Destination Weddings - Why are They So Popular?

While new wedding trends come and go, the trend of destination weddings seems like one that is here to stay. Over the past 20 years, destination weddings have seen an increase in popularity, which may be due to couples getting married later in life, having smaller weddings, and spending less money on weddings and more money on homes.

Destination Weddings - Dual Purpose

Destination weddings have a dual purpose to the bride and groom, the bridal party and the wedding guests. Not only does a destination wedding locale offer a great backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception, it also provides a great vacation spot for guests. Since family and friends may have to travel to your wedding whether you have it in your hometown or in Mexico, at least those who have to travel will be able to enjoy celebrating your special occasion with you while vacationing in a beautiful destination.

Destination Wedding Locations

Whether looking for a beachfront resort, mountain town, big city, or small village, from one corner of the world to the other, there is a location to fit all needs and wants for a destination wedding. Many brides and grooms choose to honor their cultural heritage by booking their wedding in the country where their relatives are from. For example, children of Italian immigrants may choose to have their destination wedding in Rome followed by a wonderful honeymoon in another area of Italy.

It isn't necessarily about cultural heritage though. Some couples are looking for a unique location and experience to offer their wedding guests. True romantics may fly off to Paris to tie the knot, while others may enjoy feeling the sand between their toes on a Mexican Riviera beach while exchanging vows.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

The keys to planning destination weddings are flexibility and planning ahead of time. It takes a little more work to plan a destination wedding than a hometown wedding. The good news is there are ways to minimize the stress that planning a destination wedding may bring.

First, you may want to make a trip to the destination before booking it. Take this opportunity to meet with the staff of the location, do a walk-thru of the venue, and preview the guest rooms of the hotel where your guests are staying. If your first choice of a venue or food choice is not available, be flexible and choose the next best option. Flexibility can really reduce your stress level. The further in advance you plan, the more choices you are likely to have. Plan as far ahead of time as you can to help ensure you get what you want for your wedding.

Another way to reduce destination wedding planning stress is to hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner has experience working in the location you have chosen and can provide suggestions to save you time, money, and disappointment. Wedding planners can also help with marriage license requirements for foreign countries, help you choose vendors, and book a block of hotel rooms for wedding party members and guests.