destination wedding ideas Archives

Romantic European Cities

Posted on November 12, 2022November 12, 2022 by Lucky n Love

The history of European cities is filled with romance. From the moment you set foot in them, they tell you stories of the past and present. Whether it’s the ruins of Roman towns or medieval walled cities, these locales have their own stories to tell. Here are a few of my favorite romantic European cities for a love letter romantic getaway.

Rome: The Eternal City

Located on the Italian Peninsula, Rome has a storied history dating back millennia. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why it’s been called “The Eternal City.” From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, there are many sights to explore. Make sure to set aside time to visit the Colosseum, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

St. Peter’s Square is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome. At night, the square transforms into a visual and aural celebration of the city and its history. If staying in Rome, consider staying at the Hotel Excelsior, which offers a beautiful view of the city’s famous facade.

Florence: The City of Italy’s Dream

Just a short train ride from Rome, Florence is another city with a long and storied history. Its central location made the town a natural choice for artists and inventors. Today, it is still home to a thriving artistic community. The Uffizi Gallery is a leading example of Italian Renaissance art and is easy to visit. There are plenty of places to stay in Florence, that offer great views of the city and the famous Pitti Palace.

Paris: The City of Love

The “City of Light” is the place where love is said to begin, and Paris has something for everyone. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there are many places to spend a romantic Parisian evening. If you’re looking for an over-the-top romantic experience, consider staying at La Reserve Hotel and Spa.

Venice: The City of Opera and Romantics

Among Venice’s most popular attractions is the San Marco Basilica, in the heart of the city. There are plenty of activities to check out while in Venice, including boat tours of the San Marco Basilica, canal boat rides, and visits to the Doge’s Palace. To venture further out, plan a day to visit Murano to see the art of glassblowing.

Madrid: The Universal City

If you’re looking for a more active experience, you might consider taking a canal boat ride through the city’s waterways. Visit the many galleries, or rent a bike and cycle around the city. Madrid is a wonderful city to visit for a love letter. From the high rises of the city’s arterial canals to the gardens, parks, and museums, Madrid has it all. If you’re hoping to start your visit on a higher note, plan to see The Royal Palace of Madrid.

Brussels: Home of the EU and its Capital

Located just a short train ride from Paris, Brussels has a very different feel from the French city. The “Capital of the World” as it has been called. It has been the center of European life for hundreds of years. During the centuries, Brussels has been a place for trade and business. If you’re hoping to get a head start on your romantic getaway, the Grand Place in central Brussels is a great place to start. The Grand Place or Grote Markt, is the central square of Brussels, Belgium. It is surrounded by opulent Baroque guild halls.

London: The Magic Place for a Love Letter

Located in the home country of Shakespeare, London has a long and fascinating romantic history. As a busy financial center, it’s also home to the world’s most recognizable architecture. London is a great place to begin your love journey. If you’re looking for a sky-high experience, the London Eye, which stands 619 feet tall, offers an amazing view. If you’re hoping to relax, you can take in the British Columbia Museum or the Natural History Museum. Plan a visit to the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Stroll through the many gardens and parks located in central London.

There are many romantic European cities in which to write your love letter. Reach out to me when you are ready to start planning your visit.

Destination Weddings Legal or Symbolic

Posted on October 29, 2022October 29, 2022 by Lucky n Love

When you are getting married, there are so many decisions to make and so many details to plan. One of the most important decisions is where your wedding will be held. For some couples, a destination wedding may be ideal. A beautiful location with a fun atmosphere that feels like a party every time you look at it! With this in mind, I’ve put together some important things for you to think about regarding destination weddings and the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony.

What is a Destination Wedding?

A destination wedding is when a couple gets married somewhere other than where they currently live. A destination wedding can be a great choice for couples who want to explore other cultures, get away from their hometown, or just have an adventure. There are many types of destination weddings, including destination weddings that are more than just a wedding trip.

Location, Location, Location

When picking a destination, it’s important to pick a place that fits both your and your partner’s interests and personalities. This will make the trip more exciting and enjoyable. It can also help create a more memorable trip because you’ll be spending time in a place that’s special to both of you. If you pick a destination that’s too far from home, your guests may feel bad about the cost to travel, and they may not want to make the trip. You don’t want to make your guests feel uncomfortable with their finances or the trip itself, so pick a location that is both within your guests’ budget and fun to visit!

