By Georgina Clatworthy

A destination wedding is a dream for many couples and a good way of having a luxurious wedding for less than having one at home.  But when you embark on your destination wedding planning make sure you do not fall into the same trap that many couples do, which could see them spending more than if they had stayed at home.

Imagine getting married on a sunset beach or in beautiful tropical gardens.  With a destination wedding you usually purchase an all-inclusive package with a tour operator which will include everything your destination wedding planning requires.  Many couples choose to take just a select few guests along with them, close family and friends, to share the special day. 

Destination wedding packages are usually much cheaper than planning a wedding at home and paying for each individual element.  However, the trouble with a destination wedding is that many couples tend to fall into the trap of planning a second party when they return home and this can cost them a fortune!

The trouble with getting married abroad is that not everyone is able to come with you but still want to celebrate the wedding with you when you get back.  To avoid upsetting anyone or putting noses out of joint, many couples will plan a big party when they get back for all those who couldn’t be there originally.

The upshot of this is you end up planning a lavish party for 100 plus guests complete with food, drink, entertainment, decorations, wedding favors and cake!  Many even include the traditional speeches, first dance and associated customs.  So you end up planning two weddings in effect and at a vastly increased cost over what you would have spent had you stayed at home in the first place!

So how to avoid the destination wedding trap?

If you want the big party to celebrate your wedding then simply accept it and have your wedding at home.  Your ceremony can still be low key and intimate but you will save money by having everyone at your reception.  Alternatively and if you are being ‘guilt tripped’ into having another party when you get back then organize a weekend at home where you can spend a minimal amount on food and drink and simply throw open your doors to all those want to come and share a glass of champagne with you.

It is worth remembering that if you want a quiet destination wedding then that is what you should have!

By Georgina Clatworthy

I am a big fan of destination wedding packages, having had one myself in Sri Lanka! But although that was only nine years ago, the destination wedding industry has quite literally exploded and couple’s now have more choice than ever before on where to go, when to go and what to include on the day.

Destination wedding packages are nothing new.  Since they first appeared with Caribbean weddings the package wedding has always been the norm for couples looking to marry on foreign shores.  But are they all they are cracked up to be and could you get a better deal by organizing your own package instead?

Firstly you need to consider the logistics of planning a destination wedding from your own home, some distance away.  Aside from problems like language barriers, not knowing the area and the legal implications of marrying abroad, finding suppliers and vendors could be a nightmare.  Packages will include all the basics for you – venue, officiant, legal requirements etc and then offer additional options such as flowers, photographs etc.

All-inclusive packages will have everything, plus more for your wedding, such as room upgrades, a honeymoon suite, free restaurant meals, wedding breakfast, wedding video etc.  They can offer you great value for money but you do need to check what you will actually get on the day.  For our wedding we choose a package which included an elephant ride, a boat trip and a bouquet of flowers when we left the hotel for our honeymoon.  We didn’t get the elephant ride due to one not being available or the boat trip because it was monsoon season and the sea was too rough.  We didn’t get our flowers either – I think they forgot about these as I noticed other guests did have them when we left.  But, despite the mild disappointment at not getting an elephant ride, our package did include everything else we wanted.  Essentially you need to check if some elements of the package are subject to availability or are seasonal, to avoid being disappointed if something you are expecting doesn’t happen.

You maybe able to design your own wedding package through some of the larger tour operators.  I know of some instances where couples have booked a separate ceremony location whilst still having the reception back at their hotel.  A good tip would be to explore both options, find an all inclusive package which you feel suits your needs and then look into creating your own and decide which will offer you the best value for money and still fulfills all your wedding day wishes.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Destination weddings have become extremely popular within the last decade or so.  From tropical islands, to ice hotels, there is now an even greater choice of locations across the world in which to say your vows.  However, destination wedding planning can be a little trickier than planning ‘an at home’ wedding, so here are ten top tips to help you plan a stress free wedding overseas.

