Photo by Bayside Studios Photography
Today’s post is written for us by a guest writer, Arnie Clouds. Read on to find tips to plan your perfect ESVA wedding!
As one of America’s oldest regions, the Eastern Shore is bursting with history and culture. This sets the stage to make it the perfect location for a destination wedding. With beautiful skies, quiet beaches, and classic farms, getting married anywhere on the Shore guarantees a picture-perfect ceremony any time of year. However, you may need to put a bit more effort into planning it compared to a local wedding, and you need to start early. So below are a few tips to help you prepare everything for your wedding on the Eastern Shore:
Find a planner that specializes in destination weddings
Having a planner who specializes in destination weddings will give you peace of mind that your wedding is in capable hands. You should ideally find a planner that’s familiar with Virginia’s Eastern Shore since that would mean that they’ve already established great relationships with suppliers in the area. They can assist you toward the best vendors, optimal months to hold the wedding in, and excellent locations — all according to your budget, guest count, and vision. They can also help you plan additional events, such as a welcome party or interactive activities such as tasting local alcoholic beverages and seafood, fun additions in destination weddings.
Figure out how to finance your wedding
Even if you and your partner start saving for the wedding the moment you’re engaged, it can still be difficult to pay everything in cash. To help lighten the pressure on saving, you can also opt for a loan. Some may suggest using a credit card, but you would need a high credit limit to accommodate all the costs. Not to mention, you’re also dealing with interest rates. A personal loan, on the other hand, typically charges lower interest rates than credit cards, and it’s an easy and convenient way to get the money you need for various wedding costs. Applying for a personal loan is a straightforward process which only requires you to provide your financial history so lenders can check your credit score — and the higher your score is, the lower your rate will be. To get the best deal, make sure you research your loan options and compare your offers.
Consider serving local food
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is known for its great seafood, with the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay providing fresh ingredients. There are many restaurants in the area you can hire to do the catering for your wedding, or you can even hold your reception in those establishments. For one, Island House Restaurant’s menu packages contain a range of items, from salads to the region’s specialty seafood. If you want food and drinks that showcase the local specialties, however, you can opt for places like The Fisherman’s Favorite. They have packages with Eastern Shore specialties like broiled island house crab cakes and lightly fried flounder filet. One great thing about a wedding in the area is that you have access to fresh produce, so you can make the most out of that on your menu. Aside from the well-known seafood, you can also find options for everything from beer to pastries and more in the Eastern Shore.
Decide who will conduct the ceremony
Typically, a civil marriage commissioner or a member of the clergy are the ones who conduct a wedding. However, there’s an emerging trend where wedding ceremonies are officiated by the couple’s friends. It’s becoming increasingly popular today since it makes wedding ceremonies feel more individualized, intimate, and fun. Couples consider the officiating friend to signify the people who have given their support to help them get to where they are. Before deciding on who will conduct the ceremony, consider the officiant requirements of your location. In Virginia, for instance, your friend can file for a one-time civil officiant license, although they need to meet the requirements and file all the paperwork. But it can be a rewarding and heartwarming choice.
The atmosphere of Virginia’s Eastern Shore makes it perfect for a wedding, with romantic sunsets and pristine beaches. But whether it be catching fish and crab at the pier or visiting art galleries, you should also take the time to enjoy the destination with your guests before and after the ceremony to make the most of your visit.
Written exclusively for visitesva.com
by Arnie Clouds
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