Destination weddings are the latest trend to celebrate your wedding day with loved ones. Especially for the bride and groom, this is a different and alternative way to celebrate. But some may wonder what is a destination wedding? And why is it fashionable?
If we refer to the precise definition of the word, the Oxford dictionary defines a “Destination Wedding” as "that wedding that is performed at a location chosen primarily for its attributes as a holiday destination." Although this definition is widely accepted, this type of outdoor wedding actually encompasses a broader description. Basically, a destination wedding is when the bride and groom decide to marry in a different place from where they live, which implies relocating their entire wedding, their guests and logistics to this particular place.
Ideally, the chosen destination is a city or town with a certain charm, spectacular natural view or architectural beauty. It can also be in the country of residence or abroad. Anyway, this type of celebration is more intimate and personalized because there are a limited number of guests, as well as an unforgettable setting to celebrate this new stage of life as a couple.
When you look at the photo albums of the destination weddings, you might be able to observe couples with happy faces, brides with splendid dresses that fit with the atmosphere and guests enjoying mini-vacations. If you would like to live this experience, read this practical guide carefully.
The selection of the wedding destination must be the main task before preparation of this type of wedding. Hiring the services of a wedding or event planner to carry out this research is an excellent idea. These professionals know what aspects to consider for location, procedures, setting, decoration, contracting of local suppliers, etc.
Destination weddings usually last three to five days, depending on budget, availability of the venue, availability of the couple and the high or low season. In addition, other important aspects are:
Choose a destination that is accessible to family and guests: consider all access to locations for wedding banquets and professional wedding providers by car. Also, the costs for airfare expenses should be manageable as well as availability of Hotels.
If it is a beach wedding, select a month known for its pleasant weather, preferably at the end of the year. If the wedding will take place in a magical or picturesque city, choose summer and during a or extended holiday so as not to interrupt the work or lives of everyone involved.
Find out what kind of paperwork is needed to travel and to officiate the ceremony in this destination. If it is abroad, check whether the guests need a visa or not. The requirements of the civil registry also change according to the country. Also, do not forget to find out what is response range when submitting these paperwork.
Create a list of closest guests and family members and if there is a budget to cover some of their expenses.
A destination wedding is also very convenient to save on honeymoon expenses, since it can be done in the same place. All that is needed is to pack extra and be willing to enjoy this moment.
Destination weddings tends to break the paradigm of traditional weddings. The aim is NOT to celebrate the wedding in the same way as you would at home. Please read the following peculiarities that you must take into account:
At destination weddings, the tradition and part of the culture of the destination must be introduced. For example: if you have traveled to Cartagena (Colombia) to celebrate your wedding, the theme should include food, traditions and eccentricities from the Colombian coast. In the case of Brazil, you can include Brazilian drinks, carioca decoration style, native or carnival music, among others.
In the search for that special place, you might want to consider colonial towns, farms, historic buildings, museums, castles and even the top of a skyscraper.
Generally, for destination weddings, private beaches or some place in the middle of nature is used as a background and setting.
In the United States, for example, “destination weddings” guests are greeted with a cocktail or rehearsal dinner as a welcome one or two days before the wedding day.
On the other hand, In Latin America, it is common to have two weddings, civil and religious, and both are held in different places such as the beach and the church.
Advantages and disadvantages
For these types of events that encases a logistically and time-consuming challenge, there are advantages and disadvantages. Below are the positive points of destination weddings:
Having an unforgettable and incomparable memory of one of the most important days of their lives. It is much more attractive than getting married in an event hall in your city than in a castle or in paradise. Your photos will be the best with a perfect backdrop scenario. What better to make your wedding than in the place of your dreams!
Destination weddings are always smaller and simpler by the number of guests. As you do not know the place, the easiest thing is to acquire complete wedding packages in hotels, cruises, or directly with wedding planning professionals in the area, so you avoid a lot of stress!
You also avoid the pressure of inviting people for commitment, as it is unlikely for everyone to pay for such a trip, stay in a hotel and even ask permission for a couple of days off work to attend a wedding. Therefore, the list of guests will be reduced to 20 or 30 people that will undoubtedly make the effort to join the celebrations.
Saving money with a destination wedding seems unbelievable. Nonetheless, by reducing the number of guests and acquiring a complete wedding package, you will be saving a lot of money on tickets, accommodation and even decoration.
Breaking away from routine and sharing invaluable family time. After the wedding, you and your guests can explore the place, take some time to relax, meet the culture and new people. You can also enjoy the traditions and cuisine.
Among the disadvantages are:
Logistically, it will be more difficult to fly or drive elderly relatives such as grandparents and uncles. Transportation and mobility issues are certainly a hassle. Also if your family members have special health needs or requirements, it would be more difficult to travel to another country or city.
It is likely that by unforeseen events, your budget will increase at the last moment. Always separate an amount of money for this. Be prepared!
There is no insurance for providers to abide to an agreement. Local providers are great to obtain these services on-site but there is hardly any checked referenced, particularly if they speak another language. In this case, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner who you can entrust this task.
The legality of your marriage in another country may be compromised if you do not comply with all legal requirements. Some of these might not be available in your country. In this case, there is the possibility that you will have to marry in the Civil Registry again.
What services does Crosettes offer for destination weddings?
Among our services for destination weddings are:
Organization of all the event at the destination with local partners,
Transportation of guests, family and couple to the airport,
Recommendations of hairdressers and dress rental.
Babysitting service
Pick-up at the airport of destination and transfers to the hotel,
Hotel reservation (s),
Activity program for before and after the wedding for the guests.