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Why Have a Destination Wedding?
For the couple who is torn between a destination wedding and the usual hometown affair, it can be challenging to decide which path is "the one" to take. More than likely, you are weighing your own wedding wishes (and needs) with those of your guests. You may also be weighing the benefits.
There are several advantages to tying the knot far from home. Below is a list of reasons why so many couples prefer to host a destination wedding abroad. Be warned: After reading this list, you may find yourself wondering, why NOT?
Cut Cost
Destination weddings typically cost just a fraction of the average U.S. wedding at home. Couples can jet over to Cabo, say their vows in the sand, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of dancing and romance typically for under $10,000. This cost covers the basic wedding package (both ceremony and reception), the couple’s flight and hotel stay, as well as extended accommodations for the honeymoon.
Meanwhile, a standard, hometown wedding averages more than $20,000 (and much more in major cities), which does not include the added cost of a honeymoon. With Destination Weddings' couples spending less than $9,000 on their total wedding experience, it's easy to see why more people are choosing to get married abroad1.
Less Stress
Think about some of the scenes in your favorite wedding movies. From the overwhelmed "snow beast" in My Big Fat Greek Wedding to Steve Martin's breakdown in Father of the Bride, there is a common theme that makes these moments so funny, and also so very real – the stress of wedding planning!
Destination weddings, however, are a bit different in the planning department. Usually, the guest list is smaller and the majority of the details are handled by an expert. You will have a Destination Wedding Specialist, who is there to help you select your dream wedding venue and choose the right wedding package for your needs. Often, destination wedding packages are all-inclusive, which can lessen planning stress even more. Your Specialist will also be your travel agent, arranging flights and accommodations for both you and your guests.
After choosing a wedding resort, you will also be matched with an onsite coordinator to help iron out the remaining details of your big day – set up, décor, timeline, and more. Most of the time, the wedding couple plans and customizes a few special details, packs their bags, and takes off to enjoy the most memorable voyage of their lives.
The Chance of a Lifetime
Many couples go big for their "big day" because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The same mindset can – and should! – be applied to a destination wedding. Why not make the most of this moment and start your love story in an exotic, romantic destination? Your loved ones will also enjoy this experience, providing even the least adventurous relative a great excuse for an amazing trip. Many choose to have a destination wedding for the unique and unforgettable experiences they offer (for both couples and guests alike!).
Destination weddings are one-of-a-kind adventures, which makes them perfect for that second chance at marriage, as well. For couples who have had the large-scale, at-home wedding already, a destination wedding offers a more intimate and unparalleled way to tie the knot a second time. They are also fun and affordable celebrations (and family-friendly, too!).