Planning a Celebration Abroad? Here’s How to Make It Magical (and Stress-Free)
Planning a destination celebration—whether it’s a wedding in Tuscany, a 40th birthday in Ibiza, or a golden anniversary in Provence—isn’t just about logistics. It’s about turning a once-in-a-lifetime dream into reality without losing your mind over spreadsheets, timezone math, or guest coordination.
Over the years, I’ve learned that successful destination events blend three things: vision, grounded planning, and trust in the right team.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Why “Pinterest planning” alone won’t cut it overseas
- What most couples forget to budget for
- How to choose locations that balance beauty and accessibility
- The single most important phrase to look for in vendor contracts
By the end, you’ll be dreaming bigger, but with your feet planted firmly on a plan.
From Dream to Reality: Behind the Scenes of a European Venue Hunt
When Grace & Daniel first came to me, they had two requests:
1. An intimate, boho-style elopement in Italy
2. A budget that didn’t spiral out of control
Sounds simple, right? Not when your Pinterest board is full of castles and cliffside gardens. But I love a challenge.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the real process I use when scouting venues for my clients—from the initial moodboarding to walking hidden estates tucked away in the Umbrian countryside.
You’ll see how I negotiated with a boutique venue, found vendors that fit the aesthetic and the budget, and crafted an experience that let Grace & Daniel fully immerse themselves in every magical moment.
Destination Event Planning: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Book Anything
There’s something so thrilling about deciding to celebrate your love or your life abroad. But before you book that clifftop villa or the first flight to Florence—pause.
As a destination planner who’s worked across Europe with clients from all over the world, I’ve seen how the right questions at the start make all the difference.
This post covers the 5 things you must consider before locking in a venue or vendor:
1. Is your date realistic for local seasons, holidays, or weather?
2. Will your guests be able to reach the location easily?
3. Are local vendors familiar with your language, culture, or ceremony type?
4. Do you need a legal or symbolic event—and what are the rules?
5. Do you have someone on the ground to manage and troubleshoot?
By the end, you’ll feel more confident, prepared, and genuinely excited to plan a celebration that’s both beautiful and beautifully executed.