Destination Weddings

• 6 min read

As 2024 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the year in weddings—a year of surprising shifts, new trends and valuable lessons for planners, couples and venues. It was a year that saw some high points, but also challenges that made us rethink how weddings are…

• 7 min read

Weddings are all about love, and what better way to show love than through food. Couples are increasingly turning to “foodie” weddings that create memories, reflect their story and create a unique experience for family and guests. Patrizia Cilli, a Rome-based…

• 5 min read

Destination weddings often focus on beach and resort locations, but couples today frequently look for more unique and personalized wedding experiences. As such, urban destinations provide an opportunity for couples — and their planners — to incorporate many unique…

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There is just something about being by the water. The benefits are scientific behind the idea of the “blue mind:” research shows that being on, in, or near the water can relieve stress, boost creativity and instill a sense of peace. When the sunshine and moonlight…

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Sam Jacobson, founder of Ideaction Consulting, is a seasoned expert who has helped numerous venues and wedding planners elevate their businesses. As a trusted expert in the industry, he is known for his data-driven approach, strategic mindset and insights into the world of…

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Autumn continues to grow in popularity for weddings, as evidenced by The Knot’s latest survey of wedding couples. September and October were the most popular months to get married in 2023. The wedding website also predicted that the most popular wedding date of 2024 will…

• 7 min read

With the thrill of popping the question and saying “yes” still lingering, it’s time to get to work planning the wedding, from drafting the guest list to choosing a date, finding the perfect venue and choosing a caterer, florist, baker and photographer, to…

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In the fifties, summer was America’s most popular marriage season. The 1954 musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” featured the song “June Bride” -- “Oh, they say when you marry in June, you’re a bride all your life…

• 6 min read

I’ve always believed in signs and for as long as I can remember, the number 727 held a special place in my life. So, when it came time to finally tie the knot with Chris after not one, but two runaway bride moments -- yes, you read that right; I called off two weddings to…

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The inaugural Luxury Wedding Showcase by Destination Weddings by ALHI was designed to redefine the landscape for wedding planners and hoteliers by fostering intimate connections and meaningful relationships. *Videos courtesy of Bridges Cinema Set in the picturesque setting of Del…

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Sometimes two worlds collide in the perfect way, and that explains why destination weddings are increasingly popular. Summer is when people’s thoughts already turn to vacation dreams. Then, there is just something inherently romantic about watching a couple say their vows…

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Summer’s seasonal ingredients are ripe and ready to add bursts of flavor to any summertime wedding menu, whether for a small, intimate gathering, or an all-out party for hundreds of guests that will last well into the night. “Summertime is made to highlight…

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Just as soon as the question is popped, it seems that two other questions quicky follow for the happy couple: when will the wedding be, and where? Whether in the bride or groom’s hometown, a favorite vacation destination, or a far-flung place miles away, every couple finds…

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Engaged couples often want to look beyond the constraints of a windowless ballroom for a wedding venue and instead have their special day feature a backdrop that incorporates the entire destination. As a result, rooftops are becoming an increasingly popular choice for a venue…

• 6 min read

A couple’s wedding day is, of course, the big day. But in recent years, a fast-growing trend has emerged: brides and grooms gather up their family members, close friends and the wedding party ahead of the wedding day for a curated series of memorable events and meals that…

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When it comes time to planning their weddings, couples likely take into consideration whether their guests will be traveling to join them in their celebrations. If their guests are traveling, couples may decide that hosting their wedding festivities over a holiday…

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The sky’s the limit at Prince Waikiki with several dreamy indoor and outdoor Honolulu wedding venues. The most stunning of all is the Lani Lea Chapel, perched atop the Prince Waikiki with sweeping ocean views from floor to ceiling windows. Exchange vows amongst the clouds…

• 8 min read

January is a great time for couples to book 2024 honeymoon trips to take advantage of airfare prices that typically drop during the first month of the year. That could be especially important for couples who want to honeymoon in one of the best honeymoon destinations for 2024…

