So, you’ve planned your wedding in Bali for months and think it will all go according to plan. Here, we want to advise you on some of the pitfalls that might occur, and if one thing goes wrong can turn your special day into a disaster. We’ve listed a few helpful tips to help you avoid making these easy mistakes when planning your wedding in Bali. 

Below is the ultimate guidance on things to avoid when planning a Bali wedding based on years of experience organizing countless weddings on the island. Following these points will make your dream wedding more likely to come to life.

1. Have a Wedding by the Beach, Not On It

Have your wedding by the beach, not on it! A beach wedding is a beautiful sight, and it’s probably something most couples look for when getting married in Bali. We advise maintaining this gorgeous vision, but not on the sand.

Hot sand burning up your bare feet and guests standing there under Bali’s tropical sun while exchanging vows is not the idea of paradise. Not to mention the wet sand on your perfect white dress. Instead, the beach should be the backdrop of your chosen beautiful venue. You’ll still maintain the beach wedding atmosphere and everyone will be far more comfortable and relaxed. 

And for some additional benefits, you won’t need to deal with surfers, joggers and locals wandering past with their phones flashing during your vows. 

2. Make Sure to Book the Venue First Before You Send Out Your Invitations

The venue is one of the most important parts of your Bali wedding as it determines the tone, locale, photo backdrops and everyone’s overall experience. The best venues only hold one wedding a day and may get booked up to a year in advance. 

Therefore, don’t risk announcing the date, then be forced to compromise another venue that you won’t like as the wedding day comes closer. Make an effort to find the venue first, even if you need to push back the date. Ultimately, what matters is what you and your guests will remember, not the date when you got married. 

3. Avoid Picking a Date Just Because of the Attractive Number

Before you and your partner lock on a date just because it’s a number you like, there are many things to consider. Find out other factors like high and low seasons, weather and public holidays in Bali.

For example, the Balinese celebrate Nyepi every year, a day when everything closes, including the airport. The date usually takes place in March but still varies yearly, and you don’t want this day to coincide with your big day. A professional wedding planner should advise you on these aspects, so ensure you’re asking the right questions.

4. Not Everything is a Bargain When Getting Married in Bali

Due to the incredibly cheap labor costs, you might think a wedding in Bali should cost significantly less than in developed Western countries. And that’s how it should be.

But surprisingly, some factors may be significantly more expensive than it does back home. For example, although Bali is dominated by Hinduism, alcohol is heavily taxed in Indonesia. Indeed, the local beers are still affordable, but imported wines and spirits may be two or three times the regular price. What’s also surprising is that Western food may also be expensive due to the dual economy that exists, where there is a fixed price for locals and another for foreigners.

If you want to get married in a villa, be prepared to pay thousands of dollars for the rental, which often comes in a minimum of a 3-night stay. Also, make sure to save cash for additional services like needing to book a truck-mounted generator or paying the banjar fees.

Another surprising factor is currency fluctuations. As many wedding suppliers are quoting in US dollars and the dollar is gaining strength in almost all currencies, your wedding cost may blow out by up to 30%. If possible, try looking for a company that will quote in either Indonesia’s Rupiah or your currency (Australian dollars, etc.).

5. Don’t Make in Only a Wedding Day, but a Wedding Week

Imagine if you could tell your guests, including those unsure about going overseas just to attend your wedding, if they could have an amazing adventure that they’ll be entirely grateful for.

Your family and friends who have traveled far and wide will want to make a holiday from it. This is why we suggest extending your celebration for up to a week. And spend at least a few days exploring everything this island offers. Indeed, you may want to do things on the go, but if you’re planning to take 20 friends to a restaurant, make sure to make some kind of arrangement. The better you plan ahead, the more fun and less stressful it will be for you and your guests.

Suppose both members of the families are coming and have not met before. In that case, organizing an icebreaker event is an excellent idea. This could be something simple like a seafood party on the beach at Jimbaran Bay or just some drinks at the beachside. This way, everyone can be more relaxed and your wedding day will feel warmer. Besides that, an entire day or two post-wedding is an excellent way to enjoy your friend’s company without the anticipation of the wedding pressuring your mind.

An experienced wedding planner should suggest the best places you can visit and organize tours and activities suitable for all ages.