Report: More spending on destination weddings

May 18, 2009

Instead of a traditional wedding in a church, more couples are choosing to walk down the aisle in a more exotic locale.

New research from a survey by Walker Communications has found that the budgets for destination weddings and honeymoons have increased. According to the survey, destination wedding budgets increased 4 percent, from $19,800 in 2006 to $20,600 in 2009.

Of the respondents who opted for a destination wedding, 60 percent of them paid for their own wedding.

"Destination weddings provide an opportunity for extended quality time with cherished family and friends," said Susan Moynihan, editor-in-chief of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. "The destination couple plans a group vacation around the wedding festivities and spends more to create a fabulous guest experience."

Part of that experience can include creative wedding reception decorations that go along with the destination chosen by the couple.
For example, a destination wedding in Aruba may call for some beach-themed decorations and possibly even some tiki torches. However, a wedding in Paris may call for something more culturally significant.