What Makes a Destination Wedding Different?
Talk to someone you know who has eloped. Chances are she didn't mail out invitations to the event. She probably didn't announce her intentions before the fact, and she sure as heck didn't have 100 guests waiting in the wings. Elopements are usually very small and at least somewhat secretive. They're a great way to save some serious cash on the whole wedding deal, because they seldom involve anyone aside from the bride and the groom.
Small Destination Weddings
“Hold on!” you say. “I want to have a very small destination ceremony, with just myself, my groom, and our parents. Won't people think we've eloped? And won't they wonder why?” The answer is no, on both counts. First of all, if you're truly interested in having a destination wedding, you're going to have to do a lot of research. You're going to make many phone calls, visit plenty of Web sites, and compare your findings to determine the best location for your wedding. You're not running to the first justice of the peace that you can find because you just have to get married
Large Destination Weddings
Destination weddings don't have to be small events! As long as you can find a place to accommodate all of your guests, you can invite as many people as you want — and because destination weddings are gaining in popularity, the list of options for large ceremonies and receptions is growing. A cruise ship might be perfect for you and your friends and family, or maybe a resort on the California coast is your style.
This is a chicken-or-the-egg issue: Do you draw up the guest list first, or do you find a location first? It really comes down to which is more important to you: Getting married in a particular spot or having lots and lots of people at your wedding.
Once you determine which of these issues takes top ranking, the other one will fall into place.
E~ssential
No matter where you have your heart set on getting married, chances are you can make it a reality. Be ready to do a lot of research and/or talk to a travel agent to get her recommendations for traveling in the area. Don't give up until you're happy with your choice!
