Many couples are choosing destination wedding packages and getting married in a tropical or exotic location away from home!
Destination weddings don't have to be any more difficult to arrange than planning one locally, and can be more romantic and fun. Planning a destination wedding & honeymoon can truly be an exciting experience, yet also overwhelming with details, deadlines and decisions.
We help couples plan the destination wedding of their dreams. If you are considering celebrating your wedding in a romantic or exotic destination, we can simplify the process and make your destination wedding dreams become reality.
Every destination wedding we plan is customized to the needs of the bride & groom –ensuring every couple receives the individual attention they truly deserve.
What is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is when you and your fiance travel to a special location to have your wedding, destination weddings often involve family and friends. Such weddings are increasingly popular, increasing by 400 percent for American couples between the late 1990s and the mid 2000s. And while it doesn't sound possible, they'’re actually often cheaper than stateside weddings; according to one bridal company, the saving for couples who marry at destination weddings are, on average, more than 40 percent.
Step 1
:
Decide if a Destination Wedding is Right for You
A destination wedding is not right for everyone.
You should evaluate your situation to determine if a destination wedding is right for you and your fiancée. It can be a good idea if:
1. You want a smaller, more intimate wedding.
2. You are okay with the idea that not everyone will be able to attend the wedding. Only about 60 percent of guests invited will attend a destination wedding
3. You are not obsessed with details.
4. You are flexible and able to make changes as needed.Statesman.com:
5. It is your second wedding and you want something different.
6. You are on a tight budget and can't afford a large wedding.
7. Most of your guests will have to travel to get the wedding even if you have it at home.
8. You want the freedom to be more creative with your wedding.
Step 2
:
Choose the Right Location
Many people already have a location in mind when they start thinking about having a destination wedding. If you do not, start by asking yourself a few questions:
2. Do you want to keep it in the United States? Popular U.S. destinations include Las Vegas and the Poconos.
3. Do you want a tropical location such as Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii?
4. Do you want a European destination such as England or Italy?
5. Do you want to go down under to Australia or over to Africa or Asia?
6.
Would you like to go somewhere unique such as?
1. A cruise ship such as Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line?
2. An all-inclusive resort such as Couples, Sandals or SuperClubs?
Budget Travel:
3. A Disney-themed wedding at either Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California?
4. The Mall of America's Chapel of Love?
5. An African game preserve?
Important Things to Consider
Once you have a location in mind, evaluate its suitability by asking yourself several additional questions:
1. What will your budget for the wedding be? Typically, destination weddings are cheaper than traditional weddings.
2. Will your family and friends enjoy the location?
3. Are there activities for your guests to do at the location besides the wedding?
4. What will the weather be like at the time? Is it hurricane season? Will you be able to plan for bad weather should it occur?
5. Would it be difficult for people with physical limitations, such as your grandparents, to travel there?
6. How expensive will it be for people to travel to the location? Will people that you want to attend be able to afford it?
7. Does the location offer accommodations at both the high and low-end of the cost spectrum?
Step 3:
Planning the Wedding
Planning a destination wedding can be a little trickier than planning a regular wedding because you are doing everything long distance. Although you can opt to do everything yourself, there are three options that can make it easier:
1. Hire a wedding consultant. The wedding consultant can be one that lives where the wedding will be held or one that specializes in planning destination weddings.
2. Have the wedding at a hotel or other location that specializes in weddings.
3. Have the wedding at a wedding chapel. They usually offer wedding packages that include items such as flowers, licenses, music, photographers and similar items.
If at all possible, consider visiting the location and meeting with anyone that you want to hire before the wedding. When you visit you can also scout out locations and look into activities for your guests. If you can't visit the location, then you should thoroughly research your location and check references before you hire someone.
