Resort Weddings or as some call it a Destination Weddings are growing quickly.  This is a topic we will have lots of post on but we wanted to give out a few tips to get started.

Many brides and grooms are finding that they can spend less than a domestic wedding due to the fact that most resorts now cater to weddings and include everything from the Wedding Coordinator to the food, drinks and entertainment.  We all like to save money!

The average domestic wedding averages $25,000 as apposed to the average Resort/Destination Wedding coming in at around $16,500. The other bonus is that the guests pay for themselves and get to have fun too. For a little more than traveling to a domestic wedding, the guests get a mini vacation that is truly enjoyable.

We have seen the prices vary by time of year and resort so don't be discouraged if you want to spend less or more!

Here are a few tips to remember if you think you may want to have a Resort Wedding.

1   Find a good travel planner.  This is key since all flights, transfers and rooms must get done 100% or you will   
     have unhappy guest.

2   Pick the right location.  If you fly to Hawaii for an 8 hour plane ride this may keep many family members with  
     small children at home.  Discuss this with your travel planner while picking your location.

3   Consider an all-inclusive resort since you pay once up front for meals, drinks, rooms and most activities.

4   Get 10 or more rooms.  Most resorts will give discounts if you book 10 or more rooms.  Talk to your planner 
     and take advantage of this discount if possible.

5   Some resorts have only one wedding a day.  Even during the busy May-June times.  Some resorts will have as
     many weddings as they can book.  Do you want a resort where you are the "Queen" for the day or one that
     you may see many other brides at the same time?

6   If you want the picture perfect spot at the resort book your wedding early.  The best spots go fast just like the
     best venues here book up quickly.

7   Ask for all that great free stuff!  Your travel planner should do this for you but many resorts give free upgrades,
     wine, dinner under the stars, etc. to the bride and groom.  It never hurts to ask!

8   Consider creating a Personalized Wedding Website.  Many on line sites have these for free.  Use this to help 
     get the word out about your resort wedding.

9   Consider signing up for a Honeymoon/Resort Wedding on line Registry.  This is an easy solution for those who
     want to give a gift but don't won't to pack it or ship it.  Make sure you are NOT locked into just spending those 
     dollars on your Resort Wedding travel.

10  Discuss all of the details with your travel planner.  Will they send out packets to your guest and pay for the
      postage, do they have an 800 number for out of town guest and do they add any additional fees?


We or course have an on line Personalized Wedding Website for free and we have a link to an on line Bridal Registry at http://www.kerryf.allabouthoneymoons.com/

Call us at 800-519-0605 or 504-324-2121 if you have any questions or email us at angelf@allabouthoneymoons.com.  

Next time:  Jamaica!