Planning a destination wedding in Europe is truly an exciting experience! You may already be envisioning walking down the aisle with a stunning landscape as your backdrop, surrounded by your cherished guests. However, before turning this dream into reality, there are several key decisions and steps to take into account to ensure everything runs smoothly. While many wedding planners and vendors may not always highlight these aspects, I believe it’s crucial to clarify them and set proper expectations from the start. Here are my tips and strategies that help couples plan and navigate their destination wedding in Europe with more ease:
1. Taxes
When planning a destination wedding in Europe, couples may encounter various taxes and fees depending on the country and the specifics of their wedding plans. Most venues charge Value-Added Tax (VAT), which typically ranges from 19% to 25%, depending on the country. While this is usually included in the venue hire fee, it’s important to confirm with the venue. Caterers, florists, and other service providers may also add a service fee, often between 10% and 20%, with VAT applied on top of this fee.
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Additionally, some regions require couples and their guests staying in local accommodations to pay tourist taxes, which are generally small daily fees (€1–€5 per person per night).
If you’re bringing wedding items (e.g., decorations or favors) from outside the EU, you may also need to pay customs fees or VAT on the imported goods.
2. International money transfer fees
If you’re transferring money internationally for a destination wedding, you may encounter various taxes, fees, and exchange rate considerations. These costs can add up quickly, so understanding them is essential.
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Money transfer services (e.g., Wise, PayPal, Western Union) often have lower fees than banks but may still charge a percentage-based fee (e.g., 0.5% to 2%) and apply exchange rate markups.
Alternatively, paying vendors abroad with a credit card might incur foreign transaction fees (typically around 3%) or dynamic currency conversion fees.
3. How to travel with a wedding dress or jewelry?
Taking your wedding dress abroad requires careful planning to ensure it arrives safely and in perfect condition.
- Use a Garment Bag
Invest in a high-quality, water-resistant garment bag specifically designed for wedding dresses. - Carry It Onboard
Pack the dress in your carry-on luggage to avoid the risk of loss or damage associated with checked baggage. Consider purchasing insurance that covers the dress in case of loss or damage during travel. - Contact Your Airline
Reach out to your airline in advance to inquire about storing your dress in the cabin. Many airlines provide closets for hanging garments. - Wrinkle Management
Upon arrival, your gown may have wrinkles. Bring a portable travel steamer or check if your hotel offers professional steaming or pressing services. - Declare High-Value Items
If traveling internationally, some countries may require you to declare high-value items, such as a wedding dress, especially if it’s expensive. Carry receipts or documentation to prove the dress is your personal property, particularly if it’s brand new or custom-made, to avoid confusion or import taxes. - Import Duties and VAT
If you purchased your dress abroad and are returning home with it, you might need to pay import duties or VAT. - Research Local Regulations
Check the customs rules of both your destination and home country to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected fees.
Proper preparation can save you stress and help ensure your wedding dress looks perfect on your big day!
Jewelry is considered a personal item and is usually not subject to customs charges. However, it’s always important to review the local regulations before traveling. If you have a receipt or documentation proving the jewelry’s origin, it’s a good idea to bring it with you.
4. Not all countries allow foreigners to get legally married there
Not all countries allow foreigners to legally marry there, and the requirements can vary significantly. For instance, some countries, like France and Italy, require you to reside in the country for a certain number of days or even weeks before you can have a legal wedding. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get married in these locations—perhaps you may need to opt for a symbolic or religious ceremony instead.
To navigate these legalities smoothly, consider hiring a local wedding planner with expertise in destination weddings or consulting your embassy for guidance. This will help ensure your special day goes off without a hitch.
5. Travel costs are a big factor for guests
Not all your loved ones may be able to attend your destination wedding due to the costs of flights, accommodation, or the challenge of taking time off from work. This is an important factor to consider when selecting your destination.
Additionally, some guests might feel disappointed or even upset about your decision to have a destination wedding, especially if they’re unable to join. It’s worth acknowledging these feelings and finding ways to include them, such as hosting a post-wedding celebration back home.
6. Include Buffer Days
Arrive at least a few days early to finalize details, acclimate to the local time zone, and ensure everything is on track. Be sure to allow extra time for unexpected delays, guest arrivals, and event setup to keep things running smoothly.
7. Plan Transportation & Accommodation
While couples typically don’t cover their guests’ expenses, they can assist with organizing logistics and negotiating group rates with airlines and hotels for block bookings. At the destination, a wedding planner can help coordinate transportation, such as shuttles, buses, or car services, to ensure guests can easily travel from their accommodations to the venue.