1. Your first decision is where to get married! Choosing a destination can be as simple of picking somewhere you have both wanted go or finding somewhere that fits your budget.  Consider also the climate around your chosen wedding date, the legal requirements for marriage and any other restrictions which could impact on your day.
2. Do plenty of research before you book anywhere.  The internet can provide you with reviews and ratings on a variety of locations and hotels so you can be sure you find something which will hopefully meet your expectations and requirements.
3. Find out what documentation you will need in order to marry in a location.  Also make sure your passport is up to date.
4. When booking your destination, you may be offered the services of a wedding planner.  This is definitely worth considering as they will be able to make sure everything is in order such as legal paperwork and all preparations are done before you arrive.
5. If you do decide to do your own destination wedding planning then make sure you understand anything you sign, such as contracts with venues, suppliers and vendors.  If you don’t understand something seek clarification first before signing on the dotted line.
6. Make enquiries with several destination wedding operators to find out about promotions, discounts and special offers.  You may be eligible for a group booking if you are taking plenty of guests out with you.  You also need to look at what your destination wedding package includes such as photographs, hair and make-up and flowers.
7. Think carefully when choosing your wedding dress.  Firstly it will need to be appropriate for the climate in your chosen destination and secondly it will need to travel in a suitcase. Find out if your hotel will offer a pressing service for your dress.
8. If your wedding is taking place in a cold climate then think about all possible routes to your ceremony if not in the hotel.  You do not want to be caught up in snow storms or stranded because of ice.
9. Take plenty of pictures with you of your chosen hair and beauty look if you are having these done by the venue. 
10. If your wedding will take place in a hot destination then make sure you provide a means for your guests to keep cool during the ceremony and reception.  Include in your planning bottled water and fans for your guests, which you could give as favors too.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Destination weddings have become hugely popular these days not just with couples looking for somewhere intimate and romantic to get married but also for those couples who want a big wedding on a foreign shore.  So if going abroad is your idea of heaven then check out these destination wedding locations:

Soak up the sun in Mexico which remains as one of the most popular destination wedding locations.  From stunning resorts such as Cancun to hitting the historical trails Mexico has something to offer every couple and every taste.

If you would prefer a more exotic location then consider Thailand, Mauritius, Fiji and Costa Rica all provide romantic locations for destination weddings and the option to move on to other nearby islands for your honeymoon.

European cities provide romantic centers for a destination wedding with Italy, Austria, France and Ireland providing locations ranging from romantic castles and chateaus to historic ballrooms and vineyards.  You can choose to marry in splendor and opulence or surrounded by rustic charm.

Safari style weddings have become a popular choice and African resorts in South Africa and Kenya in particular offer fabulous destination wedding packages for couples looking for a once in a lifetime trip.  Imagine saying your vows on the African plains as the sun goes down.

The Caribbean has long been the front runner when it comes to destination weddings and as locations go it still remains a popular choice.  You have many islands to choose from and of course the option to move to another island for your honeymoon after the wedding.  The popularity of these islands though can mean you could find yourselves queuing with other couples on your wedding date, especially during popular wedding months.

If you fancy a winter wedding style complete with snow and ice then look to the Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada which includes a spectacular ice chapel complete with cathedral style ceilings and after exchanging your vows you can retire to the ice bar for your reception! 

Choose the Great Wall of China for a stunning location for your destination wedding.  You can get married alongside the wall amongst a collection of architect designed villas with the wall providing a stunning backdrop.  

Las Vegas is popular for those who want a wedding with a difference, so if you fancy being married by Elvis or beneath the city lights then Las Vegas can offer a package to suit.  After your wedding ceremony you can part the night away in one of the many casinos and who knows maybe you will strike it rich!

By Georgina Clatworthy

The idea of a destination wedding appeals to many couples these days as they dream of saying their vows on some foreign beach or exotic location.  But which destination should you be considering for your wedding?  Here is our pick of the ten best:

1. Santorini – This destination is loved by celebrities and sun worshippers alike.  The rugged beauty and rustic charm of this Greek island makes it the most popular choice.

2. Cyprus – This Mediterranean island boasts fabulous weather, golden beaches and a wonderful cultural mix of traditions.  All things which go towards making it a perfect wedding location.

3. St Lucia – For a unique beach side ceremony location you should look no further than the glorious white sands, swaying palms and turquoise seas of St Lucia.

4. Mauritius – The jewel in the crown of the Indian ocean boasts luxury and seclusion tropical island style.

5. Las Vegas – If you want a glitzy and glamorous wedding then look no further than Vegas.

6. Australia – Whether it is the rugged outback or the metropolitan cities of Sydney or Melbourne, you will find an unforgettable wedding experience in Australia.

7. Thailand – From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to serene and exotic islands, Thailand offers something for every couple.

