Everything You Need to Know About Destination Weddings

A Second Reception?

Inevitably, there will be a group of people at home—work friends, parents’ friends, relatives who couldn’t manage the trip—who missed out on the fun. If you can, plan a followup reception for when you arrive home—and make it as formal or casual as you like. You might hold a sit-down dinner at a favorite local restaurant or serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in your backyard. Be sure to have your wedding video and photos on hand; some couples create digital slide shows of their wedding pictures so guests can truly savor the place and the event. They’ll feel as if they were right there with you, and you’ll get to experience your wonderful day all over again.

Photo Credit: David Wolfe Photography

Where to Go...and How to Book

If you already know the resort where you want to wed, then you’re ahead of the game. Simply call them or visit their website and find out if they have a wedding coordinator and what you need to do next. If you’re less sure (or know the overall location—Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii, the Caribbean—but not the specifi c spot), work with a travel agent, or check out these one-stop-shopping destination wedding sites. These are free for you:

• The Wedding Experience: (theweddingexperience.com). This site specializes in cruises (though you can book trips that visit a wide variety of destinations).
• Destination Weddings: (destinationweddings.com). The site lists a large number of destinations around the world and offers the practical advice you’ll need.
• Island Brides: (islandbrides.com). This one focuses exclusively on Caribbean beach weddings.