Destination Weddings: Something Different

Let’s be honest: weddings are repetitive. Just the same old show with different faces. So why not escape the local country club or community hall and find an alternative?

An all-inclusive destination wedding will make the experience more memorable and enjoyable for the bride and groom, and will provide something different for your wedding-weary friends and relatives.

A destination wedding normally involves the bridal party and guests traveling to a resort outside their home city and staying for a few nights instead of just one. Think of it as a vacation with some vows tossed in.

Best of all, if it’s held at an all-inclusive resort, you can cut your costs while reducing your planning and your stress.

They’re becoming increasingly popular, with their frequency increasing by 400% in the last 10 years, according to a recent industry survey.

CNN.com offers some tips for those planning to tie the knot off-site:

- Send out save-the-date cards and set up a Web site six months in advance. Expect a third to a half of invited guests to attend.

- Try to visit the site in advance.

- Make sure you have a good point person on site.

- Research the resort, agent or coordinator you’re working with to verify qualifications.

- Consider all-inclusive options if cost-cutting is a goal.