The Beauty of a Destination Wedding

If you’re into traveling and having an adventure, a destination wedding can be a great way to do both. You can choose a destination that fits both of your interests, which will make it even more special. There are many benefits to having a destination wedding, including how it makes your guests feel. It’s more likely to make your guests feel like they’re having an adventure too, and getting away on a fun trip. It’s also a great way to make memories with your partner that will last forever.

If you’re interested in exploring another culture, a destination wedding can be a great way to learn about another place and its people. Many couples feel that the beauty and scenery of their destination are what they love most about it. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, it’s the people, the environment, and other things that make a destination truly special and memorable.

Legal Considerations for a Destination Wedding

While destination weddings are often a lot of fun and exciting, they do have one legal issue for you to consider. A legal (civil) ceremony has an additional cost for the paperwork, officiant blood tests (if they are required), document translation services, an apostille, etc. The requirements and costs vary based on the specific destination.

To avoid the added cost and a few potential headaches, many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony. They get the legal stuff out of the way back home, before or after their destination wedding. No one is the wiser if you don’t spill the beans that you are already legally married, or plan to seal the deal when you return home.

The Price of A Destination Wedding & Travel

Traveling to a destination wedding can be costly. It’s important to set aside enough money to cover both your wedding event and your travel costs. Depending on where you want to go, the cost could range from $10,000 -$30,000+, based on the number of guests, the location, the resort/venue, and all of the ceremony and wedding activities you want to include.

There are resort locations in Mexico for example, that have packages that include up to 30 people, that range from $4,000 to $5,000 for just the wedding ceremony & reception. Please keep in mind, that many resorts charge an outside vendor fee for photography and videography for example, if you choose someone that is not one of the location’s preferred vendors. The outside vendor fee can range from $300 – $1,800 based on the venue or resort.

Pro-tip: Consider applying for a cashback credit card to use for your wedding deposit, your group room block deposit, and other associated wedding costs to help you save a little bit of money. Look for cards that offer a cashback match, and 0% interest for an extended period of time. For example, The Discover it Cash Back card.

Who’s Invited?

If you’re having a destination wedding, there will be some people you invite, who won’t attend. If that is a problem for you or your partner, consider hosting an after-wedding party back home. So those who couldn’t make it can celebrate with you.

Final Words

To make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch, work with a destination wedding travel specialist or planner. Choose someone that has worked with the resort or venue, and knows the location. They will be your ally throughout the entire process and eliminate any planning stress.

Be flexible with your wedding date. Many popular places for destination weddings have limited availability, as far out as 2024. Consider a midweek day (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) for better options.

For questions about destination weddings, and legal or symbolic ceremonies, reach out to me.

Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Posted on June 11, 2022June 11, 2022 by Lucky n Love

Dreaming of a destination wedding? Make your wedding dreams come true with these 3 destination wedding planning tips.

1. Find a destination wedding planning specialist to work with

They will make recommendations based on what you picture for your wedding. Can offer private location options if you prefer somewhere more intimate. They know the resorts and have experience working with the wedding departments. Trying to plan a wedding in another country is difficult when you do not know who to contact. Your destination wedding specialist will work on your behalf to secure a group room block for your wedding. A destination wedding specialist will work with you and your guests on all of the travel arrangements and help you plan activities for everyone to enjoy at your wedding destination.

2. Not all resorts are created equal

There are many resorts available, but not all of them are right for your wedding. Your destination wedding specialist will help you choose based on the location, your budget, the number of guests, and the type of setting you picture for your wedding day. Some important things to consider; will children be attending, and do you want an all-inclusive resort.

3. Set a realistic budget

The average cost of a destination wedding in Mexico for example is roughly $7,000 for 30 guests. This is just the wedding package cost; you need to factor in your travel and accommodations. You also need to decide if you will help pay for any of your guest’s travel costs. Resort wedding packages available vary from resort to resort; some include additional extras such as photography. Know the cost upfront of all the additional options available, especially the ones you want to add.

For more information, additional destination wedding planning tips, or to start planning, reach out to me here