Where O Where Should My Destination Wedding Be?

Many couples today are looking at destination weddings as an alternative to a traditional wedding, but with so many amazing locations to consider, where does one even begin?
The first step is to close your eyes and let your imagine take you away. What is the first thought that crosses your mind when you picture yourself getting married? Where are you? What do you see? Start writing down words that best describe the style you want your wedding to reflect. Urban and upbeat or laid-back and tropical? Classic and elegant or intimate and cozy? Everyone’s definition of paradise is a little different. Start, by figuring out what is most important to the two of you. Better yet, decide what best “represents” the two of you.

Now comes the fun part. Start imaging the various locations that will achieve the effect that you want. Are you looking for a location with a white sand beach with amazing views of ocean or perhaps the elegance of a European castle? An outdoor affair in the rugged Rocky Mountains or possibly a lush affair at an actual winery?

With a clear view of what you want, this is where your destination wedding specialist can come in handy. Most of us, unfortunately, don’t have an unlimited budget to work with. Given the information of the style of wedding you want and the type of venue you’re looking for, your wedding planner can start working on making your dream wedding a reality by finding realistic options for you to consider and saving you tons of legwork in the process. For example, numerous all-inclusive resorts throughout Mexico, Cuba and many of the Caribbean islands are catering to destination wedding clients. An independent wedding planner will know which resorts to use to get the best value for your dollar, yet still avoid having a “cookie-cutter” wedding experience. She may have some other alternatives for you to consider, such as a crystal clear lagoon with a waterfall in the background or a private estate with an incredible cliffside view.

Again, your destination wedding specialist can be helpful if you want to consider unique wedding experiences. She should be familiar with companies that do helicopter weddings, cruise lines that will actually marry you at sea, or even the agencies to use for the truly unusual weddings, like an underwater one or a canopy tour in Costa Rica with a bit of a zip line at the end.

Another advantage to using a destination wedding specialist is that she can make your fairy tale dreams come true. If the idea of truly being a princess and marrying in a castle holds great appeal, but Europe is simply too far away and too cost-prohibative, allow your wedding planner to suggest alternatives closer to home. North America has its own share of castles, such as Casa Loma in Toronto, Canada or Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina, but you have to know where to find them. Wineries found in the British Columbia, Ontario, and California are definitely more accessible and easier to budget than the Italian or French countryside.

Your wedding will be one of the most memorable occasions in your life. It makes perfect sense that this one-of-a-kind experience that should be reflective of the two of you. With so many location possibilities to consider, the only limitation that should hold you back is your imagination!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.