Destination Weddings

I leave next week for a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta and I can't wait. Our couple is very excited and have been looking forward to this trip for close to a year. While I Do Vow To is all about eco-chic wedding planning and education, planning and overseeing a destination wedding may seem counterintuitive. However, there are a number of advantages to a destination wedding:

• Budgets are typically and can be significantly smaller because the guest list is usually confined to immediate family and very close friends. Of course there are always exceptions.
• The vast majority are are held in tropical locations where the lushness of the region is breathtaking and very little enhancements are needed. This also applies to ceremonies with beachfront and ocean side backdrops.
• Guests love to make your destination wedding their family vacation and will extend a few days on either side of your date. They then receive the benefit of great room rates which were negotiated at discounts.
• Airfares have dropped dramatically.
• Most destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean offer direct flights or minimal transfers.
• You are already on your honeymoon - no need for additional travel plans, unless of course you want to leave all your partying family and friends for some well-deserved alone time.
• Your wedding will last several days instead of just one day. It's great to host a welcome reception which doubles for a rehearsal dinner and when it's time to say good-bye, what better than over brunch?
• Decor is simple and elegant and can be very natural. I'll post some of my favorite photos of eco-friendly and yet elegant ideas.
• A destination wedding is a wonderful way to introduce your guests to some fabulous cultures and traditions.
• A destination wedding is a great bonding experience for everyone. Typically guests will plan other activities like scuba, snorkeling or whale watching which gets them talking, learning and interacting with each other before your wedding day. They'll feel much more comfortable with each other which makes for great memories.
• Wedding day attire tends to be less formal and much easier to choose for couples.
• Your wedding will be uniquely yours - there is a good chance your friends and family have never experienced such a memorable wedding at a fabulous destination.
  

These are just a few of the advantages of a destination wedding and with every positive comes a negative. I'll post the down side of destination weddings later this week. In the meantime, take a look at some of these great photos and ideas.