Destination weddings are on the rise, and they’re not slowing down any time soon. Have you ever dreamed of your perfect nuptials? We’re here to help you make that a reality. The plan for a destination wedding is often portrayed as a stressful endeavour. While that may be true for some, with the right approach, you can achieve your special day without breaking the bank or suffering emotional exhaustion. With our tips, you can become a real wedding planner.
Key Takeaways
- Destination weddings are held either overseas or interstate within Australia.
- What vibe are you interested in when booking venues?
- The location should have sufficient nearby accommodation options and convenient airport accessibility.
- Wedding packages can make the wedding planning much easier and cheaper.
- Rainfall in Queensland is more prevalent in the summer months.
- Queensland wedding season occurs in autumn and spring.
- Consider the commitment you’re asking of guests.
- You can choose to hold a pre-wedding welcome party and rehearsal dinner.
- We work with every client to ensure they get the wedding of their dreams.
What is a destination wedding?
It’s always nice to be able to get away and experience a location far from home. A destination wedding allows you to do just that. Generally, the term refers to a wedding that’s held at a place away from the couple’s hometown. (It’s also a 2018 romantic comedy starring Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder, but that’s besides the point.)
People can quibble about just how far away it needs to be to qualify. Some would argue that it should be in another country. That’s more applicable to Europe, where travelling to a different country is more practical. As an Australian, an interstate getaway would more than suffice.
The destination wedding industry is growing rapidly around the globe. It’s worth about $23 billion right now, which accounts for about 25% of the total wedding market. But it’s predicted that it will be valued at over $100 billion by 2028. So, what’s the hype about? They’re fun, unique, and provide a lot of flexibility. You can create lasting memories surrounded by loved ones.
A venue for the big day
Venue selection is fairly important. It puts the “destination” in destination wedding after all. There are many things to consider when deciding on a venue, but here are some primary factors:
Location appeal
You should fall in love with the place you choose to tie the knot. Are you looking for a coastal vibe? Do you want to get away from the city and enjoy the countryside? It just so happens that Yandina Station can accommodate both of those desires. As a working farm, we reside in the rustic charm of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, while world-renowned white sand beaches are only a few minutes away for a day after brunch.
Accessibility
If the wedding party is flying in from locations such as Melbourne or Sydney, it’s convenient to choose a place reasonably close to an airport. Accommodation is also a major factor. Find somewhere that provides suitable arrangements for the number of guests you plan on inviting.
As a sought-after destination on the Sunshine Coast, Yandina Station offers both charm and convenience. The property currently features 3 luxury cottages and 5 newly added cabins, each accommodating up to 4 guests. By next year, Yandina Station will offer a total of 22 cabins, making it an ideal option for larger wedding groups. The Sunshine Coast Airport is just a short drive away, with a variety of airport transfer options available for your guests’ arrival.
Wedding packages
Some venues offer packages for the wedding day, which can save couples a significant amount of time and money. Vendors add complexity to the planning experience. An all-inclusive deal can spare you a lot of headaches.
Yandina Station’s wedding packages, featured on our website, offer the best deals for your celebration. From shared banquets to standing degustation menus, you will find something that fits. We also provide an extensive drinks list to cover all your needs. The drinks can form part of your package or be charged on a consumption basis.
The wedding date
The day you choose to get married on influences many of the wedding’s logistics. Why does the date matter so much?
Weather
Queensland has a subtropical climate. We enjoy warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall occurs mostly in the summer months. Being closer to the equator, North Queensland is significantly wetter than South-east Queensland. If you want to reduce the risk of having an actual wedding “shower,” you can plan around that. However, even if it does rain, venues like Yandina Station have the flexibility to organise alternative arrangements.
Seasonality
Certain times of the year are especially popular with engaged couples, and these peak periods often attract higher venue hire rates. In Queensland, autumn and spring are in high demand thanks to their mild, pleasant weather. By contrast, the summer months are considered off-peak, and at Yandina Station, this is when you can take advantage of special discounted rates.
Guest attendance
A wedding invitation is a commitment for guests. While family and friends are happy to celebrate with you, it’s worth appreciating what goes into attending a wedding. Due to work and school obligations, certain times of year are easier to plan for. This can make the summer holidays during Queensland’s off-peak season more attractive.
The customary save-the-date cards should be sent out well in advance. For a destination wedding, around 9 to 12 months should be suitable. Mailing the wedding invitations 4 to 6 months ahead gives invitees enough time to make plans, such as asking for time off work. Stay in contact through email or phone calls so you can keep on top of the finer details when organising the guest list.
Additional events
The event can be more than the real wedding itself. If you’re going to travel across states, why not make it a larger occasion? A welcome party can be a nice way for guests to come together before the wedding to mingle and catch up.
After rehearsing the ceremony, some parties opt to hold a rehearsal dinner with select family and friends. You could think of it as a taste of the nuptial celebrations to come. Discuss the dinner with a nominated restaurant ahead of time to understand their capacity. Traditionally, there are toasts and speeches, so a microphone and speaker system could be useful depending on the intimacy of the environment.
From our clients
The staff were so friendly and helpful, went out of their way to help or accommodate guests. The venue was absolutely beautiful and photos magical. Grounds and surrounds were impeccable. Couldn’t have been a more perfect day for everyone. Thank you to all for making it so special.
– Pam Svenson
We pride ourselves on providing couples with a once-in-a-lifetime occasion in which to exchange vows. Our experienced team makes planning your wedding seamless and pain-free. Regardless of complexities, we ensure that your vision comes to life. Yandina Station’s stunning property and wedding packages make our venue the perfect location for your big day.
Conclusion
A destination wedding could make the perfect celebration. The right approach makes the process smooth and simple. Choose a venue with suitable accommodation options, an airport nearby, and good-value wedding packages. Think about the impact on your guests when choosing your wedding date. Consider how the weather may impact your plans and the peak versus off-peak venue pricing.
Your dream destination wedding awaits!
