Destination wedding planning has become the alternative to traditional wedding planning. According to About.com, destination weddings gross 16 billion dollars annually. Couples are opting for locations that are unique, creative and exciting.
We asked Cynthia Brown of Global Destinations, What is destination wedding planning? “Coordinating a wedding away from the bride’s and groom’s hometown- It is a legal way to elope in the 21th century”, said Cynthia. Based in New York, Global Destinations is a travel agency specializing in destination weddings.
About.com explains that the top 5 destination locations are: Las Vegas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
When planning a destination wedding, consider the following pros and cons:
Pros: Low Stress – Typically, the location or venue will provide wedding packages tailored to making the wedding experience successful. The location can provide all the wedding basics such as: décor, flowers, catering, beverages, special activities, photographers, cakes, accommodations, and rentals. The couple would need to clarify their needs and expectations upfront.
Beautiful Atmosphere – The most obvious reason for selecting a location is beauty and landscape views. Along with the couple, guests and friends enjoy a “mini vacation” tied to a ceremony of love. The location’s beauty helps to enhance the overall experience thus creating lasting memories for years to come.
Cons:
Missing Out – At times, family members or important guests may not be present at the ceremony affairs due to travel issues or financial concerns. Couples planning to wed at an “overseas” or far away location should take into consideration that some guests may not be joining the celebration. In this economic time, most families are struggling with finances and may not have the resources to fully participate.
Limited Communication – Planning a destination wedding may pose some general barriers. Language and creativity may be areas that could cause frustration. For example, speaking Spanish is not essential when orchestrating a wedding in Mexico. Although, it is highly recommended that a friend or sponsor, fluent in Spanish, is readily available in case you have language issues. Some professional partners, in Mexico, do not speak fluent English. It may be challenging to express your ‘dream” vision.
When planning a destination wedding, consider:
•Hiring a professional that specializes in destination weddings.
•Polling your family and close friends before making the decision.
•Research top 8 choices and compare each destination with pros and cons.
•Partner with a legitimate and experienced travel agency.•Request signed contracts in writing before submitting any deposits.
•Clearly communication your vision with example photos and sample products.•Communicate (Save the Date) at least 6 months in advance with your attendees.
•Relax and have fun
