Exactly What is a "Destination Wedding"?

A destination wedding is a wedding that takes place at a special place that is appealing to the couple. It usually requires traveling to somewhere exotic like the Outer Banks. It all boils down to one thing: something different from the traditional wedding at home with a guest list of 250 or more.

Usually for a destination wedding, couples find that their guest list is dramatically smaller, with just a few close friends, family, and the immediate bridal party. More details and special niceties can be spent on your wedding with fewer guests. Expenses are also reduced because often after the wedding, the honeymoon begins immediately because you're already at your destination.

Your wedding guests will love the fact that they have a perfect excuse to take a mini vacation to attend your wedding. In addition, for those who have family around the nation or globe, selecting a location to have your wedding, which is easier for all members to get to, is very tempting. Itineraries can be scheduled so that you may enjoy traveling and sight seeing together before enjoying your honeymoon in your favorite destination. Both sides of the family can come together in an environment that is both appealing and neutral. Perhaps your destination may be a place where neither of you have visited before and have always wanted to. The choice is yours.

In this day and age, couples are opting for domestic locations for their destination wedding instead of overseas. Travel is more ecomonical. Domestic locations provide a sense of security and safety that international locations might not. And most family members in the USA find it easier to travel to domestic locations. The Outer Banks provides the perfect setting for your destination wedding these reasons and more.

It may seem a little difficult to try and plan a destination wedding to a place where you have never been to, however, with the wealth of resources found on the Internet today (such as the Outer Banks Wedding Association web site). Local vendors, visitor bureaus, and travel agents can help you to have a relatively stress free planning process. Also, selecting a wedding coordinator who knows the area is vital to the success of your destination wedding.

Before making the decision to have a destination wedding, you and your partner should consider the following:

• Where do you want to spend your honeymoon?
• What type of wedding site did you envision for your wedding?
• Will it be a formal wedding, outdoors, or outrageous and fun?
• Who in your circle of friends and family would be able to travel and be there for your wedding that is important to you both?
• What is your budget for both your wedding and honeymoon?
• How much time do you have to spend: one week, 10 days, two weeks?

Once you answer these initial questions, you will both know whether it would be a great idea to have your wedding at a special location that you will remember and that your guests will rave about for a long time.