The history of a Wedding Day?
A ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vows by a couple, presentation of a gift (offering, rings, symbolic item, flowers, money, dress), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers, or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony, as well as superstitious customs originating in Ancient Rome.
The use of a wedding ring has long been part of religious weddings in Europe and America. Believed, when couples wear their rings, their hearts are connected.
The exit from the wedding ceremony, "send-off", often includes throwing rice to symbol prosperity and fertility.
The Wedding Ceremony is often followed by Wedding Reception or a Wedding Breakfast, in which the rituals may include speeches from the groom, best man, father of the bride and possibly the bride, the newlyweds' first dance as a couple, and the cutting of an elegant wedding cake. In recent years traditions have changed to include a father-daughter dance for the bride and her father, and sometimes also a mother-son dance for the groom and his mother.
Traditionally, Wedding Day Etiquette Costs Applies to Whom?
Parents of The Bride:
- Invitations
- Church, Synagogue, Sexton and/or Organist
- Bride's Dress, Veil and Accessories
- Floral Arrangements for the Ceremony & Reception
- Photographer & Videographer
- Reception Food & Decorations
- Transportation
Parents of The Groom:
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Marriage License and Officiant Fee
- Groom's Outfit
- Bride's Bouquet, Boutonnieres (for men) and Corsages (women)
- Honeymoon
- Entertainment (Band/DJ) & Reception Alcohol
Bridal Party:
- Attendees usually pay for their own attire
- The Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids host the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party
- The Best Man and Groomsmen host the Bachelor Party
Who Pays for the Destination Wedding?
While the traditional "dowry" and associated responsibility has evolved some couples opt for a Destination Wedding. Generally speaking, Destination Weddings usually are more intimate with a much smaller guest in attendance which equates to affordability and extends your joyous occasions longer amongst family and friends. That being said, the associated costs as mentioned above may still apply but today varies by couples, their families and financial means.
Destination Wedding etiquette with the exception of the Bridal Party is that invited guests are responsible for their own hotel rooms, transportation to and from the destination and any activities and meals outside of wedding events. It's a kind gesture, to offer guests a Welcome Gift, Welcome Dinner and Departure Breakfast.
Group Rates can also help you and your guests to keep costs down. In addition, to All-Inclusive Packages and Cruise Lines. Do be mindful, some invited guests may not have the necessary funds to participate in your Destination Wedding. Are you willing not to have them there? Would you book them at your expense to attend?
Now, considering the additional cost imposed onto your guests you may not receive the traditional Wedding Gift value of:
- $100-$200 range from a Family Member
- $50-$75 range from a Colleague or Friend
Destination Wedding?
- What is the desired length of your Destination Wedding?
- Where would you like to go?
- When do you wish to get married?
- Any important family traditions?
- What if your preferred Wedding Day is not available, then what?
In planning a Destination Wedding it's imperative to know the local Legal Requirements in any particular destination. In addition, consider:
- Waiting Period (Varies by Country)
- Passport Requirement
- Certified Birth Certificate (Copy)
- Administrative & License Fees
- If applicable, Proof of Divorce Decree or Death Certificate
- Tourist Card/VISA
- Health Certificate
- Blood Test
- Witnesses
- Authorization Letters
- Certificate of Consular Inscription
- Proof of Church Membership
While the current "Top 10 Destination Wedding Destinations" vary year to year. These popular destinations tend to hold their positions year after year as industry leaders in the market:
- Hawaii
- Las Vegas
- Jamaica
- Mexico
The more direct conversations (who, what, when, where and why), you have upfront with your partner will aid towards minimizing frustrations and avoid awkwardness with your loved ones and guests. Like with anything there's always Cons and Pros.
- Con: Attendance, Church Availability, Distant Planning, Entertainment Cost, Guests Cost, Legality, Legal Requirements, Guest Affordability, Options Available and Wedding Date Availability
- Pros: Destination, Group Rates, Economically Affordable, Honeymoon Included, Intimate, Ongoing Celebration and Package Offers
My industry designation earned as a Honeymoon & Destination Specialist combined with our connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Safari Outfitters, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers, Rail, Car Rental and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available.
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel?
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
