By Kshalini Nonis  

Destination Weddings have become popular, with many couples choosing Sri Lanka to celebrate the most important day of their lives.  A lot of planning is essential for such weddings, with the guests having to be informed well in advance.  

We spoke to Ashara Perera, Director at The Wedding Guru, as well as Shero, Owner/ Director at Events by Shero, on how to plan a destination wedding.         

Ashara Perera  

When planning a destination wedding, what travel information is necessary for the guests, such as travel agents and accommodation?

When organising a destination wedding in Sri Lanka, make sure to have the important travel and accommodation information readily available to guests.  

The guests should be informed about the visa policies and procedures, including Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), passport validity rules, as well as entry requirements. The guide should include recommended airlines, international flight routes and details of arrival through the Bandaranaike International Airport. Couples should also outline airport transfers, approximated time frames between the airport and hotel as well as the venue. Information on accommodation is also necessary, as the recommended hotels/resort]s/villas being in proximity.

Popular wedding locations across Sri Lanka (including Negombo, Bentota, Kandy and Galle) typically offer different types of accommodations that will cater to many budgets. 

Additionally, providing guests with details on the climate of Sri Lanka at certain times of the year,  what currency is used in the country, and what the guests should expect in terms of culture.

They should know who they can contact in an emergency

When it comes to weather and timing, isn’t it important to avoid unforeseen disruptions?

Considering the best season for a destination wedding in Sri Lanka is of paramount importance.

As Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons that grip different corners of the country during different parts of the year, couples need to be careful with their choice of wedding date and location based on weather patterns.

Weather predictions are recommended well in advance, so couples can plan for backup indoor areas or tents for an outdoor wedding.

How important is a pre-wedding trip?

The pre-wedding trip becomes one of the most important things during destination wedding planning in Sri Lanka because it helps couples to organise and review everything before the big day. 

Couples are able to check out potential venues, accommodation options, decoration arrangements, transportation and catering services.

This will also enable the couple to do food tasting, and they can tailor the menu according to culture, food allergies and other needs of their guests.

During this trip, couples will also get a chance to learn more about the local culture, legal requirements and nearby attractions that their guests may visit during their stay.

Such a visit will reduce the pressure of planning for your dream wedding while letting you communicate with suppliers beforehand.

About how much advance notice must be given to the guests with ‘save the dates'?

‘Save the date’ notices for a destination wedding in Sri Lanka should be provided at least 6-12 months prior to the wedding ceremony. Early notice of the event is +crucial since some guests will need time to make their travel arrangements.  

Once ‘save the date’ notices have been sent, the formal invitation card should arrive two to four months before the destination wedding.

What about factors such as the duration of the wedding ceremony and the start time?

When planning a wedding ceremony held in Sri Lanka, aspects like the duration of the wedding ceremony and the time at which it will commence play an important role. The reason for this is that these aspects have a direct influence on the experience and comfort of guests. 

In Sri Lanka, the wedding ceremony may depend on different cultural, religious and personal traditions and preferences of couples and their relatives. Some wedding ceremonies may range from one to three hours, while others may be even longer than that.

Shero

When choosing a venue, what are the factors that must be considered, such as being accessible from the airport and in close proximity to places such as restaurants and cafes?

Convenience should always go hand in hand with experience. Accessibility from the airport is extremely important, especially when guests are travelling internationally. Couples should ideally look for venues within a reasonable distance from airports, hotels, restaurants and key attractions.

At the same time, the venue should reflect the couple’s personality and the overall experience they want to create.

A beautiful venue is important, but a venue that is practical, guest-friendly and operationally smooth is what truly creates a memorable wedding experience.

What about budgeting and the guest count?

Budgeting and guest count are directly connected because the number of guests impacts almost every aspect of the wedding, from catering and seating to décor, accommodation and logistics.

Couples should first decide on their overall budget and then realistically determine the size of the celebration they want. A more intimate wedding often allows couples to invest in elevated experiences, luxury detailing and personalised touches, while larger weddings require careful allocation across multiple areas.

It’s also important to keep room in the budget for hidden costs such as transportation, vendor accommodation, taxes, weather backup options and last-minute changes.

When hiring an event planner, what factors must be considered, such as someone who is familiar with local vendors?
Hiring the right planner is one of the most important decisions for a destination wedding. Couples should choose someone who not only understands design and production, but also has strong local knowledge and trusted vendor relationships.

A planner familiar with local vendors, venues and regulations can save couples both time and money while ensuring smoother execution. They are also better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, cultural nuances and logistical coordination.

Most importantly, couples should hire someone whose style, communication and vision align with theirs. 

Beyond creating beautiful décor, a good planner should make the entire process feel organised, stress-free and enjoyable.

Destination wedding photographers and videographers are likely to be booked up earlier 
than those who shoot weddings close to home. So how would you advise couples on this?

Photography and videography teams for destination weddings are often booked many months in advance, especially the highly sought-after ones. My advice to couples is to prioritise booking these vendors early because they are responsible for capturing memories that will last forever.

Couples should spend time understanding each team’s style and ensure it matches the mood and aesthetic of the wedding they envision.

In destination weddings, timing and planning are important is securing key vendors early always makes the process much smoother.

 

When it comes to cuisine, isn’t it important to have local flavours?

One of the most special parts of a destination wedding is giving guests an experience that reflects the culture and identity of the location.

Incorporating local flavours into the menu adds authenticity and creates memorable moments for guests. 

Balance is important. Couples should also consider the preferences and dietary requirements of their guests to ensure the menu feels inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

How important is it to check the marriage laws of the destination?

Every country has different legal requirements, documentation processes and timelines for marriage registration. Couples should research these well in advance to avoid unnecessary complications close to the wedding date.

Working with a planner who understands local regulations can make the process much easier. In some cases, couples also choose to legally register the marriage in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony at the destination instead.