Organizing a Destination Wedding
Location weddings have become the in thing, with brides outdoing each other in creatively planning their weddings. Even though destination weddings mean a shorter guest list, it is great for fun and for the guests to get to know each other.
Seaside weddings have been amongst the most common. The celebrations are done at a nearby beach or beach facility or if the pocket book allows, at a more exotic location like places in the Caribbean. Many activities can be done with a beach theme. The wedding can be made into a weekend event with sailing excursions by chartering boats for a day of relaxation and fun. There could be clambakes for the night around a campfire etc. All the activities are meant for relaxing under the blue sky or starry night.
If the wedding is planned at a Caribbean location like Jamaica or the Bahamas, cooking demos can be arranged with a local cook or the hotel itself can arrange a demo of the kind of exotic foods to be served at the wedding meal. There could be some sightseeing included and may be some local shopping tours as well.
Hawaii has become another popular wedding destination. Countless activities are available including hula lessons which could be made into a part of an entertaining wedding rehearsal dinner. If the guests are not the kind to try hula, a hula performance during dinner could liven it up.
The location can be incorporated in a myriad ways into the actual wedding ceremony. Pass the shell can be played at the beach reception, by passing around a large shell and guests listen to its message, something nice they wish to say, and convey it to the couple verbally or write it into a wedding book.
Pre-wedding activities can be arranged for the guests including tours in local picturesque transportation, shopping expeditions to local craft stores and even a wine tasting course if there is a vineyard nearby. The bride and groom must remember that all the costs of expeditions arranged as a part of the wedding celebrations must be paid for by the couple. All of these expenses must be taken into account when organizing such an event.
When destination weddings are planned, usually the closest relatives and friends are invited. This means that there can be more sharing between the two families and the two groups of friends. If it is a young crowd, a slumber party can be arranged for the night before with popcorn, movies and drinks in the hotel villa, cottage or room. Again remember that tab has to be paid for by the couple.
The destination wedding could become the honeymoon destination as well in which case the guests can find their own way around after the wedding and of course pay for all their own after-wedding activities. Each couple does what they want to do with the people they want. Just make sure it is all entertaining and fun for all including the two of you.