Destination
weddings have become more popular in recent times. Now the party
abroad has trickled down from the usual jet-setting crowd chronicled
in magazines to the average person. The idea of flying off to a
distant, exotic locale to celebrate your wedding with family and
friends sounds like a fantasy come true. But is it just that – a
fantasy?
Would
a destination wedding work for you? Firstly, think about the people
you would be inviting – do they have the funds to pick up their
bags and go? Do they have kids to bring along? Are they too elderly
to travel? With your particular group, is traveling to a tropical
island the reason that Honeymoons exist?
It is
a similar situation to the “Holiday” wedding. This is when you
choose to have your nuptials on a holiday, like New Year's Eve, which
can be tricky. People oftentimes have longtime traditions associated
with certain holidays, in which they either can't or simply aren't
inclined to break. It's the same with vacations. If someone has their
plans arranged for one trip and now you are suggesting another, it
can be a conflict.
Sometimes
a destination wedding is motivated to accommodate family and friends.
We decorated the stateside wedding for a couple where the bride was
abroad. In this case, they decided to have two celebrations, one in
each of the two homelands. I think this is a gracious way to handle
guests who might not be able to attend your celebration otherwise.
But technically it's not a “destination” wedding, just one that
happens to be in a distant location depending on which of the two
events you attend. Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to attend
both!
But
if you have your heart set on some far flung locale and don't mind
perhaps a smaller group at your wedding, then ring up that travel
agent! There are businesses or wedding planners that can assist with
your long distance planning too. Of course, be sure to research their
credentials before you leave all the planning of your special day to
them. Also, be prepared to add this extra expense into your budget.
Utilizing
a reputable professional is good, but still have your own check list as well. You wouldn't want your special day spoiled because of forgetting
any necessary things - like a current passport! Perhaps set up a
website or a blog for you and your guests to keep everyone updated
with details and suggestions, like various hotel room blocks or
flights available. Beyond travel information and your wedding itself,
consider arranging other group activities or excursions for your
travel mates. Maybe outings that reflect the culture of your
location. Your guests have traveled a long way to celebrate with you,
spending more time with them can only enhance all the great memories. Bon Voyage!
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