Destination Weddings: Part 2 "Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding"

For those of you who are on the fence about having a destination wedding, I have put together a list of some benefits that might help you make a decision. Many couples believe it is out of the realm of possibilities, but with a little imagination and creativity, you can make you wedding dreams come true!

1. It’s An Adventure For Everyone

Have a little fun before the wedding

A destination wedding is an experience for all of your guests. Everyone is happy, in vacation mode, and on island time. Instead of making it a one-day event, many couples will take a few days to hang out at the beach, go on a day sail and explore the island before and/or after they tie the knot. You can involve everyone and plan everything to the T, or you can go with the flow and let everyone do his or her own thing.

2. More Intimate

With a destination wedding, you tend to have more time and a smaller guest list. This will give you more one-on-one time with each of your guests. Weddings these days have become so large that many couples don’t even have a chance to taste the food because they are so busy talking to all of their guests. During your destination reception, you’ll have time to talk to everyone AND eat that delicious plate of mahi-mahi and wedding cake.

3. Making a Memorable Experience
A destination wedding typically takes place at a beautiful location where there is a lot to do. There is a chance that not all of you guests (or even you) have been there before. Take advantage and have a ton of fun with everyone! Snorkel with your parents, kayak with your sister, or zipline with your cousins, no matter what you choose, it’ll leave a lasting impression on all of your guests.

How about take the whole family ziplining!

4. Not as Expensive as You Think

Weddings these days cost on average $25,200, and even put a lot of newly weds in debt. We know your wedding day is important, but it doesn’t have to put such a large dent in your wallet. A smaller guest list will shrink the cost of food and any other wedding expense significantly. You can be creative! Have fun with a few DIY projects and get the family involved! Also, invest in a wedding planner because they can help you get the best bang for your buck and keep everything on track.

5. Great Photos

You can't go wrong with this view

Most destination wedding locations are absolutely beautiful and a great example of this is right here on St. Thomas. The Virgin Islands is a photographers dream, surrounded by turquoise water, sunny skies, and lush tropical flora and fauna, making your wedding photos turn out spectacular (and make all your friends who couldn’t come jealous).

6. Honeymoon

Island hop as newly weds

Honeymoons can cost a pretty penny, but many couples that have a destination wedding will stay an extra week at their current spot, or near by their honeymoon location. Some couples will hop on a cruise ship, take a ferry or small aircraft to a neighboring island or just stay put and continue the fun as newly weds.

Be sure to catch our next blog post about different wedding planners right here in the US Virgin Islands! They can help you move forward with your wedding dreams and we wish all of you happy couples the best of luck. 

Click the link below to read more:

Part 1 of 3: "Is a Destination Wedding Right For You?"

Part 3 of 3: "How to Plan a Destination Wedding"

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ziplinestthomas.com

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Destination Weddings: Part 1 "Is a Destination Wedding Right For You?"

As society changes and evolves, so does our taste in weddings. Years ago, people had small, modest weddings with close friends and family that cost only a fraction of what we spend in modern times. You’ll notice in today’s society, the simple weddings of yesterday are in the past and customize weddings that fit the individuality of the couple are the future.  If you’re wondering if having a destination wedding is right for you, listen to some of these facts and decide for yourself.

1. Brings the whole family together

Destination weddings have grown in popularity over the years. How much you ask? About 350,000 weddings annually! The gain in popularity for destination weddings goes hand in hand with the fact people are no longer living where they grew up. A wedding in an entirely different location can be an easy way to bring family from all over the country together. So if you’re in one of those families that have members spread all across the country, why not make it a fun family reunion.

2. Smaller guest list

Because a destination wedding typically means traveling and about a three-night commitment, most of them are intimate with a guest list consisting of who matters to you most. With an average of 63 guests at a destination wedding compared to the average of 133-143 at a traditional wedding, you’ll have to really keep track of whom you invite.

3. Not as expensive as you think

Simply Beautiful

Most couples now-a-days will spend on average of $25,200 on their wedding. You may think a destination wedding will cost an arm and a leg, but that isn’t always the case. The average cost of a destination wedding is about $23,800 ($1,400 less than a traditional), but if you keep things minimal, it can be much less. Pay less on decorations with a beach wedding with turquoise blue waters as your backdrop, or walk down the sandy isle barefoot with an affordable yet elegant wedding dress perfect for the beach, and keep your guest list short so the cost of food will be significantly less. Another thing that could help is hiring a wedding planner. They can be your liaison for all your food, decorations, and any other odds and ends you will need for your big day (and taking away a lot of stress from your shoulders).

4. Keep your family in mind

Reception On the Beach

If family is important to you, it’s always good to ask their opinion. I know it is your big day, but if a majority of your family isn’t on board, you might ruffle some feathers. Chances are if you bring it up to them before hand, giving them a chance to think about it, they will be okay and will help you hash out the transportation details with the rest of the family.

5. Just because it’s a destination doesn’t mean it can’t be traditional

Lastly, if you think it’s impossible to have a destination AND traditional wedding at the same time, think again! For example, right here on St. Thomas, there are so many beautiful churches and a historic synagogue where you can be wed. Have your elegant traditional ceremony and then enjoy a tasteful reception on a beach, local restaurant, or resort afterwards.

Click the links below to read more:

Destination Weddings: Part 2 "Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding"

Destination Weddings: Part 3 "How to Plan a Destination Wedding"

Visit our Website

ziplinestthomas.com

"Like" us on Facebook

facebook.com/ziplinestthomas