Wedding planning is hard…and planning it in another language is even harder.
Obviously. Ugh.
We’re going to Taiwan and Philippines around Christmas time for our Asian wedding receptions. It’s been a struggle planning the Taiwanese one especially because my reading and writing skills are about the same as those of my 7-year old niece. Someone told me to start watching tv so I’m starting to watch this cartoon.
I also don’t want the typical Taiwanese wedding where I’ll have to wear this (I love lace, but red lace gloves? No further comments.)
I also don’t want to pay to feed lots of random people.
So begins my planning for an intimate affair with good food and hopefully a good price!
I’ve come up with the following tips to keep myself sane (that are relevant for any destination bride):
- Research as much as you can and review actual user opinions if possible. The expat and restaurant forums have been good for this (Taiwan Fun and Forumuosa for me) .
- Visit in person if you can. Pictures don’t necessarily tell the whole truth. I can’t but my aunt can do this for us.
- Get a wedding planner. My friends that have had destination weddings said this was a great investment. The wedding planner has knowledge and contacts that you may not have.
- If you can’t get a wedding, planner try to find someone local that can help. This is helpful if you don’t speak the language or know the area as well and want to try to negotiate or create something custom. In some countries, this person may receive kickbacks for getting you to pick a certain vendor so be careful!
- Ask around for advice. Friends, co-workers, someone may actually have experience in that area. It doesn’t hurt to ask so tell people what you’re doing.
- Limit projects and what you will bring. You can only bring so much luggage and the overage fees aren’t worth it. Of course you can always ask other people to help you transport things in their suitcases. But go easy on the projects and source locally if you can.
Any other tips? I really feel for destination brides now – it’s hard work!
Wow I don’t envy you at all…I’d be lost! I had a hard enough time planning a wedding in the same city that I live in! lol Good luck 🙂
how exciting, but you do have so much work ahead of you…I’m sure that it will turn out perfect:)
oh wow! that is tough!! I’m sure it will be beautiful though!!
That’s all really good advice! Good luck x
Holy red lace gloves! 🙂 I can only imagine how much harder planning a destination wedding would be!
Omg, please wear those gloves! They are super awesome.
Out of curiousity, why are you having a reception there? Lots of family?
The more I look at them, the more interesting those gloves are – I instantly thought Madonna from the ’80s though. Anyhoo, yes have my only grandparent and some aunts/cousins so it makes sense to go there. I met a few Taiwanese friends in my studies last year so hope to invite them too.
Going through the same thing! Any tips for wedding planners? Or other tips? I’m in Taipei now…
Hi Alisa! What other tips are you looking for? I brought all the decor and favors with me, but it was easy getting the cake there and keeping decor minimal.
I don’t know hoe to find a good wedding planner. Know any here in Taipei? And which venue did u choose? Wedding hall or hotel? Thanks for getting back to me so quickly!
Hi Alisa, good luck wedding planning! What other tips are you looking for?