A
Growing Trend
There’s
nothing quite like leaving town as a single person and coming back married. If
you’ve ever considered Inviting family and close friends to an exotic
destination for a memorable vacation experience that happens to feature your
wedding, you’re not alone. Destination weddings are a trend that is definitely
climbing the charts.
A
Cost-Effective Option
Given
the spiraling costs of (large) traditional, hometown weddings and the
significant group discount travel packages offered by many outstanding
destination resorts, this seemingly grand gesture of hosting a dream vacation
for 15-30 people can actually be a less expensive option. And that does not
include the built-in honeymoon package.
Better
or Worse
Whether
an elopement for two, an intimate affair for close friends and family, or a
full blown series of events, activities, and parties for dozens of people over
a long weekend wedding celebration, destination weddings offer a number of
benefits. On the flip side, these tremendous benefits may be offset by equally
significant costs and limitations.
Pros
and Cons
For
some couples, the idea of a destination wedding is a fabulous option. For
others, it is out of the question. Consider the upside pros and downside cons
listed below to see if the idea is a fit for you:
Upside Pros
·
Dream Location - Picture the
ideal location for your dream wedding. Then go there. Hold your ceremony on the
beach, in a chapel, by the pool, or in a beautiful suite.
·
Package Deal - Many
destination resorts and hotels offer wedding packages as a service to their
guests. Depending on the length of your stay, the entire ceremony and reception
can be included in the price of the trip.
·
Preferred Guests - A destination
wedding makes it easy to cross people off your list. The brother-in-law you
can't stand and Aunt Gladys who fights with everyone will not be offended. A
short list of very close friends and family members is all you need. If you
want, don’t invite anyone. Just send pictures and they will understand.
·
Reduced Stress - Many
destination resorts provide an onsite wedding planner who will take care of the
essentials (license, officiant, venue, decor, cake, etc.) and a concierge who
is paid to find out what you want/need and take care of it so all you have to
do is show up.
·
Fewer Expenses - A luxurious
wedding weekend in an exotic location is likely to cost less than a sit-down
dinner for 200 people back home. Guests usually pay their own airfare while the
bride and groom cover ground costs (food, lodging, and planned activities).
Smaller guest list, domestic locations, or favorable exchange rates will reduce
expenses.
·
Built-In Honeymoon - A destination
wedding incorporates the cost of the ceremony and reception into your honeymoon
budget.
·
Phenomenal Memory - The exotic
beauty, breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, shared experiences, and
restorative relaxation of a dream vacation combined with the joyous celebration
and meaningful commitments of a wedding creates a life memory that is truly
worthy of the significant milestone of marriage.
Downside Cons
·
Fewer Guests - A long guest
list may be cost prohibitive for you and some of your invited guests may not be
able to join you due to family commitments, work conflicts, physical
limitations, or budget considerations. One solution is to host a local
reception when you return to celebrate with those who are unable to join you.
·
Upsell Temptations - Destination
resorts offer dozens of extra options to enhance your wedding and reception
package. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to say ‘yes’ to too many ‘budget
busting’ upsells.
·
Red Tape - Many resorts
coordinate with local authorities to issue valid marriage licenses and
streamline the legal aspects of marriage for you. Without such assistance, you
will need to coordinate these legal details from a distance. You may want to
hire a local coordinator who can better navigate these waters and help you
avoid marriage license complications.
·
Time Alone - Opportunities
to bond and create lasting memories with friends and family abound at
destination weddings (something that is difficult to achieve at traditional
weddings). Setting aside quality ‘alone’ time as a couple can be difficult. You
must schedule it and insist on making sure it happens. Plan activities for your
guests that double as alone time for you. Arrive a few days early (a probable
marriage license requirement) and/or stay on after your guests depart.
Whether
you choose a destination wedding or decide to stick with a more traditional
hometown event, rest assured that SayAnything Design can ship guest book trees, sand ceremony vases, thumbprint trees, wedding sparklers, and other unique wedding accessories anywhere you want.
