Bridology

Congratulations!  You are engaged and ready to begin planning your big day!  Perhaps you are thinking that you would like to do something a little bit different.  You and your fiancé want to get married with a destination wedding!  Where do you begin with your planning???

Perhaps you should begin by thinking about whether or not a destination wedding is really for you and for your family.  Destination weddings can take place anywhere!  If there is a special place that really captures your heart or means a lot to you and your fiancé, it may be a great place for your wedding.  However, will your family and close friends be willing to travel to that place with you?  Let’s think about money first.

Destination weddings are known for their simplicity, elegance, romanticism, and exotic nature.  They also tend to be much cheaper than traditional weddings.  Instead of spending a fortune in flowers, caterers, photographers, favors, and venues, a destination wedding can lump all expenses into one fee set by the resort or company planning your wedding.  You also throw in the honeymoon!  However, each guest could also have to spend up to a $1000.00 to come and see you get hitched!  How many family members and friends are willing to do that?

Now look at destinations.  If you want tropical, destination weddings will deliver.  The most common destination weddings are on beaches all around the United States coastline and around the world.  However, you could also hit the ski slopes in Colorado, fly to Europe for a wedding in a castle, or try your luck in Vegas!  If your guests get an awesome vacation, they may be willing to pay their way and be present for your big day.

Now we get to the planning.  There are many companies out there who help plan destination weddings.  They can help you with all wedding arrangements, meals, accommodations, and travel for your and for your guests.  If you want a tropical resort, Sandals will set you up with all the arrangements taken care of.  Websites such as destinationweddings.com will introduce you to a representative who will help you with all of your planning.  The advantage of this method is that these agencies often have relationships with hotels and airlines.   They can get you great deals for your travel and accommodations. 

For some couples, a destination wedding is absolutely the way to go.  They travel with a small group of family and friends, get married, and have a great experience.  Others enjoy a quiet, private ceremony away and return home for a big reception with those that couldn’t travel.  The choices are unlimited!  Happy planning!