8. Kenya – Africa’s heartland offers up rugged wilderness and a unique safari wedding setting, make for an unforgettable setting for a wedding.

9. New York – How about getting married in the world’s most famous city?  Think about tying the knot in Times Square or Central Park.

10. Sharm El- Sheikh – Get married where the ancient Egyptians once trod.  The stunning scenery and ancient history make this resort in Egypt a firm favorite.

By Georgina Clatworthy

For some couples the idea of exchanging vows on a sun drenched beach is just too appealing to ignore.  A destination wedding provides the perfect mix of wedding and honeymoon in one package and the opportunity for some perfect sun soaked wedding snaps!

But whilst many think this type of wedding needs less planning, a destination wedding needs planning just as carefully as one at home.  Here are some of the pros and cons to consider when planning a wedding in a foreign destination:

• Always check the legal paperwork required to marry in your chosen destination. Different countries will have different requirements and you will almost certainly need to supply your birth certificates. If one of you has been married before you may need to supply proof the marriage has been legally ended. For many places you will need at least six months left on your passport. Check all the legal requirements through that’s country embassy and if possible pay it a visit to make sure all the paperwork is in place.
• You can use a travel agency to sort out all the legal work for you and to aid you with your wedding planning. Check the credentials of the agency you are using and make sure you some travel and/or wedding insurance in place before you fly.
• Destination weddings are an appealing option, but you must remember that you will need time to get over the flight, particularly if it is long haul. Many countries will require you to be ‘resident’ in the country for a certain number of days before you can legally marry there.
• Check with the travel agency about what you can carry on board the plane as hand luggage. You may prefer to take important items such as your bridal jewelry and headpiece and wedding rings in your hand luggage rather than risk them being lost with misdirected luggage!
• For any destination wedding you will need two witnesses. Whilst it may sound romantic to pull two locals from the beach on the day itself, do you really want two strangers sharing your special day with you?
• If the answer to the above is no then you will need to think about your guests. The etiquette with destination weddings is that the bride and groom pay for all the guests accommodation, food and drink, whilst the guests must pay for their flights. However, this is rarely observed but you may need to consider contributing towards to have the people you really want with you on the day.
• You also need to think about what your guests will do after the wedding. If you are staying on for your honeymoon do you want your guests to be essentially become ‘gatecrashers’ of your honeymoon? Chances are your guests will not want to appear to be gate-crashing themselves, but it is worth thinking about moving to another location after the wedding day.
• If you are still convinced a destination wedding is for you, but you can’t invite many guests or they can’t afford to come, then think about hosting an informal party on your return when you can invite everyone to help you celebrate! And admire your tan!

 By Georgina Clatworthy

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular.  Imagine saying your vows on a sun kissed beach in a tropical paradise.  Destination weddings were traditionally small, intimate affairs perhaps only involving the bride & groom or maybe just a few select guests. However, in recent times destination weddings have become as large & as grand as those which take place at home, meaning that now there is a whole new set of rules to follow for getting married on a distant shore.

If you are planning a destination wedding then here are a few tips to help with your wedding planning.

• It can be tempting to invite lots of people to the wedding, but you may be limited as to the number of guests who can attend. Check with the venue first.
• Destination wedding etiquette says that the bride & groom should pay for the accommodation & food of their wedding guests. Guests need only pay for their flights, so factor these costs in. Naturally, you do not have to comply with etiquette so some guests may be happy to fund the trip themselves, whilst others may need you to pay or contribute towards the cost.
• When you send out your invitations be clear with your guests about what you will be paying for. If you really want someone in particular to be there, then be prepared to have to pay for them.
• You should pay for the accommodation of your wedding party. These people are helping you throughout the wedding planning & on the day itself so reward them for their efforts.
• Try to negotiate the best rates possible for accommodation in the local area, if you cannot get everyone into the same hotel as you, then find somewhere else nearby & negotiate block bookings there as well.
• Let your guests know about any particular dress code you are applying. You may want a casual relaxed atmosphere or you may want something more formal. Just let your guests know whether you are expecting bikini’s & sarongs or pretty dresses & hats!
• Make sure your guests are aware of the weather & temperatures at your particular destination so that they can pack accordingly. You should also inform of any other functions that you will be holding before or after the wedding, such as a rehearsal dinner.
• In the run up to the big day you may just find yourselves milling around the hotel complex looking something to do. As a couple you may want some time alone together or with just a few close friends & family. Make sure you find out about any activities, excursions, amenities & other leisure facilities so that you can pass all this on to your guests. Hopefully you will all find something to occupy yourselves & not be living in each other pockets for the entire trip!
• When your guests arrive at the location be on hand to greet them, arrange a welcome dinner or cocktail hour to welcome them all to your wedding. This is also a good point at which to let them know about any activities etc that are available.
• It is also a good opportunity to run through the arrangements for the wedding day itself & any other functions which you may have organized. I would also advise on having a printed agenda for the wedding sent round to every guest before the day as well.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Destination weddings have increased in popularity over the last few years.  So if you & your intended are considering a destination wedding & would like some inspiration, then check out these celebrity destination wedding spots!

