Destination Wedding Planning

So ... you're planning or considering a destination wedding ... do you know yet where to start? Have you decided on a place yet? On your ceremony and reception locations?

I know it seems like a lot at first and I too was very confused about where to start ... but I've done a ton of research and now I want to pass that on to you.

The first thing you'll want to decide is should you have a destination wedding or should you have a wedding close to home? Here are some things to consider while deciding:

• Who is paying for your wedding?
• What is your wedding budget?
• Is this a first marriage for you and/or your fiance?
• Do you and/or your fiance have children who will be traveling with you?
• Where are most of your friends and family located?
• How many of your guests do you think will be able to join you?
• Do you have many relatives who are elderly and might not be able to travel?
• Are there any others who you definitely want to have at your wedding who won't be able to attend a destination wedding?
• How picky are you about the finite details of your wedding?

If your parents will be paying for your wedding it's obviously a good idea to discuss your desire for a destination wedding with them as a starting point. If they are dead set against it ... you'll either have to convince them that it's a good idea, pay for your own wedding (and risk them not attending), or you'll have to have a wedding close to home.

As a general rule of thumb a destination wedding will cost less than a traditional at home wedding but of course you can make it as costly and extravagant as you'd like. However, keep in mind that even if it costs you less for the wedding ... your guests will incur the travel expenses to travel to the destination of your choice.

The destination wedding guest list can be as short as just you and your fiance ... on up to 100 guests ... but I'd say a pretty typical destination wedding will have between 10 and 50 guests in attendance.

Believe it or not ... destination weddings typically cause a lot less stress than an at home wedding. I didn't believe it at first either ... but it's true. You will also love being able to have a "vacationing attitude" while you're away with your guests. In fact, a typical at home wedding sets a scene where guests are off doing their own thing for days while the bride and groom are stressed out ... running around like chickens with their heads cut off ... and their only time to spend with friends and family is a brief 30-60 second visit while making their rounds at their reception.

The flip side is that you might have to compromise a little when it comes down to some of your selections (cake, flowers, decor, etc.) so if you are extremely picky that's definitely something to consider and research before you make a decision.

We're very happy about our decision to have a destination wedding ... and we're here to help you with anything you need.

This should be a good starting point in helping you decide if you're a good candidate for a destination wedding ... when you're ready read on and we'll help you plan all of the details!

Be sure to comment on the articles and blog posts here so we can get to know you and help you out. Remember to use the "Search" feature at the top of the right sidebar and we'd love it if you use the Contact Us to ask a question. If you're comfortable doing so choose the pull down giving us permission to post your questions and our responses in our Q's &A's section on our blog. *SmiLes* Suzanne