Destination wedding

A destination wedding is any wedding in which the engaged couple and/or a majority of their guests travel to attend the wedding ceremony. The distance traveled can range from a few hours' drive to days of international travel.

Many destinations may increase the overall cost for your guests, when travel, lodging, and even time off of work are factored in. For that reason, destination weddings are often more intimate in scale than close-to-home events. Save the Dates are very helpful in giving guests enough time to make travel plans.

Destination weddings give the couple the opportunity to choose a site that has a special meaning for them, such as a favorite country, locale, or even terrain--a mountain view or beach might just "fit" their personalities--or they might simply choose a beautiful location they'd like to spend time in with their close friends and families.

Depending on the location, it may be helpful to plan additional events during the time guests are in the area, to introduce them to the location. On the other hand, they may wish to have time to explore on their own. A balance of optional scheduled events and free time should be considered.

1 Popular Locations
2 Tips
3 Weddingbee Posts
4 Weddingbee Boards

Popular Locations

The islands of the Caribbean top the list of the most popular places to hold a destination wedding. ^[1]

Tips

Prior to a destination wedding, couples should do extensive research on what is needed for a wedding if it is in another country or state.
It would be best to hire a wedding planner from the region that the couple is specifically eyeing, since they know their way around town and what to recommend for the wedding ceremony and for the reception.
Couples should keep an open mind concerning their guest list. If a significant number of people cannot make it because of distance, time, costs, etc., they shouldn't be offended.
A short trip to the desired location would be helpful and can also give couples an idea of what to expect and where they can have their wedding.

When deciding to have a destination wedding, do not try to set a date first. Make travel arrangements, and then choose the date. Sometimes the date you have your heart set on may not be available.

The first thing you should do after deciding to hold a destination wedding is decide on a location. Do efficient research before settling. Travel sites are great because they give you information on the location and properties. You can also read reviews that other people have written to help decide.

After you have chosen a location, visit your travel agent. They will be your first step in putting your plans into action. Communicate to them the things that are important when choosing a resort. They will help to narrow the property choices and suggest options you may not have thought of.

The travel agent will give you many pamphlets for different properties. Take them home and do your research! Look at what each has to offer and decide which has the amenities that will suit you best. It is best to choose three so you have options in different price points.

Go back to your travel agent after you have your properties chosen. They can price them out for the time you are looking to have the wedding. It is best to give you and your guest’s ample amount of time to prepare travel arrangements.

Now you can choose you date! After you have your travel dates picked out and reserved, you can then choose which day of the vacation you want the wedding to be.

As soon as you have the trip reserved, you should send out save the dates (STD’s). With your STD’s you want to include the dates of travel, cost to each guest, and contact information for your travel agent.

STD’s for a destination wedding can be sent out as much as 1 year in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to make necessary travel arrangements.

Websites are highly recommended. You can post travel information, contact information, resort pictures and links, and so much more. This will give guests a glimpse of what to expect out of the trip. Include the web address on the STD’s.

After STD’s are sent, the actual wedding planning will begin. Most resorts have on-site wedding coordinators that you will be in contact with via e-mail and phone. Contact them and have them lay out a plan for you.