Step 4:
Dealing with Guests
Unless you are planning on eloping, dealing with your guests is going to be one of the most important aspects of your destination wedding. Guests spend, on average, between $750 and $1,100 to attend your wedding, so it is important to make them feel comfortable:
2. Notify your guests at least one year in advance by sending a save the date card.
3. Prepare a package for each guest that includes information about the location, maps, contact information, packing suggestions, phrase book and similar information. Brave New Traveler:
4. Create a guide website for your guests. The site can contain information such as where to get a passport, information about the location and anything else you would like your guests to know.
5. Inform guests of what will be expected of them such as appropriate dress (formal or informal).Brave New Traveler:
6. Plan transportation for your guests to and from the airport and any wedding events. Brave New Traveler:
7. Consider planning some special events outside of the wedding for your guests such as a tour or an outdoor excursion. Brave New Traveler:
8. However, don't over plan for your guests, let them have some free time to explore the location on their own.
9. Welcome your guests to the hotel by placing a gift basket in their room. It can include essential things they might have forgotten or a taste of the local flavor.
10. Check into getting a group discount on hotel rooms and travel reservations. Many major airlines, such as American Airlines, offer wedding travel packages.American Airlines:
How to Handle Guests Who Can't Be There
Chances are that many of your friends and relatives will not be able to make the trip to your destination wedding. So, you should have some idea on how to handle the issue.
1. Send wedding announcements to anyone who did not make it to the wedding.
2. Have your wedding broadcast live online. Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Couples Resorts: “Live Internet Weddings”
3. Have a traditional wedding reception back home. The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page.
4. Have an informal party to celebrate the wedding when you return that is themed to match your wedding.
Step 5:
Getting a Marriage License
No matter where you are getting married, you will need to get a marriage license. If your destination wedding is in a foreign country, this can involve time and paperwork. According to the U.S. Department of State, marriages performed abroad are legal in the United States if they were legally performed and valid in that location. U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad. However, you might need some of the following paperwork to obtain a marriage license:
1. Certified copy of your birth certificate.
2. Proof of citizenship, such as your passport.
3. Certified copy of divorce papers or Proof of Absolute (if divorced).U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
4. Certified copy of death certificate of former spouse (if widowed).
5. Parental consent if one of the parties is under the age of 18. U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
6. A deed pool (if your name has been changed).Special Occasion Travel:
7. An Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry. U.S. Department of State: Marriage of U.S. Citizens Abroad
Some countries may also require other documents. For example, in Costa Rica you need a certified copy of your police record and a negative pregnancy test authenticated by the Consulate for any bride that has been divorced less than a year. The best way to find out all the requirements necessary is to contact the U.S. Embassy in that country. U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
For more information about the license requirements for various countries, ask us Islandspree.com:
Foreign Locations
Unless you plan to have a civil ceremony once you return, you will need to research the marriage requirements in any foreign country you are considering for your destination wedding. In general, the United States will recognize any marriage performed elsewhere provided it was a valid marriage. Although many countries have no residency requirements, here are a few that do:
Foreign Countries with Residency Requirements
Aruba: 2 days
Dominica: 2 days for
England: 7 days
Europe:
French Polynesia (Tahiti): 30 days
Asia, Australia, and Africa:
Grenada: 3 days
Italy: 3 days
Jamaica: 24 hours
Martinique: 1 month
Mexico: 2 to 4 days
Spain: 21 days to 2 years
St. Lucia: 2 days
St. Maarten: 10 days
Tortola: 3
Trinidad & Tobago: 3 days
Turks and Caicos: 24 hours
Besides the residency requirements, some countries have a waiting period (either after a divorce or after the marriage license is issued) before a wedding can be performed. You will need to check this out as well. The best way to find out all the requirements necessary is to contact the Islandspree.com
Conclusion:
Having your dream wedding won't turn into a nightmare if you consider all your options, and work with an expert from Islandspree.com, a destination wedding can be a great way to turn your wedding into a vacation for both you and your guests. The trick is to relax, be willing to adjust your plans when necessary and above all have a good time.
