Luxury Destination Weddings have always been about sharing a special experience with friends and family. Today, many brides and grooms are choosing to say their vows in some of the most beautiful settings on earth. It is becoming extremely popular so don’t be surprised if you receive an invitation to “save the date”!
Luxury destination weddings are an attractive alternative to a traditional local celebration. After all, it allows everyone to not only attend a ceremony, but also enjoy a fabulous vacation surrounded by people they love.
Increased Popularity
If you’re considering a destination wedding, be aware that they increased in popularity by over 400% in recent years. That means that planning ahead to secure your space is extremely important. The most popular months for such an event are February, March and April. Coincidentally, those are the same months when many locals like to head south to escape the winter chill.
Fall season generally offers more availability which is a good thing. However, I usually do not recommend it for destinations near the Gulf of Mexico due to it being hurricane season. Even without a major hurricane, the weather can be rainy and unpredictable that time of year.
To ease the stress of planning and travelling to a destination wedding, I normally suggest considering those that have direct flights from most major cities. So, areas like Cancun, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Nassau, Hawaii or even Vegas could be perfect.
Big or Small destination wedding?
As a luxury travel consultant, I find that the perfect size of a destination wedding is from 30 to 70 guests. This number is large enough to command special attention from the resort of hotel. It is still small enough to still be manageable in terms of coordinating things. Of course, by partnering with a skilled travel consultant, that task becomes significantly easier. It is my connections and relationships with resorts that can make the most difference in getting all the details handled on location by professionals who care.
Some say that destination weddings started as a way to save money and get away at the same time. To transform it into a luxurious experience for all requires some planning. It may also incur a more significant investment. However, you may be surprised at the overall value compared to a local ceremony alone. Generally, with as few as 10 people, you may qualify for group rates and amenities not available to individual vacation seekers.
How long should we plan in advance?
Any wedding takes time and attention to detail. For a destination wedding I recommend starting at least a year in advance. This will provide you with the most available options and range of choices for the bridal party and guests alike. During my standard consultation and interview with the couple, I often recommend visiting the resort to meet with their wedding planner before making a final decision.
It is always a happy occasion when I hear from a couple considering taking their celebration abroad. I know the important questions to ask, the critical details that matter, and the many secrets that can ensure a joyous experience for all. Even for those who are getting married for the second (or third) time, a destination wedding can be the perfect way to create something uniquely “you.”
As a bride or groom considering a luxury destination wedding, or even as a guest attending one, my job is to help you create memories that last a lifetime.
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