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Destination Weddings by ALHI, a service of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) that didn’t—and still doesn’t—exist in the wedding industry, will add more education programs for wedding planners in 2004 while continuing to showcase luxury…

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As we welcome in another year, 2024 promises to witness a wave of innovative trends that will redefine the way we celebrate love. From sustainable choices to captivating colors, couples are embracing new ideas, technologies and styles that will celebrate their individuality and…

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Not long ago, brides and grooms flipped through pages of bridal magazines to find inspiration for their upcoming nuptials. They’d tear out and tag pages to share with wedding planners to help illustrate their ideas and dreams for their big days. Today, social media is a…

• 3 min read

As we bid adieu to 2023, we look back at the transformative journey the wedding industry underwent this year. It has been a journey built on authenticity, sustainability and inclusivity. Some of the trends that emerged have left lasting impressions that have quite possibly…

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A look back at the 10 most read stories from the Destination Weddings by ALHI newsletter in 2023. 1. Five Wedding Trends For 2023 2. Luxury Rediscovered: Wedding Planner Experience 3. Five Unexpected Wedding Destinations for 2023 4. Stunning Destination Wedding Locations in the…

• 8 min read

There is something magical about a wintertime wedding, from the utter coziness of the season to glimmering landscapes that make for whimsical backdrops to highlight a couple's big day. Making guests feel warm and welcome at a wintertime celebration can be done in myriad…

• 5 min read

In today’s fast-paced world of wedding planning, staying ahead of trends and discovering uncommon destinations is vital to helping planners create enchanting experiences for their clients. Destination Weddings by ALHI works closely with our Member properties, bringing…

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According to a 2022 wedding study by The Knot, just 14% of weddings are "small, or under 50 guests.” Luckily for those couples, there are many hotels around the world perfect for intimate weddings, including these four ALHI Members: Hotel Bennett Charleston native…

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A couple gets engaged and begins planning their wedding. They quickly decide they want to get away for a destination wedding but aren’t sure where they should go. The whole world is their oyster, or is it? With the world to choose from, how is a wedding planner to…

• 8 min read

How about a wedding venue that wedding planners can recommend to their clients that’s hosted the rich and famous, presidents and royalty, or served as a World War II hospital or a centuries old monastery? Some ALHI properties in the U.S. and Europe offer the added cachet…

• 4 min read

Planning a wedding takes imagination, time and patience to make the big day as special as the couple exchanging their vows. When it comes to planning a multi-day Hindu wedding celebration—traditional Hindu wedding festivities are held over three days—keen attention…

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Wedding planners looking to offer clients a unique alternative to celebrating their wedding might want to explore the hidden gems located in Colorado and Utah for that special day. What could be cozier than saying “I do” surrounded by cool mountain breezes and the…

• 9 min read

One could say that wedding planning is an art and all great artists need inspiration. What better place to find it than through firsthand experience? Through a collaboration between Kempinski Hotel Cancún and Quintana Roo Tourism Bureau (CPTQ), ALHI Weddings brought a select…

• 5 min read

In 2022, autumn reigned supreme for U.S. weddings. Twenty percent of all nuptials took place in October, and 43 percent of all weddings occurred between September and November, according to a study by theknot.com. As fall nudges out summer as the most popular wedding season…

• 6 min read

When it comes to choosing destinations for the weddings of your clients’ dreams, the world is their oyster. From sublime oceanfront spots to quaint European villages, soaring mountains to cultural hotspots and everything in between, there’s no shortage of ideas when…

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European weddings are en vogue. The destination wedding market in Europe is a multi-million industry that’s projected for a five-fold increase in the next decade, according to a report from Future Market Insights. It’s no wonder so many wedding planner clients have…

