You've just become engaged...Congratulations! Yes, I know, the first question out of everyone is,"When is the big day?" Today, we also need to begin asking,"Where will you be married?" Did you know one in six weddings are now Destination Weddings?
Why has the destination wedding become so popular? There are so many reasons brides and grooms are choosing to take the show on the road. The destination wedding is perceived as a less stressful way to plan a wedding. Since most of the planning is done with the on-site coordinator and the travel planner, there is no need to run from place to place looking at wedding sites, talking to caterers, photographers and entertainers. Also since so many families and friends are geographically spread out and need to fly to the wedding anyway, they might as well fly to the destination of your dreams for your wedding.
Once the bride and groom arrive to their chosen destination almost everything has been completed. Some destinations will require a blood test and maybe some signing of official papers. All they need to do is look around the area and choose exactly where they stand to be married. The pre-wedding dinner will most often be held at the hotel or resort as will the wedding. The bride and her wedding party can have their hair and makeup done the morning of the wedding. Since everyone is already in attendance, no one can get lost on the way or should be late! After the ceremony, guests can stroll over to the reception area while the photographer is snapping pictures of the new couple. All this at a leisurely pace with wonderful scenery. Who can ask for more?
Budget is also a reason for many new couples to choose a destination wedding. The expenses for the bride and groom are most often less than a wedding and reception at home. Not only that, but they are already in the destination for their honeymoon. It's a 2 for 1. Sandals Resorts aptly coined the phrase of a "Weddingmoon." What better a combination of your wedding and honeymoon? Some of the Caribbean and Mexican resorts offer the bride and groom a complimentary wedding. Sounds good to me!
Speaking of the Caribbean and Mexico, the weddings held here are usually on the beach or heavenly gardens. This creates a relaxing atmosphere for the less formal couple. No tuxedos or long gowns required. The dress code is as simple or extravagant as the couple chooses.
Some couples choose their wedding based on heritage or faith. Why not be married in an Irish Castle, or choose a peak atop the Amalfi Coast overlooking the sea, or under a canopy on the shores of Israel? Getting married in the country of your family's heritage can be one of the most meaningful experiences in a lifetime.
Choosing the place for your wedding is just as unique as a snowflake...no two weddings are alike. When you decide to plan your destination wedding the first thing you must ask yourselves is will the wedding be on land or sea? To many, a cruise wedding evokes the memories of the old show, "Love Boat." Every ending was a happily ever after moment. While due to legalities, you might not be able to be married while on the high seas, you can be married on the ship before the cruise sets sail or you can be married at a port of call. You still can enjoy all of the same amenities as a resort wedding. Only remember, when you plan your cruise wedding, your family and friends will be with you for the full cruise. This does not have the same flexibility as a resort wedding where your family and friends can choose the amount of time they wish to stay.
A wedding at a resort with minimal travel time (less than a 5 hour flight) is a favorite for many couples. If the resort is within a reasonable travel time, more family and friends will be able to accept your invitation to the wedding. Also, they will be able to choose the amount of time they wish to stay at the destination. Most guests will stay a minimum of 3 nights. Very few will stay at the same resort with the bride and groom for the duration of their stay. We all know the new couple needs time together to celebrate their marriage.
Okay, how do you choose where to have the wedding? The first step in planning your destination wedding is deciding where you want to be married. Sit with your fiancée and make a list of the amenities you want surrounding you during your wedding. Is it the backdrop of beaches, mountains, or ancient castles? Once you have agreed on the type of backdrop, then you must decide what destination can bring you that ambiance. Will it be the excitement of the high seas on a cruise or will it be a resort wedding on dry land? If you are planning to invite guests to your wedding and you really want them to be there, make your decision one that will be affordable for most guests.
Two of the most popular choices for destination weddings is the Caribbean and Mexico. There are several reasons for these choices. The first is the many of the Caribbean Islands and Mexican resorts offer all-inclusive packages and complimentary wedding ceremonies. This helps make the wedding more affordable and the all-inclusive factor makes budgeting the expenses easier. Also these two regions have very short waiting periods for non-citizens to be married. Some islands have no waiting period at all and some have a 72 hour waiting period. Waiting periods are based on business days. Arriving during the weekend will not count for your waiting period.
If you choose to be married in Europe the laws for non-citizens may require a longer "residency" time or additional legal paperwork. Unfortunately some countries will not permit non-citizens to be married at all. In cases like this some couples elect to have a civil ceremony at home and then have a ceremonial religious marriage abroad. Have your travel planner check for the restrictions.
So, go ahead, find a travel planner who is experienced in planning destination weddings or call me for help with your wedding. Enjoy planning your dream day.
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