Just a few weeks ago, one wedding took the entire internet world by storm. Rightly so, it was after all, the wedding of two big shots of the two biggest industries in India. Well, no points for guessing, we are talking about Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding. From big to small, every detail related to Virushka’s (as the couple’s fans lovingly call them so) wedding spoke volumes about the scrupulous efforts that went behind turning the vision of the bride and the groom into a reality.
Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Stories by Joseph Radhik

Call it a fairy tale wedding, a royal wedding, a dream wedding or anything else- Virat and Anushka’s wedding was just everything! We must say this young couple was lucky enough to have a talented team of planners by their side to make it all happen. Meet Shaadi Squad, a team of new-age boutique wedding planners and production experts that gave us a wedding with a zillion things to inspire from.
Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Fortunately, we got an opportunity to have a word with these stalwarts of the wedding industry, so we made the best out of it by making them reveal their secrets that are required for pulling off a destination wedding. So without any further delay, let’s hear some words of wisdom from Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding planning team, Shaadi Squad:

What kind of wholesome research is needed for planning a destination wedding? Can Instagram and Pinterest be trusted with all the shiny pictures?

Destination Wedding
Image Courtesy: The Wedding Salad via Shaadi Squad on Facebook
It honestly depends on the client brief. Some clients know exactly where they want their wedding to be, or at least the kind of vibe. If not, as planners you need to ask them questions, show them references to understand their vision for the wedding. While in most cases Instagram or Pinterest images have various filters, you could always check for property reviews from other websites such as Tripadvisor or even a basic Google search. In terms of additional research, you need to check on the connectivity (avoid destinations with 2 or more layovers as it is inconvenient for guests), the weather (unless the client wants a specific climate), other properties close by in case not all guests and vendors can stay at the same venue, etc.

How different is the process of budgeting for a local wedding vs an international wedding? We have heard one should keep in mind a lot of miscellaneous costs, is it true? How so?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

For international weddings, you need to keep in mind additional costs such as visas, insurance, forex, customs duties for jewellery and other expenses. There might be local taxes and fees. Additionally, you need to ensure all your documentation is in place to avoid paying taxes in both your home country and destination country.

How to choose the perfect location?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

We definitely feel the client should have a budget first so that you look for venues/locations /event flow/guest list that fit the budget. Often, one might look at venues that are stunning but not within their budget and then you do not like any other properties and might have to ‘settle’ for a venue or stretch your budget. Once you know your budget, you can look at locations or decide themes basis the same keeping other factors in mind.

How much time should be usually given for RSVP before finally booking the staying arrangements?

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Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

There are various factors that decide this, such as:
– Is your wedding local or destination? And if it is a destination wedding, is it domestic or outside the country? For domestic weddings, any time between 3-6 months should work and for international weddings, at least 6 months.
– Where are your guests residing? Usually, the ones living outside of India require more of a notice.

How to whet international vendors if one is not able to travel with an all local team of caterer, decorator, DJ etc?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

Again, search for the vendor on Google, check blogs, see their work and reviews on social media and wedding websites. Once you shortlist a few, then definitely meet them in person before you lock them.

What is a reasonable guest list number to come to an optimal wedding spent? How about a list of say 35?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

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This again depends on your budget. An optimal wedding spend is a very relative term. Some people can invite over 500 guests for a destination wedding, whereas a few can manage with 20. In most cases, it is not necessarily the budget, but also the intimacy of the wedding that is important.

Can you give us an example of a good destination wedding itinerary?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

Well the itinerary could remain as concise or widespread as you would want it. A typical Indian wedding is usually spread over 2 days. Day 1 would be Mehendi, followed by Sangeet in the evening. Day 2 could be the wedding followed by the reception. Of course, this also depends on various factors – what time are most guests arriving? If in the evening, then Day 1 could be a welcome dinner, followed by the other functions. Are they taking a long flight? If yes, then you could extend the wedding by a day or more. Does the wedding have to take place at an auspicious time? In that case, if it is late night or early morning, then you may have to again extend the wedding by a day to avoid guests being rushed.

What according to you are 3 most important things to keep in mind for a wedding at a foreign country?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Shaadi Squad

– Connectivity of destination
– Weather at the time of the wedding
– Ease of visa application if required

If we want to have a wedding at Tuscany in 2018, are we already too late to book you?

Destination Wedding

Image Courtesy: Devika Narain

It depends on when would you want the wedding to be. For end of the year, you still do have time but we would recommend that you close on things at the earliest.

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