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| Photo courtesy of Snippet and Ink |
If there's any season that's easier to plan a wedding around, it's summer. What's even easier? Having a breezy, casual destination wedding that enhances the theme even more.
Locales such as Hawaii, Tahiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia are the most popular choices for a dream destination wedding, while places like the Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico give you the most bang for your buck. According to www.weddingsolutions.com, the average destination wedding costs around $17,000.00 for 100 guests while the average cost of a stay at home wedding is around $22,000.00. I bet you never thought you'd be saving money by going to an exotic location!
Starfish, sea shells, parasols and paper fans are all cheap and great ways to decorate the ceremony venue and can also double as favors for guests. Chiffon and raffia (as seen above) can be used to decorate chairs and a makeshift altar can be created with little effort using PVC pipes, paint and chiffon. During the cocktail hour, guests can be served an array of tropical drinks from piña coladas to margaritas and fruity-flavored mojitos. Munchies could include any local fare such as shrimp, lobster and clams. For the non-adventurous eaters, chips and salsa and other classic hors d' oeuvres can be served. The key to pulling this kind of wedding off is to remember that it's a casual fete and nothing too stuffy should be served, after all, you're on a beach!
Providing a basket full of flip flops for your guest's "dancing shoes" is a cheap and creative way to make the guests feel special. The reception area can be adorned with paper lanterns, white starfish, cream-colored sea shells, sand dollars and assorted tea lights, making for an opulent feel without the big price tag. Instead of trying to find a DJ or band, loading your iPod with a pre-made play list of songs is a great personal touch. A fabulous idea for an after party could be a simple fire pit on the beach relaxing with loved ones and enjoying the atmosphere you always dreamed of.
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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.