DESTINATION WEDDINGS
by Judith Rivers-Moore
author of Beautiful-Weddings & Events Books

www.A-Honeymoon.com

This very popular choice for a wedding enjoys a multitude of exciting and pleasurable locales in the United States and around the world. Whether a nearby major city -- one quaint town away, a tourism area, or your home town when you are away at college or working elsewhere -- it becomes a destination. Many Destination Weddings are considered favorite VACATION or TOURISM areas. They call this a variety of names. "wedmoons","destination weddings" and if secret, "elopements". After WHO and WHY is answered, it still boils down to what, where and when.

WHO CHOOSE THIS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WEDDING STYLE?

• Family oriented bridal couples want their families to get-to-know one another. They select a popular or unique location for the families to meet and get to know one another in a enjoyable or exotic relaxing location.
• People who have lived together for years and decide to say the words, while enjoying a lovely vacation
• Couples who have fallen in love with a particular part of the world and want to share it
• A remarriage for one or both
• A couple decides to "elope" or run off to a fun or romantic favorite area and tie the knot and when bringing a few close friends or relations it becomes a destination wedding
• Couples WHO want their wedding to be a unique experience and an excursion for all involved
• The couple now lives and works with many of their friends in a new area of the world -- the location now becomes a destination to the families
• Individuals who are decidedly into their own life styles and non-family oriented

WHY

• One, or both of the intended cannot handle standing up in front of a group of people -- so they opt for a private ceremony
• The destination wedding ceremony combines with the honeymoon plans
• It gives the flexibility to cut the wedding guest list down considerably
• Many of the favorite destination areas are extremely romantic and offer some of the most talented professionals to help create the vision -- When hiring, ALWAYS ask for references and call them
• Some areas of the world host less expensive weddings and receptions.

WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL?

• Deciding on your destination
• Learning the cost of that style wedding and who can help from the other end. (General locations, information can be achieved by using area books, event coordinators, travel agents or the internet)
• Determining your budget and guest list -- then applying it to the destination area's costs
• Creating a formula of who pays for what while there
• A Timeline which allows guests ample opportunity to save up for a trip,
• and gain vacation time to come
• Making travel and accommodation arrangements for you and possibly your family/group
• Finding someone to help your at the other end. The location coordinator, an event coordinator, family or a friend in the area
• TRUST -- that all will be completed perfectly to your specifications for
  when you arrive

WHERE ARE THE BEST DESTINATION WEDDING SPOTS?

• Places where there are fun things to do:
  a variety of great restaurants
  good accommodations
  has environmental beauty
  common enjoyment -- such as a hobby, snow skiing, beaches, boating,
  theaters, hiking, biking golf areas
• World-wide favorite resorts or hotels in:
  Mexico, Thailand, Germany & Swiss Alps, Greek Isles and Caribbean Ocean.
• Top five in the United States are: Las Vegas, Disneyland (s), Charleston
  South Carolina and the California Wine Country areas of Sonoma and Napa,
  etc., Hawaiian Islands and the major cities around the world.
• Many exciting destinations include: ocean cruise ships, dude ranches, Pacific Coast resorts, National Parks (Niagara Falls, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Lake Tahoe, etc. )
• Exciting cities such as New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Diego, Seattle, Washington DC, or choose from the major cities around the world.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PLAN an ELOPEMENT?

• When just the two of you want to "get married" in privacy
• When it is too overwhelming a project

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PLAN A DESTINATION WEDDING?

• Each area has its best time of the year for visitors. If you are looking for lower costs, pick the off seasons and save considerably.
• It is suggested you always check the weather patterns for the time of year
  you plan to be there.
• When you feel your schedules will work best together for time off

SPECIAL PLANNING TIPS
It cannot be emphasized enough -- budget is a top priority in this type of plan. Go over it several times -- find out where outside funds are coming from, determine who will pay for what -- demand accurate price quotes, including tax and tips. It really does help to hire someone at the destination who can complete things for you prior to, and the day of your wedding. These event coordinators or consultants will advise and often cut your costs while helping you realize your dreams. It is also important to use a credit card which insures your purchases....and tracks your expenses.

a) Look for packages -- all inclusive -- all in one costs -- with meals, accommodations, sports, golf, tours, etc.
b) If you are taking a large group into the area -- plan far in advance to give them time to plan. Also, if possible, for the purpose of lining up your event location and vendor interviews, travel to the area a few times to review the site, interview and hire the professionals who will work with you. This will give you reassurance.
c) Check out the marriage license rules of the area you are going to be married in, where to get your license, what identification you need, etc
d) Keep a check list of your questions and concerns for when you call back to your location or professionals. This can cut down on your phone bill. And sometimes having someone at the other end to handle the details works wonders
e) Tell the professionals exactly what you want and expect from them. E-mail them specifics...or outline these in the contracts prior to signing. It is alright to ask them to wear formal attire or theme...according to your event
f) Get books about the area for tourism, area wedding book's for recommendations on vendors, informational history so you can plan out fun things to do and know about the area you are visiting
g) If you are bringing a large group into the area for a few days you will
want to plan:

• gatherings - lunch, dinner or picnic for families and friends to meet
• a casual shopping or tour of the area
• bike, hike, golf or sports and swim fun
• bachelor or bachelorette party -- spa, golf, etc.
• rehearsal dinner
• ceremony and reception
• honeymoon days -- or take off elsewhere

About the Author: Judith Rivers-Moore. Judith writes the all occasion "Beautiful Wedding & Events" planning books with outlines for over twenty different events. The book's information is useful in any part of the country. the 2006 book includes details for the vineyard regions of Northern California. [This is the fifth most popular destination area in the U.S.] Her love of California gives the 2007 book [available in January] five of the states favorite destinations. It will include hundreds of photographs on event planning plus locations and services from all of Northern and Central California. Judith also offers an audio book "Beautiful Weddings & Events" and provides _California wedding planning web portals you can go to from the left navigation bar._ There are many Destination Wedding Ideas in the ARTICLES in the World Travel Section of this portal Review the BOOK at www.weddinglinks.com/Default.asp?subid=book Order the BOOK directly at 800.233.3850

If you have enjoyed this article, please let us know at jr@weddinglinks.com.