destination weddings – user's Blog!

Destination weddings: They’re fun, intimate and unforgettable for everyone who attends. Your guests will be so deep into vacation mode that the wedding itself will feel like bliss, and they’ll be ready to party hard. For the engaged couple, choosing a destination wedding saves hassle, time and, in some cases, money — especially if you’re a smart online shopper and earn Cash Back at Ebates. Perhaps the best part of a destination wedding is that you can roll out of bed the day after you say your “I dos” onto a beach, and spend the rest of the week relaxing, enjoying each other and riding that newlywed high. Here is our list of the best beaches for a destination wedding.

Makua Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

There is no shortage of stunning beaches in Hawaii, but the tricky part is finding a beach that’s not only gorgeous but also convenient and secluded from crowds. Thankfully, Kauai is smaller and less developed than its neighboring islands, so its beaches are vast and relatively empty, depending on the time of year. Makua Beach, also called Tunnel Beach, is a crazy beautiful option that will bathe you and your guests in romance. Go to Hotels.com to book a honeymoon suite just off the beach at nearby Hanalei Colony Resort.

Placencia, Belize

Sidling up to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is ideal for scuba-loving couples. A friendly country with turquoise waters and white sands, Belize is affordable and offers destination weddings with distinct eco-adventure vibes. If you’re looking for a beach that’s far enough away to ensure your crazy cousins-in-law will stay stateside but close enough to keep costs low, you might just find the perfect combination in Belize. Do yourself a favor and stay for an extra week or two to dive Blue Hole and book a romantic splurge at Hatchet Caye Island Resort for a honeymoon on a private island.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This lively Mexican beach town is known for its artistic whimsy, warm beaches and lush rainforests. But just outside of town you’ll find all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for larger weddings, so you can relax with a poolside cocktail and let someone else take over all the decision-making for you. Or you and 18 of your closest friends and family can hole up in a luxury beachside villa, booked through VRBO, and enjoy all the sunshine and privacy Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Either way, don’t miss a trip to town for a skewer of grilled seafood and an evening stroll along the Malecon.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

If you’re dreaming of barefoot chic for your big day, there’s probably no better place than the Bahamas. With an all-inclusive option like Atlantis Bahamas, you can book what you want online and leave the rest up to the staff. It’s a low-maintenance couple’s dream, and after avoiding the stress of planning for the months leading up to your wedding, you’ll still get to enjoy a tropical party weekend and a honeymoon in paradise — a reward most newlyweds have to work for!

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal is a surprising addition to this list, to be sure. It’s neither close to the U.S. nor convenient. But it’s affordable and it’s home to some of the most wedding-perfect beaches in the world. Save by booking affordable international flights through Vayama, and book a luxury villa for the wedding party on VRBO that’s near the unique, rock-framed Praia da Marinha. Or book a neighboring luxury resort for your guests through Expedia.

From exchanging vows on a tropical beach to celebrating with family and friends in a European city, the idea of a destination wedding presents unlimited options. Ten percent of all couples get married away from home, but it’s not all plane tickets and passports — planning a destination wedding requires a certain know-how. Here are a few surprise tips that will help make your destination wedding the day of your dreams.

1. Residency Rule

Many countries require couples to spend some time there before tying the knot. These requirements range from no big deal (a couple days in the Caribbean) to more serious (France’s six-week residency rule).

2. Give Serious Notice

Wedding planners suggest mailing your save-the-date announcements and wedding invitations at least eight months in advance. This allows your guests to arrange for airfare and accommodations ahead of time. Experts also recommend creating a website detailing any questions guests may have related to their travel.

3. Hire Cars

Instead of making your family and friends schlepp all over town, hire cars to pick them up at the airport and safely transport them to their hotels. Traveling can be a huge hassle — especially international travel. This is a small gesture guests are sure to appreciate.

4. Fly in Your Pros

Depending on where you’re getting hitched, it may be tricky to find reliable photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists. If you bring your own, you’ll be working with professionals you trust.

5. Arrive Early

Arrive at your hotel at least a few days before your guests do so you can customize welcome gift baskets and stock their rooms with anything they may need — maps, favors, a bottle of wine, sunscreen.

6. Pay Attention to Details

Wedding planners suggest meeting with as many people involved in the wedding as possible, including the officiant, the photographer and the caterer. Inspect the accommodations and rehearsal-dinner and ceremony sites.

7. Stay Calm and Flexible

The bride’s energy will impact everyone. Things may not always go as planned — especially if you are in a foreign country — but roll with any changes, schedule a time each day to do yoga and keep a relaxed state.

8. Factor in Exchange Rate

Even though destination weddings seem cheaper than getting hitched at home (especially if you live in a major U.S. city such as New York or San Francisco), you’ll need to factor in the exchange rate. Always convert prices into dollars to get a better idea of what you’ll be spending.

9. Create a Pinterest Board to Communicate Your Vision

When you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll be communicating your vision to a lot of different people. Descriptions can be subjective, down to color shades and cake patterns. By creating a Pinterest board, you’ll have something to show and share.

10. Leave a Personal Note

Your guests are traveling a great distance to watch your special day. It’s advisable to greet them with a hand-written personal note at check-in. If you’re short on time, you can work with a calligrapher.

Tag: destination weddings

Best Beaches for Your Destination Wedding