Top Ten Reasons to Plan a Destination Wedding

You and the one you love are dreaming of an enchanted getaway, to do nothing less than tie the knot. Why should anyone want to go away, you say? Check out these reasons for taking a sandy route to the altar with a destination wedding.

1. Nearly stress-free planning!

Getting married is quite a big step, so we don't ever want to say any wedding is completely and totally stress free. But, not having to worry about the seating chart, or who's going to be the best man could take a lot of worry out of your Big Day.

2. Slim to none chance of inter-family fights

Especially if you invite them along. It's vacation time for everyone!

3. It's usually cheaper

There are all-inclusive packages that feature both your wedding and the honeymoon for $4,000 or $5,000, which is darn cheap compared to the average of $20,000 + for a traditional wedding and sit-down dinner reception.

4. Control!

An amazing relief if you've ever been part of a traditional wedding with two families involved. All the factors are completely and totally within your hands.

5. Second wedding heaven

Especially if you've already been there, done that with a big wedding, second weddings are perfect for the relaxing getaway to a beautiful locale. Don't forget to ask about activities for the kids!

6. Your honeymoon begins immediately after the ceremony

Now, that's not bad.

7. Pack light

You can choose your wedding clothes once you arrive in your exotic location! Think snowsuits, island gowns, saris, and of course, shorts.

8. Parental bliss

If they're coming, you will get to hear them say over and over, "we've been wanting to take a vacation!"

9. Use your imagination

You can eat before the ceremony, or after. You could have a cake, or not. You could jump in the ocean, or stay on the sand. Endless opportunities.

10. Fun for those who attend

Think of what you're doing for them! A cruise, a ski vacation, or a weekend on the beach - who wouldn't enjoy themselves?

Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that's packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, gifts for your groomsmen, and much more.