DESTINATION WEDDINGS
This very
popular choice for a wedding enjoys a multitude of exciting and pleasurable
locales in the United States and around the world. Whether a nearby
major city -- one quaint town away, a tourism area, or your home town
when you are away at college or working elsewhere -- it becomes a destination.
Many Destination Weddings are considered favorite VACATION or TOURISM
areas. They call this a variety of names. "wedmoons","destination
weddings" and if secret, "elopements". After WHO and
WHY is answered, it still boils down to what, where and when.
WHO CHOOSE THIS
AS AN ALTERNATIVE WEDDING STYLE?
- Family oriented
bridal couples want their families to get-to-know one another. They
select a popular or unique location for the families to meet and get
to know one another in a enjoyable or exotic relaxing location.
- People who have
lived together for years and decide to say the words, while enjoying
a lovely vacation
- Couples who have
fallen in love with a particular part of the world and want to share
it
- A remarriage
for one or both
- A couple decides
to "elope" or run off to a fun or romantic favorite area
and tie the knot and when bringing a few close friends or relations
it becomes a destination wedding
- Couples WHO
want their wedding to be a unique experience and an excursion for
all involved
- The couple now
lives and works with many of their friends in a new area of the world
-- the location now becomes a destination to the families
- Individuals
who are decidedly into their own life styles and non-family oriented
WHY
- One, or both
of the intended cannot handle standing up in front of a group of people
-- so they opt for a private ceremony
- The destination
wedding ceremony combines with the honeymoon plans
- It gives the
flexibility to cut the wedding guest list down considerably
- Many of the
favorite destination areas are extremely romantic and offer some of
the most talented professionals to help create the vision -- When
hiring, ALWAYS ask for references and call them
- Some areas of
the world host less expensive weddings and receptions.
WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL?
- Deciding on
your destination
- Learning the
cost of that style wedding and who can help from the other end. (General
locations, information can be achieved by using area books, event
coordinators, travel agents or the internet)
- Determining
your budget and guest list -- then applying it to the destination
area's costs
- Creating a formula
of who pays for what while there
- A Timeline which
allows guests ample opportunity to save up for a trip,
- and gain vacation
time to come
- Making travel
and accommodation arrangements for you and possibly your family/group
- Finding someone
to help your at the other end. The location coordinator, an event
coordinator, family or a friend in the area
- TRUST -- that
all will be completed perfectly to your specifications for
when you arrive
WHERE ARE THE BEST
DESTINATION WEDDING SPOTS?
- Places where
there are fun things to do:
a variety of great restaurants
good accommodations
has environmental beauty
common enjoyment -- such as a hobby, snow skiing, beaches, boating,
theaters, hiking, biking golf areas
- World-wide favorite
resorts or hotels in:
Mexico, Thailand, Germany & Swiss Alps, Greek Isles and Caribbean
Ocean.
- Top five in
the United States are: Las Vegas, Disneyland (s), Charleston
South Carolina and the California Wine Country areas of Sonoma and
Napa,
etc., Hawaiian Islands and the major cities around the world.
- Many exciting
destinations include: ocean cruise ships, dude ranches, Pacific Coast
resorts, National Parks (Niagara Falls, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Lake
Tahoe, etc. )
- Exciting cities
such as New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Diego, Seattle, Washington
DC, or choose from the major cities around the world.
WHEN IS THE BEST
TIME TO PLAN an ELOPEMENT?
- When just the
two of you want to "get married" in privacy
- When it is too
overwhelming a project
WHEN IS THE BEST
TIME TO PLAN A DESTINATION WEDDING?
- Each area has
its best time of the year for visitors. If you are looking for lower
costs, pick the off seasons and save considerably.
- It is suggested
you always check the weather patterns for the time of year
you plan to be there.
- When you feel
your schedules will work best together for time off
SPECIAL PLANNING
TIPS
It cannot be emphasized enough -- budget is a top priority in this type
of plan. Go over it several times -- find out where outside funds are
coming from, determine who will pay for what -- demand accurate price
quotes, including tax and tips. It really does help to hire someone
at the destination who can complete things for you prior to, and the
day of your wedding. These event coordinators or consultants will advise
and often cut your costs while helping you realize your dreams. It is
also important to use a credit card which insures your purchases....and
tracks your expenses.
a) Look for packages
-- all inclusive -- all in one costs -- with meals, accommodations,
sports, golf, tours, etc.
b) If you are taking a large group into the area -- plan far in advance
to give them time to plan. Also, if possible, for the purpose of lining
up your event location and vendor interviews, travel to the area a few
times to review the site, interview and hire the professionals who will
work with you. This will give you reassurance.
c) Check out the marriage license rules of the area you are going to
be married in, where to get your license, what identification you need,
etc
d) Keep a check list of your questions and concerns for when you call
back to your location or professionals. This can cut down on your phone
bill. And sometimes having someone at the other end to handle the details
works wonders
e) Tell the professionals exactly what you want and expect from them.
E-mail them specifics...or outline these in the contracts prior to signing.
It is alright to ask them to wear formal attire or theme...according
to your event
f) Get books about the area for tourism, area wedding book's for recommendations
on vendors, informational history so you can plan out fun things to
do and know about the area you are visiting
g) If you
are bringing a large group into the area for a few days you will
want to plan:
- gatherings -
lunch, dinner or picnic for families and friends to meet
- a casual shopping
or tour of the area
- bike, hike,
golf or sports and swim fun
- bachelor or
bachelorette party -- spa, golf, etc.
- rehearsal dinner
- ceremony and
reception
- honeymoon days
-- or take off elsewhere
|
