The Ultimate Guide to Beach Destination Weddings

The low cost alone is quite an attractive draw for couples considering an international destination wedding. The average cost of a traditional wedding in the U.S. is over $30,000. The average cost of a destination wedding, on the other hand, is typically under $10,000.

Perhaps the biggest appeal of an island wedding is the year-round warm weather - think palm trees, sunshine, and a tropical ocean breeze at any time of year. This may be a particularly tempting perk for those who live in colder climates, or experience long winters. You can leave those winter blues behind when you say "I do" in the warm sand, sipping on margaritas during cocktail hour! Just keep in mind your chosen locale's rainy season (if it has one); although prices may be at their lowest, inclement weather should still be taken into consideration, especially when getting married outside.

Another benefit of tropical beach weddings is that they double as honeymoons for newlyweds. Couples can continue to celebrate with a dream vacation right after exchanging vows. The romantic island vibes make for the perfect place to begin marital bliss, and many couples choose to stay at the same property where they just got hitched. If you choose to work with an all-inclusive beach resort, your honeymoon stay may be included in the wedding package price, and come with extra-romantic amenities. Your resort may also offer the option to stay at a nearby sister property, where you can experience a different vibe away from all your guests.

Beautiful beach weddings offer a memorable experience for couples and their guests. For the second year in a row, Destination Weddings' couples said that their top reason for having a tropical wedding was to offer an extra unique experience for family and friends.1 Nowadays, the guest experience is at the forefront of destination wedding couples' minds; think exciting group excursions, unique favors and unforgettable reception entertainment. Trust us, your guests will be talking about your wedding as one of the best they've been to for years to come!

A beach destination wedding typically means peace of mind and much less stress before, during and after the actual wedding date. With the help of a Destination Wedding Specialist (you can work with ours - free of charge!), you can do something that not many couples can: Enjoy your engagement and wedding! The simplified process of jet-setting to paradise and saying your vows on a beautiful beach takes away the pressure of planning a traditional wedding (from venue to vendors) at home.

While tropical weddings are almost always picture perfect, you should consider potential weather conditions when choosing your wedding destination and date. If you want to have a wedding during hurricane season, you may consider a location south of the belt. Also, consider the climate in terms of your own comfort and that of your guests. If your elderly relatives will be in attendance, consider having your nuptials during sunset or under the shade, so that everyone is comfortable. As with any wedding, it also never hurts to have a backup plan, should the weather not cooperate. This way, you can plan for the sunny ceremony of your dreams, while still avoiding any last-minute stress by having an indoor venue lined up at your wedding resort.

While you don't have to stress about travel arrangements for your guests (that's what a Destination Wedding Specialist is for!), you may consider how your guests will get to the actual ceremony. Will you have any elderly guests who use wheelchairs? If your ceremony is a half-mile down the sandy shore, it may be tricky for your loved ones to reach you. Speak with your Destination Wedding Specialist about all the accommodations needed, as they will help you in choosing the right wedding venue and arranging travel for both you and your guests.

As lovely as a wedding by the water is, it can also bring some surprisingly loud sounds. Those gorgeous crashing waves may interfere with your guests hearing the vows. Speak with your Destination Wedding Specialist so that you can be prepared for natural white noise. A professional sound system as well as a windscreen is included in some beach wedding packages, to help ensure those beach breezes don't affect the sound output.

Your incredible journey of marriage is just getting started. A beach wedding - in a tropical destination of your choice - can be a romantic and memorable way to begin this next chapter of your life. If you and your partner would like to take the next step in planning a destination wedding, click here to get going!