photography by Figlewicz Photography
Sponsored by Temecula Creek Inn
1. Make it an experience
Consider a wedding location that's not only meaningful to you as a couple, but also is a place where guests can enjoy activities that are unique to your destination. If your guests are traveling from afar, they'll most likely want to make a trip out of it, so look for areas with a variety of pre- and post-wedding entertainment. With a location like Temecula, guests can not only experience dozens of local wineries, shops and restaurants, but the more adventurous can embark on a hot air balloon ride or a scenic hike, both of which offer spectacular views of the Temecula mountains.
2. Weather and timing
While it’s certainly a safe bet to plan a wedding at a locale that’s graced with good weather year round, like sunny southern California, you’ll want to plan ahead. True, great weather all year long makes for an extra-long wedding season, but it also means an extra-long tourist season. Make sure you communicate to your guests that they’ll want to book their travel plans early to be sure they get the best rates. During busier months (summers/holidays), to ensure your guests are seated before your walk down the aisle, factor in travel time and possible delays/traffic when choosing your ceremony start time.
photography by Bryan N. Miller Photography
3. Think about your guests
In addition to the wedding festivities, destination weddings are a great opportunity for your guests to plan an extended getaway. To make it stress-free, provide them with plenty of information and time to research and book accommodations and transportation. For convenience, your best bet would be to choose a location close to a major airport. If wedding events occur in a separate location from the resort – book transportation to and from events to make it easy and stress-free for your guests.
Welcome guests with gift bags that include thoughtful local products (think: local wine, water, chocolates, snacks). Head to the local visitors center and grab pamphlets/maps with information on activities/attractions in the area. Include a personal hand-written note thanking them for traveling all this way to join you on your special day.
photography by Bryan N. Miller Photography
4. Do your research
Do your research when looking at vendors for your special day. Exceptional vendors equal exceptional guest experience. Check with your venue to see if they offer a preferred vendor list. It’s important to choose reputable, reliable and trustworthy local vendors who have experience working at the site. If you’re not working with a preferred list, your best bet is to look for vendors who have been to the wedding location before. These vendors will have a prior relationship with the venue staff and will already be aware of logistics like load in/out locations.
5. Consider the wedding party
Not everyone will be able to afford it, so don’t take a decline personally. This especially goes for the wedding party. With added costs like showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties and attire, a destination wedding, or any wedding for that matter, can get expensive. Consider the costs of travel when choosing their attire and don't force the most expensive look. Be upfront about potential costs with your bridesmaids and groomsmen when asking them to be a part of the wedding and be clear on what costs you can and cannot cover.
Handcrafted Temecula Weddings. Weddings! Yes, we say "we do" to your big day. Our location in the beautiful Temecula Valley makes us the ideal spot for your nuptials. Say “I Do” among our sun-splashed lawns and dance the night away under the stars. Our wedding planners will work with you to make sure your wedding day is just as you dreamed it would be at Temecula Creek Inn.
