| ign="center"> | | | | According to one recent survey of brides, more than |
| . Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to | | | | 20 of couples planning a wedding are choosing a |
| make your event more memorable and it is becoming | | | | destination wedding. One reason the destination |
| more and more popular with couples planning a | | | | wedding has become so popular is that combining your |
| wedding. | | | | wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination |
| A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family | | | | weddings may also cost less per guest than having |
| and friends together. These days, however, weddings | | | | your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, |
| often require travel for many of the guests because | | | | be sure to ask about complete wedding packages |
| people are spread out across the country. If many | | | | which are offered by many of the big resorts and |
| guests have long distances to travel to begin with, why | | | | cruise lines. |
| not choose an exotic location and turn your wedding | | | | If possible, hire a wedding coordinator at your location |
| into a more memorable event for everyone, | | | | check references and visit if possible beforehand. |
| Location, Location, Location... | | | | Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test |
| Choosing the right place for your wedding should be | | | | drive your honeymoon package from time to time that |
| first on your to do list. This day should be perfect from | | | | allows couples to fly in for a weekend and try them |
| start to finish that is why finding the right place should | | | | out. If a couple decides to book a honeymoon or |
| be first on your to do list. The place where you and | | | | wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the |
| your fiancée will exchange vows will set the | | | | weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, |
| mood for your whole wedding celebration. Whether | | | | specials like these are subject to change and may not |
| you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple | | | | always be available, but its worth looking into. |
| on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, | | | | Before you go be sure to check on local marriage |
| there are many beautiful locations throughout the world | | | | license laws and any paperwork you will need to bring |
| to choose for a destination wedding. | | | | visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married |
| One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the | | | | outside on the beach, have a back up plan if the |
| expense of flights and the added expense of | | | | weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the |
| accommodations that guests would need to pay for. | | | | Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season. |
| Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not | | | | Most brides choose an informal style wedding dress |
| to attend based on these factors. If you have | | | | for destination weddings because they are easier to |
| problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, | | | | pack and wear. Many designers are offering bridal |
| a destination wedding may be the answer to your | | | | gowns made from light, easy to wear fabric like |
| problems. | | | | chiffon and silk crepe that are perfect for an island |
| Helpful Tip sends invitations early so that your guests | | | | wedding. Ask your local bridal salon for additional ideas |
| will have enough time to make travel plans | | | | and on how to pack your gown for travel. Many of |
| Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six | | | | the resorts may have ironing services or they may be |
| months ahead you get better rates on hotels and | | | | able to recommend a pressing service. If traveling to |
| flights. American Airlines has a special wedding desk 1, | | | | Europe, ask for a local tailor shop. |
| 800, 545, 8193 and can offer a special rate if you book | | | | The Groo is Attirefor the groom. a popular option is the |
| for ten guests or more at the same time. | | | | all ivory or all white tuxedo. Some of today's hottest |
| Helpful Tip Keep in mind that there can be hidden | | | | tuxedo styles are designed in non traditional styles and |
| costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if | | | | shades. |
| you are getting married in a foreign country. | | | | |