It always amazes me the amount of time people spend planning their weddings. What’s even harder to fathom is the amount of money that is spent! And for what? A day that flies by quicker than a blink of the of an eye and all you have left to remember it is a photo album and a $30,000 bill (or more!)? I have had the pleasure (or pain) of being in several weddings over the years and I can honestly tell you that I will eventually opt for a destination wedding, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a travel consultant. Apparently, I am not the only one who has decided to opt for tropical nuptials. CNN reports that destination weddings have jumped over 400% in the past 10 years. There are a multitude of reasons as to why this trend is so hot, so let’s jump right in and explore!
Taking your nuptials on the road often allows the couple to “shrink” their guest list. Years ago, destination weddings were seen as “eloping”, but these days many people want to join in the festivities, so beware! Can’t you picture it now? White sand beaches with crystal blue waters and maybe the company of 1 or 2 other couples to share in your joy, and more importantly no tacky d.j’s or whordes of relatives trying to maul you for a picture…Sandals Resorts specializes in what they call the “WeddingMoon”. In fact, if you stay 7 nights or longer, your wedding is complimentary! Sandals has resorts in all the major Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas and they are known for their couples only, and “ultra” all inclusive plans. They have also enlisted the aid of world renowned wedding planner to the stars, Preston Bailey, to help create several different “WeddingMoon” packages. All vary in price, but you are sure to find something for every taste. Now I know that you are probably sitting there saying “But what if we have kids?” or “What if I have single friends?” Then head to “Beaches”- Sandals’ sister property. They cater to families, and they are the perfect option for the newly blended families that chose to tie the knot. They also have kids clubs on site, so you know that you will be able to get some rest! But, if you are traveling with just a few couples in tow, then Sandals is the only way to go!
Another reason why the destination wedding has gained so much popularity in the recent years is because you not only save money, but you can save a large amount of time planning also! The average wedding takes at least a year to plan, but when you take it on the road you only need around 3 to 4 months to get it all together! Princess Cruise Lines (NCL) offers you the service of a wedding coordinator when you purchase any of their packages to help ensure that everything runs smoothly. It becomes their job to fret over all of the small details, all you have to do is show up! The only time that you can actually get married aboard the ship “Love Boat” style is on the first sailing date. This is still a great option with special offerings like priority check in for you and your guests, and a non denominational officiant on hand to perform the ceremony. Their destination packages guarantee a beautiful beach, garden or gazebo location, tropical flower bouquets and much, much more! Getting married on a cruise is especially time saving when you figure that you even have the spa and salon on board to make sure that you look perfect for your special day! Cruising to your nuptials can also help you save thousands of dollars! So why break the bank when you can cruise down matrimony lane in style? And to only spend a quarter of the time planning? There’s no question as to what is the better deal!
But the Caribbean is not the only stop for all these wedding bound couples today. Believe it or not, Las Vegas is no longer just a location to get hitched by Elvis in a drive thru, but it can be a fantastic location to host a very elegant (and affordable!) event! With opulent hotels ion the rise, like the Wynn, the Bellagio, and the Venetian, many couples see this locale as the perfect place to catch a little sun and tie the knot.. And a couple pulls at the slots couldn’t hurt either! There are many spots across the city that have become increasingly popular with the soon to be newlyweds, including the Stratosphere’s observation deck-situated 800 feet above the city, the Eiffel tower at Paris Las Vegas, and in front of the lake and fountain show at the Bellagio. And if you are looking for something completely out of the ordinary where else can you find nuptials aboard a roller coaster or a Star Trek themed wedding? You guessed it. There’s no other place like it on Earth, and there has to be a good reason why Las Vegas is the “Wedding Capital of the World”.
And I know that it is hard to believe, but from what I hear there are actually some people out there where money is not a factor when planning a wedding. I know, I know, you don’t believe me, but scouts honor, it’s true. And some of these couples still prefer to have destination weddings because it’s what they have always dreamed of. Whether they chose to be elaborate or go “island simple” is their choice. Some of the most exotic destinations of the Caribbean, French Polynesia, and Europe are included in these platinum priced weddings. Club Med and Pleasant Holidays offer exquisite packages to Bora Bora, where over water bungalows afford the guests underwater views of tropical fish and plant life. But white sands and crystal blue water are not every girls dream..Some prefer the elegance of marrying in an ancient castle honoring the true princess at heart. London, Paris, and Scotland have become destination wedding Mecca’s for the wealthy and elite. Brendan Tours can put together a personalized tour for you and your loved ones so that no time is wasted while across the pond! Or, if marrying in the countryside is more your cup of tea Abercrombie and Kent rents villas, cottages and full blown mansions in many European cities. But you don’t have to break the bank to married in Europe. With the help of a smart agent you can be steered in the right direction.
To me, it’s really not difficult to understand the rather large increase in destination weddings over the past few years. When you consider the amount of stress, money and hassles that it takes to plan that special day, shouldn’t the time leading up to that event be just as special too? Destination weddings often fulfill childhood dreams and allow the couple to not only celebrate their nuptials, but immediately enjoy their honeymoon with absolutely no time wasted! And think of all the obscure relatives that you get to duck! It’s a win/win situation! Give me a call today, I’ll help relieve your stress and aid you in the planning of the wedding of your dreams!
Article was written by Suzanne E. Frey Head of Business Development for Research Travel
