Read More Articles

7 Factors to Consider in Planning a Long Distance Wedding

Trying to get married at a remote location?  What about getting married in or near a city where you don't live?  Some folks call this an elopement.  Others just invite each other's parents or two sets of best friends.  Couples normally provide the best ambience for an intimate wedding getaway. To be different and to start off your marriage with an elegant spice, many couples like you are choosing localities where they've been to once or twice.  Others just pick popular locations that are heavily advertised.  For many understandable reasons, mountain and island getaways have proven the most common remote wedding locations.  Keep in mind that island getaways can start off costing at least twice, and sometimes as many as five times, as a mountain getaway. 

A responsible relative (mother or sister, usually) or a best friend can be VERY helpful in this sometimes complicated effort of planning a long distance wedding.  Having either a wedding planner or a competent assistant tends to ease the stress of planning the wedding in a remote location.  Rule of thumb:  Planning your wedding at an island or mountain getaway can be more stressful than having it back in your hometown or where your parents currently live.  Still, the extra effort will more than pay for itself in costs.  Remember, having a wedding where you live for 100 people (an average to smaller sized wedding) easily exceeds $15,000 in a major metropolitan area. 

If you follow some of the upcoming tips, you will add enjoyment to the wedding planning process by reducing the stress on yourself and your helper.

1. If you have a helper who lives in the town, odds are that helper is NOT a professional in the business.  This is okay, but remember to help your friend in helping you. 
2. Don't expect them to do everything.  Moreover, don't expect to be on the phone with them every day.  If you feel their degree of responsiveness is not what you desire, gently take on more of the planning yourself in a nice and grateful way or consider finding someone else to help.  Treasure your relationship with your helper.  He or she should be able to give you room in deciding alternatives and direction.
3. If you're getting married in a popular location, search the name of the city or town and the service you desire (e.g. Colorado wedding ministers or Virginia ceremony musicians) on Google, Yahoo or MSN.  Some website suggestions would be www.coloradoministers.com or www.usatalentagency.com. 
4. Survey the websites that appeal to you.  Send them ALL an email and check their responsiveness.  Remember, responsiveness is the key in long distance wedding planning.  If they don't respond or don't respond in a timely manner, try another vendor.
5. Many companies in this day and age STILL don't respond to email, even though they have a website. 
6. If you're stuck for alternatives, give these same vendors a call or write them a letter.  If they still don't respond to your satisfaction, then you MUST move on. 
7. If you still have trouble lining up vendors, find out who the local telephone company is and    buy a telephone book from them.  You'll find ways to recoup your costs back for the book.

Article written by Rev. Kenny Giordano of Associated Ministers Toll free:  (866) 846-3487

Read More Articles