Planning A Destination Wedding

                                                                                         

Your wedding is around the corner and dreams of faraway romantic places or quaint hideaways come to mind when trying to decide where you would like your wedding.

If this is you, there are two ways to go when planning a destination wedding. The first is to hire a professional and the second is to do your homework.

For those of you who are planning your own, here are a few things to consider.

First of all there is location. When trying to determine where you want to go, let your mind think outside of the box. Beaches are wonderful but there are hundreds of other places that are just as romantic and fascinating. How about a country inn, lakefront resort, or a wintry mountainside lodge that can be rented for the weekend? If nothing comes to mind, ask your family and friends about some of their favorite getaways.

Speaking of family, inviting everyone you love to one place for several days of fun in the sun can be a good thing, but before you plan a faraway affair, ask yourself if your essential friends and family will be up for the trip. Grandma may not want to fly to Italy for the week and some cannot plainly afford it.

If you are having your wedding in a faraway place, consider hiring a local who can help you take care of the details. An on-location wedding coordinator (many resorts include a coordinator in their wedding packages) can shoulder the burden of researching and securing vendors, arranging airport transportation, and locating all those last-minute things, from dry cleaners to hiking tours, that may come up. Depending on your temperament, this can be a welcome reprieve or a scary proposition.

When it comes to cost, keep in mind you can spend as much or as little as you want on a destination wedding, just as you can at home—there are no steadfast rules about which is less expensive. But don’t forget to factor in at least a couple of pre-wedding research trips into your budget, even if the coordinator is doing the bulk of the work for you.
You may be surprised to find out that destination weddings are often less expensive than traditional weddings. This is because they generally involve fewer guests, and resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive deals.

In watching your pocketbook, you can also opt for less expensive destinations or destinations that offer a wide range of dining and lodging options. If you wed in at a top travel spot, consider choosing an off-season date, and explore local neighborhoods with less touristy price tags for other aspects of your event, like your rehearsal dinner.

If you are getting married in another state or country, you will need a local marriage license, and possibly a passport. The passport is simple; just be sure to apply well in advance of your wedding date. Getting the marriage license can be slightly trickier, especially in a foreign country. Contact the local city hall (if you don't speak their language, get an interpreter!) and get permission to be married in the location. Some places require blood tests, immunization certificates, or doctor's certificates in order for you to legally marry. No matter where you are getting married, it is best to find out as much as possible in advance. There may be unexpected requirements, such as an established residency, a waiting period, or a certain number of witnesses.

For couples looking to create a really memorable occasion without breaking the bank, destination weddings are a perfect option – as long as you do your homework.

About the author:
Cory Davis is the President of LocoStyle, Inc., a leading provider of high quality men's, women's and children's guayabera shirts, also known as Mexican wedding shirts. For more information and to browse a wide selection of guayaberas, please visit http://www.locostyle.com.

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