When it comes to planning the wedding, it is a fact that the earlier you start planning and the more organized you are, the smoother things will go. In my opinion, this is even more important for a wedding abroad than if you get married in your own country. As a Destination Wedding Planner, I am always there to answer your questions and help you get your dream wedding off the ground.
Here are 8 tips to help you with your Destination Wedding on Santorini:
1. start of planning
when planning a wedding abroad, you need to keep track of dates and bookings. Therefore I advise you to book a wedding planner - and I don't say this just because I am a wedding planner. A wedding planner keeps track of everything - after all, it's his job, knows the do's and don'ts, the culture and is on site to communicate with the service providers and knows exactly what is important to keep in mind. The planner takes all the stress out of the couple, so that the couple can enjoy the preparation to the fullest and everything runs smoothly on the wedding day. Some locations and service providers are booked up to 2 years, so it is important to start planning early. My tip, start 1.5 years before the wedding date, that is a good duration for planning.
2. save the date
Why early planning is also an advantage? To have all your loved ones at your wedding on Santorini. For a wedding abroad I advise you to send a save the date, about 1.5 years before the wedding date, so that everyone you want to have with you can make arrangements - they will have to apply for a holiday, maybe organise a babysitter, book flights and accommodation etc. Also the guests have a lot to organize and plan to be at your wedding abroad on Santorini. The detailed invitation can be sent out 1 - 1/2 year before the wedding.
3. heat
Santorini is known for a lot of sunshine, and in July and August the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius. For people who are not used to such weather, the hot summer time can be unpleasant - be careful when sunbathing before the wedding. Not only because of the wedding photos - even the best photographer cannot retouch too much sunburn, but also because you might feel uncomfortable because of sunstroke or the pain from sunburn.
In order to have a summery complexion at your wedding and to get used to the sun, I advise you to start tanning a few weeks before the wedding. It is important to note that the solarium tan is not the same as the sun tan and you can also get a sunburn. Therefore I advise you to take a good sunscreen with you anyway. Protection factor 50 is certainly perfect - this will protect you from sunburn on your wedding day as well.
What is also very important to remember at these temperatures is to drink enough water. This is important for the body and at the same time makes a very beautiful skin. So make sure that there is enough water at the wedding for you and your guests.
4. clothing
As already mentioned it is very hot in summer on Santorini. So choose your clothing wisely. A lush princess dress or a complete suit with gilet, veston and tie is rather unsuitable for this heat - less is more. For this I recommend light and breathable fabrics and not too much clothing.
5. tourism
Apart from the sun, there are other things to consider. Santorini is a very popular destination for holidays. From July to September is high season, which means there will be many tourists on the island, prices may be higher and the availability of accommodation etc. is limited - another reason to start planning early.
6. visit Santorini before the wedding
I advise you to travel to Santorini 1 or 2 times before the wedding - even if you have booked a wedding planner. If you are there yourself, you will get a much better impression of everything; you can visit the location in person, taste the food and the cake, maybe arrange a trial appointment for hair and make-up and get to know the island. This way you will get a better understanding of your bookings and the course of your wedding. I accompany my couples on these visits and make the appointments - and thus get to know the couple even better and in person, which greatly strengthens their confidence.
7. flying in gifts & decoration
We all know that on air travel there is rarely enough luggage space and that the kilos of luggage are limited. Therefore I advise to fly in as little decoration material and gifts etc. as possible. You can order everything online or on site and have it sent directly to the location for storage. Many things can also be rented very well - which also causes less waste etc. So the couple has much more space in their suitcases for more important things and doesn't have to worry about them.
8. hire a wedding planner
I do not advise you to do this because I am a wedding planner myself, but without kidding, hire a wedding planner! Even if you are good at planning, know what you want and have been to Santorini many times on holiday, a wedding planner will solve your problems, take away your fear and stress. Planning a wedding – especially abroad – is not just about looking pretty and inviting your loved ones to a fancy dinner, there is so much more to think about. For example, obtaining the legal papers, the guest list, which location to book for the wedding, what kind of music to play, the seating plan for the dinner, the lighting, the transportation, the food, the cake and much more - the wedding planner will help you with all these points and you can also enjoy the preparation - isn't that wonderful?
And now I hope that these tips about "planning your wedding on Santorini" could help you a bit - would you hire a wedding planner for your destination wedding on Santorini?
Do you need help planning your destination wedding on Santorini or do you have any questions? I am at your disposal, just write me an email - I look forward to hearing from you.
Love,
Sandra from Bespoke Weddings Santorini
Pictures: 1. & 3. Phosart Photography | 2. Micheil Kouvalis | 4. Jaypag Photo & Film | 5. Aaron Delaney - Greece Wedding Photographer
Planning: Sandra Ebner - Bespoke Weddings Santorini