Destination Weddings
Have you ever dreamed of a romantic destination wedding? According to brides magazine in just 10 years the number of weddings away has doubled.
Years ago, the only couples who did destination weddings were broke, rebellious or divorced. Now days, the Internet has opened the door to a whole new generation of engaged couples discovering how easy, affordable and wildly romantic it is to get hitched against an exotic back ground. It is not who is getting hitched out of town that is seeing change, it is the destinations themselves.
How do you decide where to say “I DO”?
Let your imagination run far and wide. Can you see yourself barefoot on the beach? How about in a formal fairy tale inside a medieval castle? Maybe you are a faux fur freak – the mountains fit that cozy retreat. Then there is the look and feel of sumptuous silks that a far away land could fill a dream.
Other factors to take in to account include budget, religious needs, residency requirements and distance. Even though this may be a time to indulge in fantasies, remember to keep one eye on reality.
Is it difficult to plan a destination wedding?
It can be as easy or easier than planning one at home as long as you have a professional wedding planner. They know the local vendors and can line up florists, bands, caterers and anything in between that fit into your budget. Most likely the only thing you will have to do is show up on time.
How do you find a trustworthy coordinator?
If you are marrying at a hotel, most have a consultant on staff or a relationship with a local professional. Another option is seeking the advice of a local professional in your area or someone who specialises in organizing destination weddings.
What is the Cost involved?
If you choose the right place, it could be much less then marrying at home. For one, you can cut down the guest list and not hurt some feelings by having to travel. Traditional weddings average around 150 guests. Destinations run on average of 55 guests. If you do need to extend the list most vendors abroad will do weddings for the same price or less for the same services. If you honeymoon at the wedding destination, you’ll save time, stress and cash and possibly be upgraded to the bridal suite.
If you go to an all inclusive resort, food, drinks and some activities will be included in the price of your stay. This is a huge money saver. Pre Wedding activities such as snorkeling, bottomless drinks or multi course meals solve the problem of over spending and worrying about bills when you get home.
Another cost effective way of having a destination wedding is in the states. Airfare maybe easier with direct flights instead of lay overs. You will not need a passport. Some destinations may be with in driving distance depending on where you live. These might include:
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Aspen, Colorado
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Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
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Los Vegas, Nevada
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Savannah, Georgia
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Sedona, Arizona
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Walt Disney World, Florida
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The Florida Keys
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Napa Valley, California
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Hilton Head, South Carolina
So if you have always dreamed about a destination wedding, the doors are as wide open as your mind. It may save your sanity and be less stressful than having to plan all the little details at home; unless you like that sort of thing. If not, where would your dream wedding destination take you?
Uncategorized | Vicki Hasemann | October 1, 2009
I would not have wanted a destination wedding the first time around. But, if I were ever to get married again, it would be something I would seriously consider.
Lisa McLellan
Child Care Expert,
Babysitting Services, Babysitting Tips, Babysitters, Nannies
A small intimate wedding in a tropical setting, sounds perfect! I think I was sold when I heard the size of the typical guest list.
MissMentor
If I were to do a destination wedding, I’d like to get married at a beach resort. My wife and I went to a resort in Jamaica for our honeymoon, and it was wonderful.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
Wish we would have done that, it would make everything more memorable, and give you a special place to go on anniversaries.
Robert Martin
http://www.carbuyinghq.com
Great idea Rob about special places to revisit on a anniversary. Thanks for stopping by
Vicki
Great info. I can see the attraction of destination weddings (particularly when you live with UK weather!), but I’m more of a traditional family wedding man myself.
Catching up with all those distant cousins, great aunts etc is actually quite fun, and generally only done at weddings and funerals!
And what could be better entertainment than some really cheesy music and devastatingly awful dancing!
http://www.martin-wright.com
Great information as always. Greetings from the Nations Capitol.
Scott
http://www.salesjunkie.net
http://www.scottpayne.me
good way to combine the wedding and honeymoon expenses and to make your wedding smaller, more intimate (and less expensive) at the same time.
Seize the Day,
Rob
Emergency Preparedness For the 21st Century Family
This is a cool idea
Jose Escalante
http://www.joseescalante.com
Destination weddings seem to be all the rage today, the more exotic the better.
Steve Chambers, B2B Sale Trainer
Ooooh! Yes please! Destination Weddings are the way to go. Good thing I’ve a small family…..kids would love Disney Land but I think that might be too much for me – in a horse drawn glass carridge with a castle in the background – yikes…
Keri Eagan
Anything Alternative
How do you trust a stranger many miles away to plan your wedding for you? Go for a visit! A few of my friends have had destination weddings and they planned a vacation to the destination before planning. They also lowered expectations. That helps!
Kate
The best way is to hire someone local who knows the hoops to jump threw.
Vicki http://www.bridal-threads.com
Hey hey Bridal Lady,
This makes me think of that song where the lyrics talk of
“I want to get away….” A great option for couples with that kind of family and wedding budget in place for the extreme expense of destination weddings.
Do you find that older couples wedding pursue this? Folks with a second or third wedding pursuing a destination wedding?
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Single Baby Boomer Dating Success Expert
I want the destination for a second honeymoon!
I imagine destination weddings are also good to avoid possible drama situations at home. Less people tend to come and there is a way to get around some of the traditions that may have cause more friction at home.
Jennifer Battaglino
The Harwood Center – Tinnitus, Chronic Illness, Fears, and Anxiety
Oh! I want the destination . . not ready for the wedding.
Very good information. Thanks Vicki!
Get Healthy, Katie