We’re diving into another #CoffeeWithCalluna and we’re so excited to share a few more tips and tricks. This week, we’re circling back to our Summer Destination Series, sharing our best recommendations for planning the ultimate destination wedding with spectacular vendors!
Each week we’ll answer questions we receive from our readers. Send your questions for this destination series about weddings, planning from afar, style, or anything really and we’ll answer them!
XO, Calluna
When selecting wedding vendors for a destination wedding, what should you consider?
While determining which vendors are a great fit for your big day, one particular thing to focus on is experience. For weddings up in the Rockies, it’s so helpful to work with vendors who have experience working in the mountains, and an understanding of what those logistics entail.
For example, vendors coming from Denver who will need to drive into the mountains on the wedding day will have a good idea of the travel time, and the amount of time it will take them to get set up, especially if the ceremony is at the top of the gondola. Your wedding planner is a wonderful resource here as well!
Are there additional costs to consider when hiring vendors to work in the mountains?
There are so many wonderful wedding vendors to choose from in Colorado, and while some of them are based in the mountains, others are based in or around the Denver area. When hiring wedding vendors, there may be an additional cost for travel and delivery time, or for the vendor to stay overnight in a hotel if working late in the evening. It can be dangerous for vendors to drive back through the mountains for several hours late at night, understandably! We highly recommend asking about and confirming delivery, hotel and travel fees with each vendor when planning your wedding day, so that you can be sure to include those in your budget.
Also, if you’re hiring a vendor from out-of-state, it is also important to include the cost of that vendor’s flight.
How will clients communicate with vendors at a destination wedding?
Communication is key, and makes the planning process so much easier if it’s done well! Asking each of your vendors, especially ones who are not local or close to you, how they will communicate throughout your wedding planning is so important. Also, be open about your own communication preferences – vendors are often flexible and want to defer to what’s easiest for their couples!
Throughout the planning process, it’s great to have vendors you feel will be completely open and transparent when discussing options for your wedding day, vs telling you what you want to hear. Being open will allow you to find the option that is the best fit for you, making your day exactly as you envisioned!
We love our destination couples! Stay tuned to learn more about our best tips for planning your dream destination wedding in the Rockies!
