Event Planning: Destination Weddings
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Photo by Craig Wolfrom
Dreaming of a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding allows a couple to exchange vows in a stunning, extraordinary setting surrounded by their closest friends and family. Destinations weddings can be on a sandy beach or in an exotic location. Here are our top ten destination spots for a wedding.
The top ten destination wedding locations are:
Mexico
Mexico is the top wedding destination spot for US couples for many reasons. It charms guests with its colorful culture, jaw-dropping colonial architecture, and its beautiful scenery. Who can resist a beach wedding or the tequila here? Weddings in Mexico are some of the best fiestas to form lasting memories.
Bahamas
With its attractive pink sandy beaches and many activities ,such as snorkeling and rejuvenating spas, the Bahamas is perfect for a wedding extravaganza. Any guest, young or old, will have so many activities to choose from in order to have fun. The Bahamas will definitely not disappoint.
Bermuda
Bermuda is a tropical paradise with British characteristics. Bermuda may be one of the most convenient destination wedding spots, as it is merely a two hour flight from New York The grottos here are bright blue and the beaches are coral pink, which makes this the ideal romantic scenery for anyone who wants a sophisticated beach wedding.
Turks and Caicos
The sparkling turquoise water in the Turks and Caicos will entice every couple to get married on one of the many beaches here. Come here to enjoy a low-key, but stylish wedding.
Italy
Italy is a country known for its romance. From Rome to Florence, there are so many cities here that would make for a beautiful wedding. But, the most popular wedding destination in Italy is Tuscany. Consider having a rustic wedding in a Tuscan farmhouse on a vineyard and relax with a glass of wine.
Morocco
Marrakesh is a city that combines French colonial charm with dazzling Berber culture. The city has become a celebrity hotspot, host to Poppy Delevigne's wedding just last year and David Beckham's recent 40th birthday bash. It is safe to say this is a popular destination.
Greece
From the bustling city of Athens to the Greek isles of Santorini and Mykonos, Greece is the ideal wedding location for those who want to throw a fun party. With the endless ruins and idyllic coastal cities, Greece will be the ultimate, memorable wedding location.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are home to some of the world’s most picturesque beaches with i pristine white sand and granite boulders. The resorts here are charming, island accommodations that will create a beautiful backdrop for any wedding.
Aruba
Due to its location below the hurricane belt, Aruba has the lowest amount of rainfall of any Caribbean island. With hotels such as the exclusive Ritz-Carlton hotel and family-friendly Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, there are options here for a couple with any type of budget who simply hope a rain free wedding.
South Africa
Who wouldn’t want to get married on a cliff that overlooks the golden beaches in Cape Town and is also close to the award winning South African vineyards. Considered to be one of Africa’s most fun cities and an urban jungle, guests will surely love this Cape Town destination. Any wedding here will be a memorable one.
Top 3 Pros to a destination wedding
1. Reduced cost.
A destination wedding might offer couples a way to save money due to the wedding packages many resorts offer. Destination weddings also mean fewer guests to spend money on.
2. Quality time spent with guests.
Having a destination wedding will allow the couple to relax with their guests rather than stress over the wedding, due to the wedding package taking care of every detail.
3. Neutral ground.
For a couple from different cities that are far from one another, it might be difficult to pick which city to get married in. Instead they can pick a destination wedding that will allow them to balance the invitation scale and avoid hurt feelings.
Top 3 Cons to a Destination Wedding
1. Lack of communication.
If the bridal couple is unable to stay at a resort or hotel that offers a wedding package and they are in a country that does not speak English, it might be difficult for them to plan a wedding. They would have to hire outside vendors, which may be difficult if there is a language barrier. Although wedding packages often mediate this problem, they also hinder a couple's ability to completely personalize their wedding by limiting choices.
2. Legalities.
The bride and groom might also have difficulty with the legal requirements in every country. Researching these laws and bringing all necessary paperwork are a must in order to make sure the couple has a legally binding marriage.
3. Not all guests will be able to make it.
Some guests will have travel restrictions that will prevent them from being able to attend the wedding. That means a beloved grandparent or a close family friend might be unable to come to the wedding.
Photo credits: left photo from Amanresorts.com; right photo by Adam Alex