekend or a busy time to travel to that popular location.
Keep Venues & Accommodations in One Area
Having a hotel block or two close to the venue will be essential for out-of-town weddings! But you’ll also save you and guests some hassle if you can book your rehearsal dinner location, wedding venue, and hotel block all within walking distance or ideally the same area of town. If your hotel has a shuttle to the airport, even better! This will cut down on taxi, Uber, or Lyft costs for everyone involved!
Multiple Services to Make it Easy
Does fewer calls and contacts (plus more savings and services) sound splendid? Complete Weddings + Events offers multiple services to make it easy when wedding planning from near or far! View our locations at completewedo.com/locations and contact complete for information on our event services for your special day