Sunday, February 6, 2011

Celebrity Weddings Are "Destined" For Europe

Celebrity weddings are "destined" for Europe. Discover tips from a travel insider and a former bride on how to plan your own destination wedding.

As more celebrities tie the knot in Europe, many couples have become interested in having their own destination wedding. Doorways, Ltd. is a travel agency that specializes in European villas. President Kit Burns has planned several dream weddings abroad, including her own daughter's. She offers nine steps with her insider tips for planning your own dream wedding in Europe...

Decide on the location

Burns suggests choosing a country that has personal meaning to the couple. Ethnic ties, scenery, or pure love of a country's culture often guide the couple's choice. Whatever country you decide on, always choose an agency that specializes in your destination.

Calculate your budget and number of guests

Happily, destination weddings often cost the same as or less than at-home weddings because the guest list can be trimmed down to only very close family and friends. Normally a destination wedding is between 12-40 people, including immediate family, best friends and close cousins. This is exactly why destination weddings are so appealing; they are personal, romantic, and surprisingly affordable.

Find the right place to stay within your country of choice

Some areas are perfect wedding spots. Burns recommends newly-restored Villa Buonvisi, nestled among olive groves, mountains, and vineyards in Lucca, Tuscany. The villa is fully-staffed, and its gracious owners offer guests free wine, olive oil, and personalized wedding planning. Doorways also offers properties ideal for weddings in France and Spain.

Locate a good wedding planner abroad

It is important to establish contact with a planner while you are still in the States. When brides call Doorways, Ltd. to rent a villa for their destination wedding, they are matched with villa owners who offer personal service and experience. For Trea Robinson, a Doorways destination wedding bride, the villa owners served as an integral part of the planning process. Robinson says, "The villa owners had everything under control and never let us see them under any pressure if there was any. They recommended restaurants, handled translations, the florist, cook, pastry chef, and numerous details that made our wedding day and week - absolutely perfect!"

Find out the legal regulations of your destination

To avoid a lot of red tape, Burns suggests couples have the legal marriage at home then a symbolic wedding ceremony in the destination country. Some countries, such as Italy offer civil ceremonies that are internationally recognized. Your travel consultant should be familiar with the legalities of your destination.

Notify your family and friends

Send out a "save the date" email as soon as your date and location are confirmed. Keep in mind that some people plan their vacations a year in advance, so you should let everyone know the date and country as soon as possible.

Buy your dress and figure out how you will transport it

Have it fitted in advance. Then, wrap it in tissue paper and pack it in a large box. If you check it with your luggage, be sure to label your destination address and phone number clearly, and insure the dress separately. Some brides prefer to ship the dress ahead and there are delivery services you can use. They are expensive, but can be worth it. Be sure to arrange the delivery and storage of the dress with your villa in advance.

Maintain communication

Create a website where guests can find answers to their questions without calling the bride and groom. The theme of the website can match your invitations. It is also helpful to provide guests with your travel consultant's contact information. This can be your US villa rental company, like Doorways, or it can be one of the other guests who loves to do this as a hobby.

Arrive early and finalize details

For Trea Robinson, it was the details of her destination wedding that were most memorable. "The fields of mint that we walked through to get to the vineyards for pictures were amazing. Guests enjoyed cocktails under the villa's arbor that was brimming with grapes." The magical aura of Europe can make any bride feel like a star.

For information on renting a villa for your destination wedding, vow renewal or honeymoon, visit www.villavacations.com or call 1 800-261-4460.

Doorways, Ltd. specializes in villa, chateau and apartment rentals in Italy, Spain, and France. Since 1994, the company has provided each of its clients with personalized service and genuine care. All properties have been personally seen and approved by the Doorways staff.

Article written by Susan Russo

Submitted by Kit Burns, President, Doorways, Ltd., www.villavacations.com

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