Destination Weddings - Are they for you?

I arrived in Montego Bay from Negril (Jamaica) Saturday at 1pm. Right from getting in from my transfer I was meeting couples that decided on a destination wedding. The one couple that shared my ride to Negril had chosen a resort in Montego Bay that allowed a diversity of prices for their guests - that seems to be the one theme couples I have been chatting with do look for and that option does exist. Their wedding took place last week - they had a fabulous week with about 50 family members and friends and were now heading to Sandals Negril for some romantic alone time.
I arrived at Beaches Negril around 330pm - and immediately was able to peek at 3 weddings taking place that afternoon. One couple chose that amazing sunset hour - another couple was married earlier in the day and then treated their guests to a reception on the catamaran and a sunset cruise. I did chat with a Mother of the Groom and asked her thoughts - They loved having so much quality time with family and friends instead of just 6 hours. My couple on the shuttle - if they stayed home it would have a been a wedding of 300 - both the expense & the ability to really enjoy their wedding was their great concern - here they were able to spend so much less for such great value including memories with families and friends that will last a life time. This morning I met friends of a couple that have come down from the cold snow - they were thrilled to join and incorporate their vacation time into the plans. They loved that the bride gave them plenty of notice starting with invitations last April.
Is this a good choice for everyone? No - however if it has been your dream to get married on the beach and have a wedding that is an event for everyone that lasts days insteads of hours, or if your family has to travel from all over anyways - it just may be for you. Destination weddings are growing every year - and with that so are the options. Personally as a parent I would much rather contribute to a week with family instead of hours. Look in to destination weddings, it might be even better than you thought!