• 6 min read

Thoughts of the South conjure up images of sweeping Magnolia trees, wraparound porches, warm summers and sweet tea. Time-honored traditions, oh-so-polite mannerisms, and rustic elegance make getting married below the Mason-Dixon line categorically charming. From serving homemade…

• 12 min read

Toast the happy…

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It’s no wonder so many couples choose beach destinations to exchange their wedding vows: Coastlines provide a picturesque backdrop and the lull of waves…

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Wedding planning is often compared to prepping for a marathon. It is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting. So, what does this mean for planners who do this for a living? Wedding planning burnout is real, and fatigue is a common…

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The happy couple has gotten engaged, chosen a planner and a unique outdoor venue for their ideal wedding. But has anyone checked the really, really long-range forecast for a date months or even years away? Long- and short-range planning, from commissioning a…

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As a…

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Destination Weddings by ALHI is…

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It’s common for couples from different cultures to get married or travel to a foreign destination to get married. So how do wedding planners help their clients have a bilingual wedding? Here are some important tips and advice from experts for wedding planning for…

• 11 min read

After the exhilaration of an engagement and sharing the good news with family and friends, it’s time to start thinking about the wedding, not only the time of year, but where the ceremony and festivities will take place. Gone are the days when the betrothed are expected to…

• 4 min read

When it comes time to start planning their weddings, couples oftentimes find inspiration in myriad places, from their hometowns to where they met to tropical destinations and even where they’re honeymooning. “As a wedding planner, it is not uncommon for brides…

• 5 min read

When planning a couple’s wedding, there are many factors that come into play, not the least of which is where to host this memorable event and how much it will cost. The reasons to plan destination weddings range from giving the couple and their guests a vacation, having…

• 6 min read

From the sultry beaches of Tulum to the cobblestoned streets of San Miguel de Allende, it’s easy to see why Mexico is such a popular wedding destination. In addition to endless jaw-dropping locales, Mexico is home to some of the most…

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Wedding cakes have been a part of the ritual celebration since the ancient Romans ended their wedding rites with a sconelike wheat or barley cake being broken over the bride’s head to ensure good luck and fertility. Later, when the Romans…

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Editor’s Note: Are you a wedding planner advising couples on a unique place to say “I Do” in 2023 or beyond? Part Two of a two-part series about luxury destinations around the world that remain a bit undiscovered—for now at least. Read Part One. Much…

• 5 min read

You know the expression: Something borrowed, something blue. But today’s couples also want something—lots of things, rather—to be green as eco-friendly wedding considerations have become front of mind. As Meghan Hanna was planning her spring wedding in…

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We recently had the opportunity to partner with our amazing property, Silverado Resort in iconic Napa Valley, to bring in a group of wedding planners from around the country to experience the resort and the enchantment of the destination. Destination Weddings by ALHI worked…

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Planners know that creating floor plans and seating charts can often be a daunting task, but daunting can become downright challenging when trying to master this art in uncommon space. With destination weddings on the rise and couples looking at more unique, out of the box…

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With so many associations and industry organizations out there, figuring out which is the right one for you can be confusing and a little guidance goes a long way. Having been in the wedding industry for over a decade, I’ve done my fair share of research, investigating and…

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Add pops of this “brave and fearless” color to your wedding. Described as “a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative,” and “a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of…

• 6 min read

Editor’s Note: Are you a wedding planner advising couples on a unique place to say “I Do” in 2023 or beyond? This is ALHI’s first installment in a two-part series about luxury destinations around the world that remain a bit undiscovered—for now…

• 2 min read

Carats & Cake, a website and resource known for featuring weddings in front of an audience of more than 100 million, has entered a partnership with Destination Weddings by ALHI, which offers services such as venue selection, site visits and contract negotiations for a…

• 6 min read

Centuries-old castles. Rolling vineyards. Coastal beaches with sapphire blue waters. Hollywood itself couldn’t create a more idyllic setting for fairytale-like honeymoons than the scenes set by some of Europe’s most romantic cities and regions. If you’re a…

