6 TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT DESTINATION WEDDING
Imagine the wedding of your dreams on a tropical Caribbean island, glacier in Alaska, gorgeous Hawaiian beach, or a quaint ship chapel. There are many places and reasons to have a destination wedding. Convenience and cost-savings top the list. With over 4 million marriages each year, more than 10% of couples want family & friends to celebrate their special day in an exotic and fabulous location while enjoying a relaxing vacation.
The top honeymoon destinations are Hawaii, St. Lucia, US Virgin Islands, Italy, and Tahiti. However, the top destination wedding locations are Hawaii, Caribbean, Bermuda, Las Vegas, Mexico, Lake Tahoe, and the South Pacific. Couples celebrating anniversaries and wanting vow renewals can use the same tips listed here.
1. Determine who you want to have with you and see if this type of wedding is feasible for them. Children in attendance will be a deciding factor on the type of resort or cruise. Some couples have their exotic wedding and return home later for a reception. Plan early for the best values and locations.
2. Select a travel specialist that is certified or has experience in destination weddings and honeymoons. Having a certain number of guests can provide the wedding couple with extra amenities. It’s important that your travel professional has a background working with groups. The right travel person can handle all the details plus save the couple time and money. They will have the requirements for marriage ceremonies for each country, assist in finding the best location that fits your needs, and provide personalized service along with other invaluable information. With the specialist making all the arrangements for your guests, this allows the couple to focus on the most important part, the wedding itself.
3. This is not the time to make these arrangements yourself, searching the internet for the cheapest trip. The internet will not be there if you encounter issues, let you know of rate reductions, negotiate the best prices, or be the most valuable resource. Most internet reservationists are “order takers” and have never visited any of the places you’re considering! Do you want to take that risk with the most important day of your life?
4. Cruise weddings can be done in port prior to departure, on a tropical island, and other port locations. Princess Cruise Lines has the option for the captain to officiate the ceremony at sea. However, most cruise lines, along with private suppliers offer various wedding or vow renewal services. Cruises are available for every budget with various activities for all ages and vary in length from 2-3 nights or more. The wedding couple may be able to cruise free depending on the number of guests sailing.
Resort weddings allow more flexibility of when guests can arrive and depart. These take place on the beach or garden at the resort. Many resorts offer a “free wedding” which can be upgraded. Other amenities such as gifts, free airfare, or complimentary nights may be available.
5. The typical fee for wedding services and a local license starts around $600 up to $3000. This is still a substantial savings over a traditional wedding. Depending on the wedding options selected, an on-site wedding planner may be included on the ship or at the resort. Combining the wedding and honeymoon will make the big event cost-effective plus very memorable for all.
6. A wedding or honeymoon registry and a wedding website make it easy for guests all around. Even without a formal registry, guests can make arrangements with the travel specialist for money or other special service gifts. Photos or the event (live) can be viewed via the website for those guests unable to attend.
Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding or exotic honeymoon, following these simple tips will make planning a breeze and leave lifetime memories!
Submitted by: Katie Cianciolo, CruiseOne – Waukesha
