We are having a destination wedding and have already been fielding questions from those invited regarding airfare, hotel, transportation. It seems that many people are either not able to come or they will be coming on a shoestring budget. We expressed to our guests that if they are unable to make it we completly understand and hope that they think of us on our special day. As we know it is an expense, should we put somewhere in the invite that a gift is not “required” or not needed. How do we include that information so as not to make anyone feel uncomfortable, whether they want to give or not give, it will be up to them and we are just happy to have them there.
Thanks!
How do I approach the subject of giving a wedding gift at a destination wedding?
May 10, 2010 9 Comments
Destination Wedding Guest …. etiquette questions?
May 4, 2010 5 Comments
I am going to Mexico in June for my boyfriend’s brother’s wedding. It is costing us about $2500 together for the flight and resort They don’t have registry so I assume they are expecting money. How much should we give them? *Note we are both poor college students without a job 
the trip is going on credit cards…until we graduate…cash cannot
Questions about a destination wedding? Best climate, best price?
April 30, 2010 5 Comments
I’m sorry I know I’m asking a lot of questions.
I was thinking about St. Croix, USVI, but I was wondering if it would be less expensive to wed in Jamacia or another island? We are thinking late fall/early winter–end of this year. We would like to be able to pay for our parents air and hotel, and as we all know it isn’t cheap. Please give me your wisdom!
Josh–I tried emailing you, but it says you do not allow email. PLEASE email me @ laura149@yahoo.com.
Destination wedding, what kind of questions should I be asking?
April 26, 2010 2 Comments
I’m planning on getting married in Las Vegas (Oct 2010), and I’m heading up in a few weeks to check out venues. What kind of questions should I be asking?
A few things have come across my path that I didn’t think to ask about, like whether or not the venue allows you to bring your own vendors (photographer, officiate, etc) and whether or not tips are included in the fee.
I love Las Vegas because of its convenient location (away from moochers!) and even for a nice (non-cheesy) wedding it’s still comparatively affordable. The distance makes checking places out difficult, and there’s only so much you can tell about a place by looking online. Planning a wedding makes traveling back and forth between CA and NV prohibitively expensive, so this trip up is pretty much my one chance to nail down a venue.
I’ve never done anything like this before, so I don’t know where to begin. Any help would be appreciated!
Destination wedding question: do I have to attend ALL festivities?
April 20, 2010 8 Comments
I’ve been invited to a destination wedding where there are multiple events over three days? Would it be rude to attend only the wedding and reception? Or should I make an appearance at the welcome dinner, wedding and reception (of course), after party and brunch the next day?
Please let me know. I’m not a close relative. I really do think that it’s a bit much to ask someone to spend all that time celebrating a wedding, but I don’t want to offend or ruin the bride’s weekend.
Unfortunately I’m paying for the trip. I’m thinking that maybe just 3 of the 4 events.
I think it’s really rather strange to an after party as well as a reception on the same day. The welcome dinner and brunch I understand, but why another party after a reception?
destination wedding horror for you as a guest????
April 10, 2010 7 Comments
do you have any destination wedding horror stories with you as the guest at the wedding?
while there is a fun trend toward glam destination weddings, do you think some brides are not realistic as to the expense people must go to so they can attend?
some of the places that brides ask guests to come to used to be called honeymoon destinations, now, the whole wedding is moved to the honeymoon spot. great for the bride, but many times a logistical and financial effort of huge proportions on the part of the guests, would you agree?
do you think the bride or her family should shoulder some of the guests expenses?
for instance, a whole group is going to new york for a destination wedding in sept. we have already paid for everything and i cant help but notice that nowhere is there any invitation for any hospitality from either grooms or brides family. i wouldnt do it this way, i would host a dinner myself for the group the night before the wedding if they came all that way.
elizabeth, i think you are smart to set specific parameters, then there are no misunderstadings.
Caribbean Wedding Destination Resource
April 4, 2010 Leave a Comment
isledo.com Caribbean wedding destination resource for couples planning a Caribbean or beach wedding. Buy wedding favors and invitations online. Caribbean wedding couples can also use the free wedding planner tools and free wedding website when they register with isledo.
Italy: If You’re Dreaming of the Ultimate Romantic Destination Wedding – This Is Your Place
March 19, 2010 Leave a Comment
It doesn’t have to be just a dream any longer. Italy provides so many ultra romantic options for your dream wedding. And with the right planning or, preferably planner (remember we’re trying to reduce the stress by choosing a destination wedding), the dream can become a reality.   Here are some things to think about – answer these questions for you and your fiancée (after all, this is YOUR wedding – your most special day – NOT anyone else’s).
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What is your personal style as a couple? Are you formal – like to really dress up in traditional wedding gear? Or are you a little more laid back – would prefer to look fabulous but be comfortable? Do you really enjoy formal dining with fine china and gloved wait staff? Or would something a little more rustic and simple work for you?
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What kind of environment would YOU be most comfortable in? Or would help create the most memorable moments for you?   Have you always pictured an outdoor wedding either on the water or in the country? Are you prepared for some of the “surprise” elements that may include like wind or heat?  Or have you always dreamed of an elegant ballroom, impressive cathedral or rustic country chapel?
