destination wedding planning

​In a few weeks, Geoff and I will be traveling to Punta Cana to celebrate the wedding of one of my daughter's oldest and dearest friends.  We are very much looking forward to this.
 
If you've ever wondered about or have been invited to a destination wedding, you're not alone.  The destination wedding market is expected to grow to $64.01 billion in 2026  compared to $15.89 billion in 2021.  That's a lot of weddings!!
 
In our office, Jana has a lot of experience with weddings.  She ran a bridal store in the Twin Cities for over five years. While there she purchased the wedding collections, and designed  gowns and bridesmaid dresses for the store's own line. In addition to travel agency experience, she has a background in corporate event planning that included multi-city events big and small for over a decade.  This complemented her dedication to helping her brides over the year.
 
Keep in mind that a beach wedding is just one type among many of a destination wedding.  If this is on your radar, please do give us a call!  We would love to help you out!
 
 
- Cindy -

destination of the week
tips for planning a destination wedding

book with a travel agent
the top tip for finding the perfect destination wedding venue?  DOn't do it alone!

​We can make this process easy. Our agents agents have extensive knowledge of many popular destinations and can match you up with a wedding location that fits your vision. They're often able to negotiate with resorts or other venues to get you the best pricing—and perks!
We don't charge fees meaning there's no additional expense for you to use us. Yes, you read that right!
 
Nail down your budget.
Before reaching out to your travel agent, you'll need to set your budget and general guest count. This will help narrow down destination and resort options right off the bat.
And while you're thinking about your own budget, don't forget about your guests' expenses! If they're covering their airfare, accommodations, and other travel costs, give them a general idea of how much they'll need to save in order to attend your destination wedding.
You don't want your destination wedding to break the bank—for you or your guests—so consider the bottom line before getting your heart set on a specific locale.
 
Decide whether you want a family-friendly or adults-only event.
A common question that's asked when it comes to planning a destination wedding is "Should we invite kids?" And the answer to that question will affect which venue you ultimately choose. Many resorts are focused on an "adult-only" experience, where children under the age of 18 aren't even allowed. So, if children (even just one or two!) will be attending, you'll need to pick a place that welcomes the kiddos.
Want an adult-only feel while still including the little ones? Don't fret! Plenty of resorts offer "exchange privileges". This means that sister properties are built next to each other and guests can roam freely between them. For example, your child-free guests can opt to stay in the adults-only areas as much as they like, while all guests—including the children—can get together in the family-friendly areas during your event.
 
Choose a destination that's a good fit for YOU.
Your wedding should reflect your personalities, both individually and as a couple, so consider your style before picking a destination. Are you party people or super laid-back? Beach bums or snow bunnies? Foodies? Adrenaline junkies? Find a location that lets you be exactly who you want to be!
 
Consider Ceremony Logistics.
While swimming with those dolphins and hanging out with your family and friends are important, don't forget the main reason you're there: to get married! The ceremony you envision will also help narrow down your destination choices.
The legal requirements for marriage vary from country to country. They range from blood tests (no, we aren't kidding) and waiting periods to extra fees. So if you're not planning to go your nearest courthouse for a civil ceremony prior to the wedding day, find out what the country you've chosen requires in order to make it official. Ask your travel agent or see the country's tourism website for details.
What if you want a religious ceremony? It's possible to have a destination wedding that meets both legal and religious marriage requirements. For example, your travel agent can help find a venue/resort that has a chapel or synagogue nearby—or even on-site! Many all-inclusive resorts are able to accommodate Indian and South Asian wedding celebrations, recommend religious officiants, and even provide options like kosher catering.
 
Take care of guest accommodations.
Besides putting down a deposit,  figure out your room blocks. Blocking hotel rooms secures your party's accommodations at a lower rate, but there's more than one way to go about it. Decide whether to put down a separate room block deposit or request a discount code. There are different benefits to both, so it's important to discuss those options with your travel agent."
Once your venue and room blocks have been secured/discount code has been assigned, Di says, "The hardest part is over! Now it's time to focus on the fun aspects of planning your destination wedding: the food, décor, flowers, and activities!"

travel tip of the week
wedding toast ideas

If giving a wedding toast is one your responsibility list, fear not!  Here are some ideas to toast the Bride and Groom.

• There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved." — George Sand
• "Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
• "The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." — Rick Warren
• "A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short." — Andre Maurois
• "The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him." — Oscar Wilde
• "Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" — Groucho Marx
• "By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." — Socrates

https://www.brides.com/story/good-quotes-for-wedding-toasts

virtual vacation of the week

​And finally a reminder to keep things in perspective as the unexpected can and usually will happen at some point of the wedding
Video found on YouTube by Glad I Thought of It Creations

​what's next on your bucket list?

​Contact Us!
[email protected]
(920) 725-2880 
202 W Wisconsin Ave
Neenah, WI 54956, US