by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
Home :: Articles :: Packing for your Destination Wedding Are you planning a destination wedding? Congratulations! Before you head off to your dream wedding and honeymoon, don’t forget the packing for the wedding itself. Much will depend on where you’re having your wedding and your own personal style. If you’re getting married in a formal wedding dress, be sure to carry it with you - don’t trust your dress to checked luggage. Most airplanes have coat closets and will allow travelers to hang garment bags. Check with your airline.Grooms should also carry the clothing needed for the ceremony. If you’re getting married in the Caribbean, you won’t find many tuxedo rental shops in the islands. It is easiest to bring clothes with you. We recently saw a panicked groom in the Bahamas wearing a tuxedo shirt, coat, cummerbund -and a pair of jeans. The stressed-out groom was racing for the lobby door to meet a clothier who had located a pair of tuxedo pants after the groom’s were lost in his luggage. Don’t let this happen to you!Also, carry all original documents–including birth certificates and divorce papers, if applicable–in your hand luggage. Don’t pack these in checked luggage!
Many resorts have on-site beauty salons, so you can make sure your hair is perfect for your wedding day. (If you plan to do your own hair, be sure to check first on the electrical current and plugs at your destination. You may need to bring converters for hot rollers and other appliances.) Many resorts also have on-site spas which can pamper the two of you with a massage to work out the kinks from your flight.
For the wedding, you’ll want to pack some of these items, depending on your plans:
- wedding dress
- special hosiery or undergarments
- shoes (if you’re planning a tropical wedding, remember that high temperatures and humidity, coupled with a long flight, can make feet puffy)
- guest book
- wedding rings
- groom’s tux or suit
- groom’s shoes
- address book
- thank you cards if you’d like to write them on the way home
- special decorations, wedding music
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE Lovetripper.com, a romantic travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations.Copyright 2001 Paris Permenter and John Bigley.
Your wedding ceremony can be held just about anywhere you would like – and many couples opt for the great outdoors, either at the beach, on a river bank, in a park, vineyard, or garden, or on the sparkling waters of a harbour for an unforgettable wedding cruise. Be creative with the location.This is a once in a lifetime event and you should choose a venue that is beautiful and meaningful to you both. Here in Australia we are truly blessed with the variety of outdoor locations that are perfect for weddings. Some brides and grooms enjoy the freedom of a beach wedding, while other water lovers opt for a specially chartered cruise vessel. If you prefer to have your feet on terra firma, consider the romance of a beautiful country garden, an orchard, a vineyard, or a magnificent botanical garden. Depending upon the time of year, you could exchange your vows surrounded by lush greenery, the delicate pink and white of spring blossoms, or autumn’s vibrant reds and golds.
When planning any outdoor wedding, there are a few logistics to consider. For example, you will need to select a spot that is reasonably easy to access, particularly if you have very young children or older relatives among your guests. You should also discuss your plans with your marriage celebrant, as well as with your photographer, videographer and the musicians you have hired to play at the ceremony so that they can make any special arrangements that may be necessary.
Parking is another factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. Is there adequate parking within easy walking distance to the spot you’ve chosen? If not (and you have your heart set on this particular location) you may be able to arrange for your guests to gather somewhere close by and hop on a bus that you’ve hired to transport them to and from the wedding. This could add a fun ‘mystery tour’ element to the day – but allow plenty of time for this manoeuvre to be carried out successfully!
If your chosen wedding venue is a public space, you may need to obtain permission for its use from the relevant authorities. And no matter what location you choose, be sure to give your guests clear directions on how to get there, as well as advice on suitable dress and footwear.
Are both your wedding and reception to take place at the same location? Then you’ll probably need to investigate the hire of a marquee for your reception. A marquee is a flexible and creative option. They can be erected just about anywhere (as long as you have permission) and can be decorated anyway you choose. However, if there are no kitchens nearby you’ll need to hire a fully equipped caterer’s tent and possibly a generator, as well as arranging for access to fresh water. Discuss this with your caterers, who may be able to give you some useful advice.
Finally, while an outdoor wedding can be a wonderfully romantic and relaxed celebration, always choose an alternative indoor venue as back up in case of bad weather. 
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Mauritius. Even the name sounds exotic and far away. It is exotic but it isn’t far. The island paradise of Mauritius is to be found in the Indian Ocean just above the Tropic of Capricorn. Mauritius is about 65km long and 48km wide and is off the east coast of Africa. At 11 hours flight from the east coast of Australia, and some seven hours out of Perth, Mauritius is far enough to feel like you are on a unique holiday yet close enough for a comfortable flight.
Mauritius blends a unique group of cultures and history. The island has a central plateau with impressive mountains and is skirted by white sandy beaches. Offshore are coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The island has a population of just over 1 million and Mauritius is unique for its diversity: Indian, Creole, Muslim, French & Chinese – working together whilst still preserving their traditional cultures. Mauritius is an independent, but sovereign, state within the Commonwealth in 1968 and (finally) a Republic in 1992.
It has white sandy beaches and warm blue turquoise waters. Located on the coastlines of Mauritius are some of the most beautiful resorts and hotels in the world, featuring sensational cuisine that reflects the varied cultural heritage of the island.
Mauritian people are renowned world wide for their beauty and huge smiles. They love greeting people from all over the world and ensuring that their stay is enjoyable and unforgettable. Mauritian people particularly love a wedding and will go out of their way to make sure the day is stress free and memorable for everyone involved.
Weddings in Mauritius are easy to organise and very affordable. Most of the resorts in Mauritius offer specialist wedding packages and Mauritius has some of the most beautiful locations for weddings; sunset on the beach, islands, rainforests and churches are just some of the gorgeous settings that can accommodate a wedding.
Photography and video, flowers, musicians, wedding cakes, candlelit dinners and spa treatments are a sampling of the services that are easily organised through the hotels or resort.
Around your wedding day there are many things to do in Mauritius other than lying on the beach and taking the occasional dip in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has world class restaurants, beautiful cruising on the ocean, golf and exclusive resorts, adventure sports and simply enjoying some of the unique shopping experiences. In addition, hotels offer significant discounts for group bookings so invite all your friends! Now all you need to know is how to get there. Air Mauritius flies from Australia three times a week with modern A340 aircraft. Choose from First, Club Mauritius or Economy for your flight. Mauritius is also a unique stopover to Europe with connecting flights to Africa and all major European cities. Marry in Mauritius and honeymoon in Europe. Nothing could be better