Weddings at Cedar Creek Lodges

Destination weddings can be a dream come true for couples who want to tie the knot in a stunning location surrounded by family and friends. However, planning a destination wedding can be daunting, especially if it's your first time.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of planning a destination wedding in one of Queensland's most naturally stunning locations – Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterlands, with Cedar Creek Lodges as the wedding venue.

Why Have a Destination Wedding?

Destination weddings offer the perfect combination of a wedding, holiday, and honeymoon, all in one package. However, many couples are put off by the perceived high cost and planning involved. The reality is that with the help of a wedding planner or coordinator specialising in destination weddings, planning your wedding could be easier than planning a non-destination wedding. Additionally, a destination wedding naturally culls your guestlist, making it more intimate and special.

Steps to Planning a Destination Wedding

Choose a Location

When selecting a destination, you need to consider several factors. Firstly, make sure it's safe for all your guests, including children (if invited). Ensure there are no travel warnings, political issues, or health concerns in the country or region you're visiting. Secondly, ensure that the majority of your guests can afford to travel there.

If you want as many people as possible to be able to attend, staying in the country without passport requirements is the safest bet. Additionally, if you have elderly family members or guests, ensure the travel time to your destination is feasible for them.

Hire a Professional Local Planner

Find a local wedding coordinator who specialises in destination weddings. They will have the inside scoop on everything, from the best vendors to creative ideas and what to avoid. You're going to need feet on the ground before you arrive to finalise all the last-minute details so you and your guests can arrive stress-free.

Visit Your Venue in Advance

If possible, visit your wedding venue in advance. This will help you plan out the day as much as possible, including sound checks, travel time to and from venues, seating, and parking spaces. Doing this in person will give you a better idea of the layout and the potential challenges you might face.

Plan Additional Events

Extending the wedding to a Day 2 or Day 3 when it's a destination wedding is becoming increasingly common. Many couples feel like they want to provide their guests with as much value as possible and "reward" them for coming all the way to the chosen destination. Depending on your budget, you can combine these events with your rehearsal dinner or host a more informal gathering, like a BBQ or a wine tasting tour the day after the big event.

Send Items in Advance and Pack Carefully

Shipping can be expensive, especially if you're sending items overseas. Make a list early on of things you will need to bring that you cannot access at the destination of the wedding. Then determine what you can bring with you as luggage, and what has to be shipped.

Be Thorough with Communication

Keeping your guests in the loop about details such as things to do in the area, the itinerary of events, and the weather will help them pack accordingly. Creating a wedding website is a popular way of keeping guests informed of any updates, including saving the dates and RSVPs.

Enjoy the Moment

Remember, what it's all about is enjoying one of the most special days of your life! So, roll with the punches, don't take it all too seriously, and hug everyone that made the trek to join you on your special day.

Outdoor Weddings At Cedar Creek Lodges

If you're planning a destination wedding in Queensland, Cedar Creek Lodges is an excellent wedding venue. With breathtaking views, and many fine wineries and eateries. Our award-winning wedding venues are surrounded by a subtropical rainforest and palm groves that provide the ideal backdrop for wedding photography.

Plan your celebration or elopement with the ceremony, wedding reception, and guest accommodation all in one unique hinterland wedding location. Browse through our stunning range of wedding ceremony venues and outstanding reception venues, and feel free to give us a call at 07 5545 7996 or enquire online.