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Wedding Planning > Wedding Destinations
Planning a Destination Wedding
Today, every couple plans to have a different and memorable wedding.
Celebrities have paved the way for popularity of destination
weddings. If you planning your wedding, take a look at this fabulous
option of planning a destination wedding.
Planning a destination wedding requires a huge amount of research
and of course, money.
Research the Details: Consider all the details before you
plan a destination wedding. First of all find out what the marriage
regulations are in the state, province or country you have selected.
Some states require a blood test so make sure you reach several days
before your guests do, in order to complete the formalities.
Legalization of your vows may require a certain number of witnesses;
keep this in mind if you're planning a "just the two of you"
ceremony. If you're marrying outside the country, do some basic
research on travel to that location. Will you need a passport? Make
sure you and your guests apply well in advance of your departure.
Find out when the place has the best weather; you don't want to
touch down during hurricane season or have your guests melt away
from excessive heat. Find the best transportation deals and pass
this information along to your guests as well.
And some countries, like England, require the bride and the groom to
be citizens of that country, so no chance of planning a wedding
there.
Plan A Budget: Before making up your mind to have a
destination wedding, plan out the expenses and see if you have that
kind of money to spend. Here is the list of the few basic expenses
that you can calculate:
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Transportation costs for the two of you
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Your passports
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The wedding dress and tuxedo purchase or rental
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Flowers and decoration
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Your hotel room cost
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The wedding/reception hall or other location
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The officiate (priest, minister, or other person licensed to perform
legal ceremonies)
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A band, disc jockey, or professional soloist
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A photographer
Other things that you want to consider are wedding favors, a
carriage or limousine ride for guests, food. See that all these
things fit your budget or not.
The Wedding Events: Decide upon what you want - a theme
wedding or a traditional one. If you want a traditional one then
find a wedding chapel at the location you're interested in. Some of
them tend to give complete packages, which includes the photographs,
floweriest, music, officiant, even license built right in. Your job
is usually limited to just showing up. This is easiest, and may even
be less expensive. For themed weddings, book desired venues at your
destination. Most of them will come with packages, too but you might
have to hunt for the perfect location.
Hire a Wedding Planner: However, if you don’t have time to
consider all the factors and want to have a destination wedding then
consider hiring a wedding planner based in the location in or near
your destination. He or she will be familiar with the local
caterers, florists, and tuxedo-rental shops, and can guide you to
the perfect selections for your wedding and reception. Find out
details about consultants whose primary business is working with
couples from out-of-town. Talk to them; ask them to mail photos of
their previous events undertaken, and taking other special steps
that can help you. There are also consultants who aren't limited to
any particular wedding location, but regularly handle destination
weddings.
And lastly, inform the guests much in advance. Book the hotel or inn
and find out the amenities that are available on premises, and what
activities the surrounding area offers so you can plan some
additional events there.
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