Plan a memorable and affordable destination wedding in Myrtle Beach

Do plan ahead

Nine to 12 months is the optimum planning time, especially for a destination wedding. Many couples start planning a destination wedding as soon as they get engaged. While the summer months are typically most popular for couples, when choosing a date, consider a Friday or weekday wedding, or planning the big day during the less-crowded but still desirable shoulder seasons (spring and fall).

Do select a destination that caters to all guests

Consider a location with something for everyone. Myrtle Beach, S.C., is the perfect example. The destination offers pristine greens for golf enthusiasts, museums and historic plantations for cultural buffs, delicious Coastal Carolina cuisine for the foodies, and fun in the sun with a day at the beach or one of the many water parks. For brides looking for some quality time with the girls, there are numerous spas when the day calls for a little pampering.

Do research ceremony locations

Beautiful and unique ceremony locations are one of the perks of having a destination wedding. Research wedding venues, travel and accommodation options, and rates, then rank the venues you like best. The Myrtle Beach area’s 60 miles of stunning coastline make the perfect romantic backdrop. Whether you’re looking for a beachside wedding outside a charming beach home or at the Myrtle Beach State Park, or a historic location like Litchfield Plantation or Pine Lakes Country Club, there are countless ceremony locations to choose from. You can even tie the knot 200 feet above the ground on the Myrtle Beach Skywheel.

Do consider a pre-wedding visit

If possible, attend a local wedding show to meet wedding professionals one-on-one, or do a wedding planning trip to visit venues and meet with wedding vendors. Remember to take notes so you can recall all the details when you’re back home.

Do be mindful of budget

Start your marriage off on the right financial foot by keeping your wedding on-budget. Many couples planning destination weddings find them to be similar or even more affordable than traditional weddings back home. Myrtle Beach offers a variety of wedding venue options at various price points, so you can have your dream beach wedding and still stay on a budget.

Do not forget about your guests interests

Travel is the foundation for long-lasting memories. In fact, a recent Harris Interactive survey found 62 percent of adults said their earliest memories were of family vacations taken when they were between ages 5 and 10. Help your guests – particularly families with young ones – get the most out of their trip by suggesting activities or even making reservations for dinner, tee times, theme parks, museums, etc., before arrival.

Do not plan alone

Planning a destination wedding doesn’t need to be stressful – hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners know the local wedding professionals and venues including the city regulations for beach weddings. The perfect beach wedding can be accomplished with the help of a wedding planner as they know the ins and outs of planning a beautiful beach wedding so couples and their guests can enjoy the true beauty of a beachside wedding.

Do not be uninsured

According to the The Knot, pricing for wedding insurance can range from $155 to $550, depending on the insurance company and the type of coverage that a couple chooses. Every insurance policy and every wedding scenario is different. Wedding insurance policies typically cover weather, illness or injury, missing vendors, property damage and the venue. Additional riders can be purchased to cover liability, gifts, honeymoon, Military Service, jewelry, gowns and tuxedos.

The couple can contact different wedding insurance companies to receive a quote based on their event. They also should check with the company who handles their home owner’s policy. After a comparison of the rates and coverage, the couple can select the best coverage. Having a wedding insurance policy in place certainly gives peace of mind, especially after all the money that is invested for the wedding day!

Do not forget checklists

Checklists keep you organized and help prioritize and stay focused on all details. Since there are some items that cannot be done until the actual week of the wedding, it’s good to make timeline checklists as well.

Do not stress

This is perhaps the most important step of all. Don’t forget to enjoy the experience of planning this memorable day and enjoying the company of your guests. Take pictures, sample cakes, pick out flowers and remember these moments and the beautiful destination you selected.