Tanja Walsh

So, you decided to take the plunge and elope. Congratulations! What a fantastic idea. I travelled half way across the globe and was married in Bali, Indonesia and it was the best wedding decision I could have made.

A destination wedding is so romantic, so exotic, so dreamy. But what if you tell me, “Tanja, I am not sure if a destination wedding is for me?” Perhaps I can help you with that decision:

Reasons WHY a DESTINATION WEDDING may be right for you:

*You have family all across the country or all across the world. Let's meet in paradise!

*You would like to spend less on your wedding. The average cost of a Canadian wedding is $27,000 (and may be more if you live in major cities) and destination weddings can be considerable less than this. If your budget is restrictive, Mexico and the Caribbean provide great value and even free weddings in some cases.

*You would like to 'go all out' and have your wedding as exotic and glamorous as possible. Almost anything can be arranged for your big day. Your own private resort and island in Fiji for your wedding party? Vows underwater? Fly your wedding party to the floor of the Grand Canyon for your ceremony? Follow in the footsteps of your favourite Celebrity Wedding? A big Greek wedding? You name it, I'll arrange it.

*You want an intimate gathering. The guest list of a destination wedding is usually smaller, which allows you to indulge in extra luxuries and invite your closest friends and family.

*You can experience your very own weddingmoon (wedding and honeymoon combined)!

*You need less stress and want a carefree wedding. Already struggling with how to fit in wedding planning in the short time you have before the big day? Once you have the logistics of your destination wedding sorted, the wedding is taken care of by the resort wedding planner. Pick your colours. Add in your special requests and voila, it is done up for you.

TIPS and CALENDAR to help plan the perfect Destination Wedding:

*Up to 1 year in advance – decide on your budget, research destinations, marriage laws and requirements. Decide if you would like a group or just yourselves, with or without children, large or boutique resort. Then contact a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist like myself to help you with pricing and advice. Special prices and promotions are available for groups. For example, some group packages offer a complimentary package to 1 in 10 persons. (Even the occasional 1 in 8 promotion has been seen)!

*If you are planning a very large wedding, consider visiting the resort beforehand.

*Decide if you would like a reception after the ceremony. Most resorts have venues to offer you a private or beach reception with a dance or you can look off-site at local restaurants. If a reception is not necessary, dinner for you and your guests is usually included in a specialty restaurant at all-inclusives.

*Look at taking a photographer with you, or hiring one from the resort. Perhaps you would like a make-up artist or hairdresser with you?

*Once you pick the resort or location where you would like the ceremony it is imperative to confirm your wedding date and time. In some cases, countries only have a limited number of judges to legalise the ceremony and advance reservations are necessary.

*Send out save the date cards and be sure your family is aware of your wedding intentions so that they are ready when you send them the actual date and prices. I offer a complimentary wedding flyer which can be used as save the date cards and actual invitations. I also offer a Honeymoon Registry, so if you have all the linens and flatware you'll need, then why not let your guests contribute to the perfect honeymoon! Please ask me for more details.
*2 - 4 months prior you can look at group tours and events that you might like to add in.

*One month to 2 weeks prior you can confirm all wedding ceremony details. This is also the time when all your guests get their air tickets and travel documents!

*Upon arrival, meet your wedding coordinator at the resort, go over any final marriage license and documentation needs, and make final selections on cake, flowers, music and location. You can also visit the ceremony site and make your salon appointments.

*Your BIG day: try your best to relax and have a good breakfast!