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It’s also a great idea to create a wedding website with comprehensive details about flights, accommodations, transportation options, and the event itinerary. Most importantly, keep your guests updated about any changes through emails, group chats, or regular updates on the wedding website.
8. Are wedding packages worth it?
It’s quite common to find professionals offering destination wedding packages in Europe, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Packages can simplify planning by bundling essential elements like the venue, catering, decor, and sometimes even accommodations. It can also be a great fit for elopement weddings, for example.
However, before committing to a package, make sure to consider the following:
- Packages can sometimes feel restrictive, with preset options for venues, menus, and decor. If you’re envisioning a highly personalized wedding, a package may not align with your dream.
- Some packages exclude key elements, such as flowers, photography, or additional guests, which could lead to unexpected costs. Be sure to clarify what’s included and what comes at an extra charge.
- Always check testimonials from other couples to ensure the quality and reliability of the service provider.
9. Check your contracts carefully
This is likely one of the most important tips if you’re planning a destination wedding in Europe. First, make sure that all hired vendors have a contract. If you have a local wedding planner, ask them to go through the contracts with you to ensure everything is in order.
Here’s a checklist of key items couples should look for in their contracts:
- Venues: Ensure the contract specifies the exact date, time, capacity, and duration of the booking. Verify which areas of the venue are included (e.g., ceremony site, reception hall, prep rooms). Confirm that time for setting up and cleaning up is accounted for. Some venues only work with specific vendors—clarify this in advance. Also, confirm whether staff, such as coordinators, security, or waitstaff, are included.
- Vendors in general: List all services included, such as catering, lighting, floral arrangements, and sound equipment.
- Payment and fees: Understand the deposit amount, due dates, and payment methods. Look for service charges, taxes, or gratuities that aren’t immediately clear.
- Cancellation and Refund Policy: Know how much you’ll lose if you need to cancel.
- Weather Clauses: For outdoor weddings, verify the backup plans in case of bad weather.
- Force Majeure: Understand the policies for unforeseeable events like natural disasters or pandemics.
- Personalization Options: Confirm how much flexibility you have with decor, menu, and other details.
- Damage Policies: Understand who is responsible for damages to the property or rented items.
- Usage Rights: Verify who owns the rights to photos and videos of the event.
- Point of Contact: Identify your main contact and how to reach them.
10. Decide: destination wedding for a weekend x just a single day
Deciding whether to invest in a destination wedding for a weekend or just a single day depends on your priorities, budget, and the experience you want to create for yourself and your guests. Some destinations specialize in multi-day wedding packages, while others are better suited for a single day. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider for each option:
Read more: Wedding in Europe: why you should do it?
Wedding weekend
It offers more time to connect with guests and enjoy the destination. You can offer activities like welcome dinners, excursions, and farewell brunches create a richer experience. I’m sure guests traveling a long distance will appreciate a full itinerary rather than a single event.
On the other hand, more events mean increased costs for venues, catering, and logistics. Also, some guests may find it difficult to commit to multiple days.
Single-day wedding
A single-day wedding is usually more cost-effective, as it focuses resources on one special day, reducing overall expenses. In addition to that, fewer events mean less coordination and stress. For the guests, it is easier attend without disrupting their schedules.
However, you’ll have less time with guests and a limited opportunity to interact with everyone. Also, the overall experience may feel too short, especially after significant travel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Destination Wedding in Europe
The percentage of people who attend a destination wedding can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, the couple’s guest list, and the logistics involved. However, on average, around 30% to 50% of the invited guests typically attend a destination wedding.
A destination wedding is typically considered any wedding held away from the couple’s home town or city, usually in a location that requires travel. There’s no strict rule about how far away the venue has to be, but for a wedding to be considered a destination wedding, it typically involves traveling and an escape from the ordinary.
At a destination wedding, the general expectation is that guests will pay for their own travel and accommodation costs. Ultimately, how much the couple contributes or covers depends on their budget and the relationship with their guests. It’s important for the couple to communicate expectations clearly to avoid any misunderstandings.
For me, Cassia Thomas, my favourite places are France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.
Cassia Thomas: wedding planner in Paris and Europe
If you’re starting to plan your wedding, Cassia Thomas is the ideal expert to lead you—particularly if you’re envisioning a destination celebration in Europe. Operating from France and working across Portugal, Greece, and Italy, she skillfully handles every aspect, from initial concept to flawless execution. With Cassia by your side, you can expect a wedding that seamlessly combines contemporary elegance with organic charm.
Plan your destination wedding in Europe now!
Looking for assistance with planning your Destination Wedding in Europe? Wedding planner Cassia Thomas is here to help you organize every detail from the beginning. Get in touch today!