• 5 min read

Selecting a wedding venue can be a daunting task and a professional wedding planner can be an invaluable asset to help get through the process, especially when it comes to international destinations. Planners are trained to look at things through a logistical/practical lens as…

• 4 min read

Spring is on the way and the flowers will soon be blooming. From bouquets to boutonnières to table arrangements, even petals tossed down the aisle, flowers have long been part of the wedding tradition. But there is a story—sometimes passionate, sometimes…

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Believe it or not, the Emily Post Institute has an entire section dedicated to guest list etiquette. Although a lot of these "rules" may not apply for those planning a wedding in the 21st century, guest list etiquette will be one of the trickiest parts of planning a…

• 6 min read

Wine and weddings just go together. But beyond raising glasses to celebrate the newlyweds, there’s even more opportunities for oenophiles and their guests to weave wine into wedding week celebrations. From group grape stomping and on-point pairings with boutique Mexican…

• 4 min read

After a fun-filled and fun-fueled holiday season, the start of the new year is a perfect time to think about renewal, whether renewing healthy eating habits, boundaries, or ways in which to be active. It’s also a wonderful time to think about reigniting your love and…

• 5 min read

Of those celebrating on Feb. 14, the National Retail Federation says 56 percent plan to gift their Valentines with candy. Other popular gifts include greeting cards, flowers, jewelry and an evening out. But if you want to think outside of the heart-shaped box, how about…

• 9 min read

You’re familiar with some of the most famous backdrops for weddings: The palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean, the lush landscape and stretches of golden sand in Hawaii and the rolling hills and vineyards amid 15th-century architecture in Tuscany. But what are some of the…

• 8 min read

Stacie Hawkins, Owner/CEO, Lead Planner & Designer of Stacie + Co., a successful entrepreneur, thriving business owner, wife, mother of three and world traveler. Her philosophy is simple: Faith first, family second, work third. In this installment of our Vendor Spotlight…

• 1 min read

A look back at the five most read stories from the Destination Weddings by ALHI newsletter in 2022. 1. Winter Cocktails Heat Up the Season 2. 5 Things to Know When Planning a Destination Wedding 3. Couples Embrace Culture, Traditions into Weddings 4. 7 Memorable Elopement…

• 7 min read

For many people, thoughts of Mexico may conjure up comforting visions of lounging on soft, sandy beaches, a tangy margarita firmly in hand. For others, visions of snuggling with their significant other in a hammock made for two, ensconced on the private verandah of a posh hotel…

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Timing is everything when it comes to a wedding and having a timeline is crucial, but it must be done right to be effective. Eddie Babbage and his Timeline Genuis method can help master the wedding timeline. Babbage, a Duke University graduate with a degree from Harvard Law…

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There is no denying that 2022 was the “Year of the Wedding.” According to the Wedding Report, the U.S. saw a staggering 2.6 million weddings this year, the most since 1984. This breaks down to 7,123 weddings for every day in 2022. That’s great news for the…

• 6 min read

Around the ALHI world, special drinks—hot and cold—are emerging for winter, and we share the recipes in Part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1: Winter Cocktails Heat Up the Season Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach All Inclusive Created by Infinite Club Butler…

• 9 min read

With winter looming, there’s a chill in the air. As holiday festivities embark, from family and office gatherings to weddings, an important part of the special event is selecting beverages to accompany the celebration. Whether hot or chilled, signature cocktails have…

• 4 min read

While planning a destination wedding can bring couples and their families a great deal of joy, the process also can cause stress. Those organizing the affair likely are selecting caterers, florists, daytime activities and evening entertainment, plus they are bracing for bills…

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Kimberly Richmond, Global Director of Sales, Destination Weddings by ALHI, combined her passion for event planning and her hotel background by launching Runaway Bride, an international destination wedding planning company. She has been featured in major bridal publications such…

