All couples dream of having an unforgettable wedding—but not like this one. Fifteen years after Danny and Gina’s wedding, guests are still talking about their chic out-of-town nuptials, a sunset wedding on a hill overlooking a vast valley below—and how many of them never got there.

Despite the many months of preparation, selecting the perfect view, the best caterer, and the most incredible gown, the couple overlooked the most basic of elements crucial to a destination wedding: They forgot to road test the map. As a result, their guests, all dressed up to the nines, winded up driving into uncharted barrios, weaving through public markets and braving deserted roads. When darkness fell, the lost, frightened by what could be waiting for them in the shadows, drove back home.

If you’ve set your mind on a destination wedding, keep in mind that you are asking a lot from your guests.

Good planning means anticipating your travelling guests’ needs and providing for their ease and comfort.

The Map

Be meticulous about the map preparation. For guests who will be traveling to your destination for the first time, they will be relying heavily on your map. Prepare it in a way that would make them feel you have personally looked after their convenience.

Sample map for
out-of-town weddings

Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Prepare both a diagram map and written directions.
• To measure distance, use a kilometer reading rather than travel time.
• Choose a starting point that’s familiar to all.