1. Actress Mira Sorvino & Chris Backus exchanged their vows in a sunset wedding on the Mediterranean island of Capri.  

2. Actors Emma Thompson & Greg Wise were married in Loch Eck, Scotland, with the reception following at the 17th-century Coylet Inn in Argyll. They didn’t tell their guests where the wedding would take place until the last minute.  Emma’s daughter Gaia was a flower girl.

3. Liv Tyler & rocker Royston Langdon had a private wedding at a private villa on the island of Barbados.  A month later they had a second wedding with their relatives at Pastis, a popular eatery in New York.

4. Melissa Joan Hart (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”) & Mark Wilkerson had a romantic wedding in Florance & their honeymoon took them across Scotland, Ireland & England.

5. In 2003, Kate Winslet & director Sam Mendes got married in the West Indies in what was a spur of the moment wedding.  Kate’s daughter Mia witnessed the wedding.  

6. Tiger Woods & Swedish model Elin Nordegren had a sunset wedding at a golf course clubhouse in  St. James, Barbados. For their honeymoon, they boarded a yacht & spent their time diving in the Caribbean waters.  

7. Elizabeth Berkley & artist Greg Lauren invited one hundred family members & friends to a three-day destination wedding at the Esperanza Resort in Mexico. This resort was voted by Travel & Leisure Magazine as the best Mexico & Central American resort.

8. NFL legend Deion Sanders & model Pilar Bigger flew in 80 of their closest friends to the Paradise Islands in the Bahamas for their wedding. Deion & Pilar had an ocean view ceremony.

9. Pierce Brosnan & Keely Shaye Smith held dramatic & lavish wedding in Ireland. The ceremony was held in the 800-year-old Ballintubber Abbey & the reception followed at the 13th century castle, Ashford Castle Hotel.

10. Dixie Chick’s Martie Seidel & Gareth Maguire had two destination weddings. The first was held on the island of Kailua in Hawaii, where Marti walked down the beach aisle to “Ireland’s Green Shore” as the wedding march. The second wedding was held at the Londonberry Arms hotel in Carnlough, Ireland.

8 Pros & Cons of Destination Weddings

By Georgina Clatworthy

A destination wedding essentially means a wedding held away from the couple’s normal place of residence & usually overseas.  This kind of wedding has soared in popularity, increasing 400% in the last ten years.  The appeal is in having a wedding which combines adventure, tradition, paradise & an element of the unknown, whilst sometimes being a cheaper alternative to staying at home.

Whilst some destination weddings involve only the couple themselves, others include an intimate gathering of close family & friends & at the top of the scale are the big grand weddings, with everyone invited & numerous parties taking place over the course of a weekend.

So if you are considering a destination wedding & wondering if it is right for you, here are some pros & cons for you to think about.

