Summer is here, wedding season is in full swing and our couples are flocking to tropical locales such as Mexico and the Caribbean to exchange vows. Can you blame them?! We’re rounding up the top destination wedding trends we’re seeing from our couples so you can be in the know when planning your own romantic getaway!
Between the ease of planning and amount of savings to exotic locations and unforgettable memories, it’s easy to see why a fifth* of couples getting married choose to plan a destination wedding. But let’s not forget about honeymoons and vow renewals, too!
So, what type of couple is planning a destination wedding with us, anyway?
And, what’s the leading cause for couples to want a wedding abroad, you ask?
Majority of couples say it’s so they can have an extra unique wedding experience for both themselves and their guests…makes sense, right?!
Our Destination Weddings by the Numbers
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding is $35,329. However, the average cost of a destination wedding* this year is $7,622! See how that breaks down here:
And, here’s more:
Average number of guests: 40
Average wedding planning timeline (from engagement to travel): 16 months
Average number of nights stayed in destination: 6
Percentage of destination weddings that have children in attendance: 92% (up last year from 88%!)
Top Destination Wedding Locations
According to The Knot Real Wedding Study, there are more than 350,000 destination weddings each year. Of those, 23% are held in international destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico.
Here are where our couples are jetting off to the most:
Destination wedding locations that we’re keeping our eye on this year include Isla Mujeres, Curacao, Riviera Nayarit, Ixtapa and Grenada.
Destination Wedding Decor and Details
Here are the top decor and accessory trends we’re seeing from our couples:
When it comes to accessories: statement headpieces such as flower crowns, headbands and hair pins
When it comes to food and beverage: Locally-themed hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks
When it comes to decor: lit-up dance floors
When it comes to fashion: Capped sleeve dresses and sheer shoulders
When it comes to personalization: Personalized cakes and desserts
And, we can’t forget the biggest trend of them all, Pantone ®’s Color of the Year: Greenery!
Explore our 2017 Trend Report for a more in depth look at destination wedding trends and insights!
To start planning your dream destination wedding with us, get started here!