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What are some of the most important elements of your dream wedding? What will fill your memories? Is it the food? The flowers? The music? People being relaxed, laughing, having a good time? Including everyone you have ever known in your special day? Or being surrounded by your closest friends and family? Is it the setting itself?Â
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After you have answered these questions together, then decide if you want to try to plan and coordinate all the details and travel yourselves from afar. It can be done and there are certainly lots of web sites and other resources to help you. Or, share your dream with a wedding/travel planner who is also a travel agent and let them take care of all the details. This way, you will be sure that you are getting the very best value on all the travel components as well as someone to take care of all the little details.   Since an experienced planner will have access to all sorts of travel deals – group rates, accommodations, secrets that will make for a perfect trip, etc. – even though you are paying them typically 10-15% of the overall wedding cost, you will be saving at least that much in higher air fare, accommodations, etc.Â
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Picture yourselves on the enchanted isle of Capri – surrounded by azure blue water.  Or exchanging vows in a medieval chapel and dancing the night away in a romantically lit piazza. Or pledging your love with the majestic Alps and serene waters of Lake Como as your backdrop.  All the while surrounded by your loved ones who are also having the time of their lives and perhaps their own dream vacation.   Now doesn’t that beat the banquet hall or ballroom or town Church or Temple where everyone else you have ever known has had their wedding? And the best part is that it can be more affordable that you think.
Ultimate Destination Wedding Guide
March 14, 2010 Leave a Comment
Destination Weddings have become an increasingly popular wedding trend, with the number of Destination Weddings tripling over the past 10-years.
Brides and Grooms are increasingly considering variations of the traditional wedding ceremonies. In many cases arrangements may be more relaxed and less stressful for the couple, and because the weddings may of necessity be smaller, the wedding may also be less expensive. Usually the destination wedding location also becomes the honeymoon site.
An average wedding in the US costs $20,000 – $25,000 and consists of 150-200 guests. By reducing the number of guests and combining the wedding and honeymoon, a Destination Wedding can provide a more memorable, intimate experience at a fraction of the cost.
The most common destination in the United States is Las Vegas, followed by the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For Beach Weddings, Florida, the Caribbean and Hawaii are popular choices. Many Cruise line also offer wedding and honeymoon packages with options of shipboard chapels or weddings at various ports. And yet another option, is a Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings at Walt Disney World® Resort, which has become one of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet.
Regardless of the location selected, a Destination Wedding can be a romantic, memorable alternative to a traditional wedding. Destination Weddings provide the ultimate setting to celebrate your endless love for each other at a location where all your wedding and honeymoon dreams can come true.
For more information on Wedding Planning and Destination Wedding Guides, please visit a http://ourultimatewedding.com
Choosing a Wedding Invitation for Your Unique Destination Theme
March 11, 2010 Leave a Comment
A popular wedding trend is to hold a destination event where all of the eventâ??s guests travel to a fabulous destination to celebrate together for the coupleâ??s happy day. Destination weddings often take more planning and coordination than traditional weddings, simply because many people will have to coordinate their schedules in order to travel to the ceremony. This can make choosing the appropriate wedding invitations more difficult as well. By planning early, you can find the perfect wedding invitations to use for your big event that perfectly match your theme.
The first thing to consider when choosing a wedding invitation for a destination wedding is how you plan to incorporate the theme into the invitation design. Some couples look at the destination where their wedding will be held and choose invitations that use images associated with that area. For instance, if your destination is a tropical location, you may choose to use summery or beach-style images and colors on your wedding invitations.
If your wedding is at a resort that is well known for being in a certain area or having a certain focus, it can also be very appropriate to use images associated with that area to make your wedding invitations perfect. Consider the time of year that you wedding is taking place as well because this can help to influence the design decisions that you make when choosing your wedding invitations.
A second consideration when choosing wedding invitations for destination weddings is the necessary information that should be provided within your invitation. Traditional wedding invitations actually contain very little information. The most important information on a traditional invitation is the date, time and location. Although this information is also important for a destination wedding, more should be included.
The information that needs to be included on a destination wedding invitation includes; travel transportation suggestions, information for accommodations at the location, and suggested dates of travel in order to coordinate the dates and times when guests arrive at the destination. If discounts are being given by the destination, you should inform your guests about that. Your wedding invitation should inform your guests about every logistical detail of the event that could affect their travel and attendance.
One way to incorporate all of this information on a simple invitation may be to choose a double-sided design. A double-sided design allows you can to include the basic information on the front of the card, and then the travel details on the back of the card. Be sure to proofread your invitations because it is important to include all necessary information and this gives you enough time to make corrections if they are needed.
An important third consideration when choosing wedding invitations for a destination wedding is to include extra stationery if you are planning a secondary reception in your hometown after returning from your wedding. Many couples who have destination weddings choose to have a separate reception when they get home so that they can spend time and celebrate with the loved ones who were unable to attend the actual ceremony. You should include an extra invitation if you have planned such an event so that all of your guests are informed about an alternative or additional event that they can attend.
Finally, you need to remember that with a destination wedding, you should send out your wedding invitations considerably earlier than if all of your guests were located near the big event. Generally, you should allow three to four months for your guests to be able to plan their travel to attend your destination wedding. They may need to secure that time off from their jobs, plan their air travel, save money for the cost of staying at the wedding destination and prepare any other plans necessary for the trip. The more time you can provide for your guests, the more likely they can attend your ceremony.
Wedding invitations for destination weddings can be more complicated than traditional wedding events. With careful consideration and thought, you can find the perfect invitations to use and put them together to include all of the information you need to share with your guests. With your forethought and planning, you can be well prepared to celebrate your wedding day with your friends and family. A destination wedding is in excellent choice because it is beneficial to everybody attending. Your guests are able to enjoy the experience while having a vacation at a new location. A destination wedding may take much longer to plan and your guests should be given ample time to work the date into their schedules. When planning your invitations, it is a great idea to incorporate images of the location as this allows your guests to get a sense of what to expect upon arrival at the location.