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Planning a wedding, whether intimate or on a grand scale, can be daunting. Now throw in the element of going international and there can be a bit more complexity to the big day. According to The Knot 2022 Real Wedding Study, 19% of couples opted to have destination weddings last…

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Weddings around the world are celebrated in a myriad of ways. Some couples focus on fun and engaging themes while others look to their culture for rituals. In certain unique cities—like San Miguel de Allende, in Mexico, or New Orleans—ceremonies often incorporate…

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Imagine: fresh snow blankets the ground and caresses tree limbs to set a romantic scene for a winter wonderland wedding. The couple stands together, surrounded by family and friends in a magical setting to say their ‘I dos.’ Behind the scenes the wedding planner…

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Ever thought about having your dog as the ring bearer or best man at your wedding, or carrying your beloved kitty down the aisle? Or, how about riding into your wedding venue on your trusty steed? What could be cuter, right? According to recent statistics, it seems that our furry…

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Your wedding is probably the most expensive party you will ever throw, and while creating and sticking to your budget is the least glamorous part of planning, it is unquestionably the most important. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the 2021 national average cost of a…

• 5 min read

A study by David’s Bridal revealed that 55% of couples surveyed planned to have a destination wedding in 2022. This is due to a number of reasons: pent-up demand caused by the pandemic; lack of available venues where they live; and a desire to marry in a locale that…

• 7 min read

By definition, and tradition, an elopement was typically a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends. The couple would ordinarily escape to some unknown destination to “tie the knot,” then return home to share the big news…

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Selecting the right vendors is one of the most important parts of the planning process and having the right or wrong people in place can be a game changer. Finding the proverbial dream team is a big undertaking, but staying organized, being equipped with the right questions, and…

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When I tell people what I used to do for a living, their thoughts almost immediately drift to the glamorous role Jennifer Lopez played in the movie "The Wedding Planner." My job was to help couples design their wedding weekend, handle the entertainment, keep vendors on…

• 13 min read

Many people have a vision of what they’d like their wedding day to look like from the time they’re young children. That vision likely includes the dream of getting married on a beach or in a beautiful garden or such. Others may not be that concerned about the…

• 9 min read

Visions of jetting off to a villa on the Amalfi coast or saying “I do” on a sultry beach in Mexico have more and more couples looking to exchange vows abroad. While destination weddings continue to become increasingly popular, there are a lot of factors couples…

• 7 min read

You don’t have to leaf through too many colorful pages of travel magazines and internet sites to be captured by the spell of Hawaii’s magical beauty, mystical culture and fascinating legends, many of which are linked for all time to the natural wonders found…

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In many cultures, tradition historically dictated that the bride’s family paid for weddings. Grooms had it easy: leave the planning to the bride’s cohort and show up on time for associated celebratory events. That tradition, however, is fading. Danielle Andrews…

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Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress is a one-of-a-kind initiative that brings together the world’s biggest celebrity wedding planners, royalty specialists and destination wedding experts, including Kimberly Richmond, Global Director of Sales, Destination Weddings…

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Conventional wisdom has taught us that the easiest way to someone's heart may very likely be via the stomach. While this is by no means a novel concept, it may be more the trend these summer days as couples look for ways to incorporate unique food elements into their wedding…

• 6 min read

No matter where you live, autumn generally is a special season for everyone. For many, memories of golden meadows shadowed by brilliantly hued fall foliage and scents of long-ago campfires are sure to stir nostalgia in one’s soul. Not only is it a season of transition, it…

• 6 min read

Whether you’ve just gotten engaged this holiday season or are in the midst of nailing down the details of your dream destination wedding, it is hard to ignore all the pretty photographs making their way around the web this time of year. Whether it’s that first…

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Luxury wedding photographer John Sargent of John Cain Photography has noticed the comeback of the domestic destination wedding, and says he is back in full force and traveling now more than ever. He and his team recently set off to Pebble Beach, Scottsdale and Lyford Cay to shoot…