BY CLAY LARROY
We lead such busy lives working, going to school,
taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to
our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and
ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it
gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment.
Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime.
Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience. When you are ready to
plan a vacation contact me!
As
you might imagine, the legal requirements for far-away nuptials vary greatly by
destination. Most popular destination wedding locations in the United States
and abroad have streamlined the process and provide very solid information on
their consular or official tourism web sites. Some destinations require a
residency period before you can be married. In places like France and Fiji,
couples may have to spend up to 40 days in residency before the wedding, which
can make things very difficult and much more expensive. Other locales only
require a waiting period of 3 days or less and are far more manageable. Your
travel consultant will assist you with these details, and again - this is where
having an expert help really counts! There are no end of stories of brides who
end up with a great honeymoon, and a civil ceremony that follows at home
because they were not prepared.
Couples
will need documentation before they travel, and often a few months before the
event itself. Required documents may include birth certificates, passports,
previous marriage certificates or divorce decrees if applicable. Your local
contacts will provide information on requirements for blood tests or applications
for licenses. American diplomatic and consular officers are not permitted to
perform marriages. Marriages abroad are almost always performed by local civil
or religious officials. In general, marriages that are legally performed and
valid abroad are also legally valid in the United States, but in any event,
inquiries regarding the validity of a marriage abroad should be directed to the
attorney general of the state in the United States where the bride and groom
live.
Minimum
marriage age varies from one country to another. Persons under the age of 18
must, as a general rule, present a written statement of consent executed by
their parents before a notary public. Some countries require the parental
consent statement to be authenticated by a consular official of that foreign
country in the United States. In short, don’t underestimate the rules and
regulations you’ll need to address, sometimes far in advance. And you always
have the option of marrying at home before or after a non-binding ceremony at
your destination - you may find this to be the best choice to ensure that you’ll
enjoy every minute of the trip.
Once
you choose a destination and have a good idea what it will cost and who you are
going to invite, you can start planning the ceremony details. Wedding
coordinators can make a lot of the arrangements, and many resorts and cruise
lines even have their own wedding departments. If an on-site wedding planner is
not available, think about hiring your own planner to help with details,
research and correspondence. Destination wedding planners will often offer
traditional choices for flowers, food and music to fit a wide variety of
budgets. Wedding details that may have taken months to plan for a hometown
wedding can often be chosen in just a matter of minutes at the destination
itself. If you are on a budget, remember that many hotels, beaches, outdoor
settings and the like are inherently decorated or beautiful in their own right
- this is one step you may be able to skip.
Regardless
of your location, however, many of the decisions remain the same. Do you want a
rehearsal dinner the night before? Do you want a formal reception or just a
table for two at a romantic restaurant? Do you want to wake that morning and
leisurely get dressed and married or do you want to enjoy a spa treatment or
massage? Music can be planned in advance or chosen on site, or some couples may
choose no music at all and rely on things like waterfalls or ocean waves as the
backdrop. Food can be catered and include ethnic or theme-oriented foods
applicable to the locale or setting.
Like
any wedding, attire can be formal and fancy or simple and casual. Clothing can
reflect local culture and tradition, or you may prefer to still ‘walk down the
aisle’ in a more elegant wedding gown. If flying, formal wear like a wedding
gown or tuxedo should be packed as a carry-on, if possible. If it is very
important to arrive with particular items of clothing or other accessories,
carry them onto the plane and avoid the heartbreak of a lost gown - or plan the
wedding with time to allow for delivery of lost luggage, just in case. To avoid
traveling with wedding wear, clothing can be shipped separately and in advance
(this may result in a small storage fee at the hotel), or attire can sometimes
be rented at the hotel or resort.
Photography,
video and flower choices are abundant and often quite similar to traditional
wedding choices. Couples can choose to hire a photographer, or they can simply
rely on guests to capture more impromptu photos. Many all-inclusive wedding
plans also include a photography package and video. Some videos will even
include local footage of the area, like dolphins swimming or a video
introduction of the resort or island. Flower arrangements are usually provided
by a local florist and can often be chosen before you arrive or on site from
photos and catalogs. Couples can also choose from popular pre-written wedding
vows or write their own.
Be
sure to inquire whether you need to supply your own witnesses for the ceremony,
or whether the resort can provide them for you. Also remember that many wedding
packages do not include gratuities for services provided by ministers,
bartenders or transportation companies, so budget accordingly.
As
you finalize arrangements, remember that some of the same tips that apply to
traditional weddings also apply to destination weddings: avoid over-planning
and allow ample free time for you and your guests to enjoy the wedding. Group
activities can be a fun way to spend time with everyone, but don’t overwhelm
yourselves or guests with a rigid schedule or a strenuous activity the day
before the wedding. Most importantly, remember that this is your day. Plan your
dream wedding and make it your own. That’s what destination weddings are all
about.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
Weddings are important because they celebrate life and possibility.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway
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