• Pro: A Complete Package
  The benefit of a destination wedding is that the resorts that offer wedding packages will include just about everything you could possibly want. This is big business for them, so they will compete on package size & the services they offer. A typical package could include: ceremony & local officials, photographs & video, reception, flowers, hair & make up, wedding cake, choice of ceremony locations. Along with this the happy couple may be treated to a room upgrade both before & after the wedding, along with free dinners, excursions & acitivites.
• Con: Planning a Wedding Long Distance & Legal Red Tape
  You need to be familiar with the legal requirements for marrying in your chosen destination. For some it is just a matter of being ‘resident’ for a few days, other will require extensive legal paperwork to be carried out before hand. So make sure you check before you book as to what is required. If the process looks particularly complicated then hire a local wedding coordinator to help sort everything out for you. You may also need to find local wedding vendors if you are not taking a package deal for your wedding.
• Pro: Avoiding Stressful Family Situations
  Your guest list is likely to be smaller than if your had your wedding locally & with booking a wedding package you will avoid lots of the stress normally associated with weddings. If your family are driving you mad trying to get you to invite all & sundry, put your foot down & tell them it will be an intimate wedding for friends & close family only. Alternatively go on your own & send them pictures!
• Con: Family Members & Friends You Love May Not Be There
  Having a wedding some distance from your normal place of residence can mean that certain guests will not be able to attend. Either because of the cost of getting there & accommodation, or perhaps because they cannot travel any great distance. Make those people particularly close to you aware of your plans before you book & send out your invitations.
• Pro: You’ll Save Money By Not Having 200 People at a Reception
  Typically a destination wedding can cost less than a traditional at home affair. But be aware that wedding etiquette calls for the bride & groom to pay for the hotel accommodation of their guests, along with food & most other expenses. Your guests will only pay for their own airfares. If this is outside your budget, look for alternative locations a bit closer to home or consider a smaller guest list.
• Con: Some of your loved ones may not be able to afford to travel that far
  You may have to consider paying some or all of the fares to get the people who matter to you most to your wedding. Again, talk to them beforehand & see if you can come to some arrangement which suits you all. One solution maybe to ask the travel agents about discounts for group bookings.
• Pro: By Combining Wedding & Honeymoon, You Can Afford to Go to that Dream Honeymoon Locale
  A destination wedding offers you the luxury of being able to combine your wedding & honeymoon in a fabulous location. Some travel companies will offer packages which will see you married in one location & then whisked away to another destination for your honeymoon. All of which would cost you less than booking a traditional wedding at home & a separate honeymoon.
• Con: With Your Family Around, & a Wedding to Worry About, Will You Really Get a Honeymoon?
  This is really down to you & the understanding of your guests. Look into going to another hotel or location after the wedding where you can enjoy some time alone. Book into your destination a few days early or arrange to leave a few days after all your guests have gone home. If neither of these are possible then make sure your guests will have plenty of things to occupy them after the wedding so you can both spend some time alone.

By Jason Hennessey

More and more people are turning to destination wedding favors around the world. Couples as well as wedding planners have come into realization that using a particular setting or a locale to theme a wedding is not only easy to set but also less costly in terms of decorations, favors, foods and the general facelift to the atmosphere. Choosing a particular destination for your wedding can be real and abstract. For instance, choosing a Paris-themed wedding reception in a beach can be interesting and memorable. You can use different means to bring that look that you desire in your occasion. You can use statuettes on the tables with the color that marches the gowns worn by the bride and the bridesmaids. Color candles can also be tied with silver ribbons as wedding favors to go with other symbolic accessories.

A good selection of wedding favors can bring an excellent ambience while planning a destination-themed wedding. Well-chosen favors are likely to make your wedding event remain memorable to your guests. Today, favors are much more than just as a sign of appreciation; they are used bring splendor and fun into the wedding reception. Favors are given as souvenirs to be as a reminder to your guests of one of the most important days of your life. Therefore, favors for your reception should be selected with much care and consideration by a wedding planner or the couple themselves.

This does not mean that you will have to stifle your budget for favors. You can succeed in bring glamour in everyone’s face by just giving them a simple treat as a reception favor. For instance, tastefully packaged tea or coffee; in sleek cups tied with shinny ribbons is absolutely a superb idea to any theme; more so in a Victorian themed wedding or reception. Such favors can bring an immense feeling of gratitude without having to spend much in other solid stuff. Some would argue that the guests may perceive the occasion as cheap. However, if you need a simple and classic event; while taking care of the budget, this is the way to go. You can give your guests some more of the same favors early in the morning after a night of celebration. However, make sure this time round you package it with different influent to bring relaxation and good taste to your guests in the reception. After the event you will be amazed on how you simply managed a simple and elegant occasion with momentous enjoyments.

In the same note, whether you are in a tropical honeymoon or a summer reception, you can treat your guests with a mix of cocktail favors. They can be served single or blended with basic ingredients of cosmopolitans, pina coladas and margatas. These can be accompanied with an affluent of refreshing drinks or separately. The drinks need not include alcohol. Coffee, tea or carbonated fruit juices can still bring excitement and romance in an exotic destination. Offering personalized favors in your reception can also be a brilliant idea to spruce your event. Knowing your guests well can go a long way as far as giving them the best thrill in your wedding event.