Getting married is probably the most important experience you will have in your entire life, and your bridesmaids are an integral part of this momentous day. But as an expat, there are a few challenges when it comes to getting together and organizing with your squad that other brides just don’t face.
For expat brides, a bridesmaids’ getaway is an incredibly important part of the overall wedding experience. Not only does it show your appreciation for them and strengthen the bonds between the wedding party, but it is also a great way for a dispersed and diverse group to get together before the big day, renew ties, and get some planning in at the same time.
So if you are planning your wedding as an expat and are feeling far from some of your best girls, pack your bags for an escape with your bridesmaids. Here’s how to plan the perfect getaway full of relaxation, excitement, and renewed bonding moments.
CHOOSE THE IDEAL DESTINATION
Choosing the ideal destination for your trip as an expat bride comes with several challenges. You have to find a balance between where you live and where most of your squad are coming from – after all, if you are asking them to travel for the wedding, it might be a big ask to get them overseas again for the pre-wedding escape. You’ll also want to find somewhere that suits everyone’s travel style. Whether you decide to book an offer for a last-minute cruise over a weekend or choose a rustic cabin in the woods closer to home, don’t forget to factor in travel time, budget considerations, and availability when making your choice!
SET A DATE AND DURATION
The key to organizing a successful pre-wedding getaway is coordination and communication. You’ll need to work with your maid of honor to find a date that suits everyone, and establish how much time the party can take off to travel. This might also have an impact on the chosen destination, and what you plan to do while you are away.
PLAN EXCITING ACTIVITIES
The most important part of the trip is to reconnect with your besties from back home — after all, you might not have seen some of them for years! But don’t let bonding with the girls get in the way of planning plenty of fun, exciting things to do throughout the trip. It is worth planning a mix of excitement, celebration, and relaxation — for example, a wine tasting tour, a spa day, and a trip to the beach — so that everyone enjoys themselves and there is plenty of time for leisure and exploration.
ACCOMMODATION MATTERS
It is worth thinking carefully about what sort of accommodation you want to book for your bridesmaids’ getaway, and it really all comes down to what sort of trip you want, and what the preferences of your group are. You might want to indulge in the high life on a luxury resort, pampering yourselves with spa treatments and cocktails by the pool. You might think that a boutique hotel in the heart of the city center is the best way forward, particularly if you want to be close to the action. Or you might want to prioritize quality time together, in which case a vacation rental or villa could be great, with loads of common spaces for deep and meaningful conversations and joint activities!
Planning a bridesmaids’ getaway as an expat bride can be tricky, but it is a hugely worthwhile experience that will help you reconnect with your friends from home, unite the bridal party, and coordinate a few logistics for the big day at the same time! It is a wonderful way to set the stage for an unforgettable wedding celebration!
