Destination Weddings - Applaud Women

Divine Inspirations
Alexandria
744-2557

I DO Bridal & Tuxedo
Alton
875-4848

Wooden Soldier Ltd
Bartlett
356-5643

Modern Bride & Formal Shop
Rte. 101
Bedford
472-4933

Betty Dee Fashions
Berlin
752-5141

Sherry's Veils
Bow
493-2775

Heidi's Bridal Boutique
Claremont
542-3345

Linda's Country Lane Bridal
Claremont
543-0882

A Day to Remember Bridal
Boutique
1 North Main St.
Concord
228.8031

Cassie’s Bridal
41 North Main Street
Concord
227-0561

The Perfect Dress For You
Concord
856-8829

Two Hearts Bridal Boutique
Dover
743-1433

Custom Bridal Veils
Exeter
778-6440

Townsend's Bridal & Formal
Center
Exeter
778-0280

William Fitz Bridal
Fitzwilliam
585-9555

Bridals by Giuseppe
Freedom
236-4543

Maria Antonieta Couture
Bridal
Gorham
839-5440

Country Bridals and Formal
Wear
17 Main Street
Jaffrey
532-7641

Destination Weddings
by Emily Pietro

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When planning a wedding, the happy couple usually has concrete ideas in mind, whether the bride has been
planning this day since childhood, or if the couple has a special tie to a local venue that they would like to hold the
ceremony at. A surprising new trend, however, is rising in the wedding industry – destination weddings.

According to DestinationWeddings.com a wedding planning site, which arranges more than 1,000 destination
weddings per year, one out of every six couples getting married for the first time chooses a destination 200 miles or
more from their home. That number rises to 61% for couples getting remarried. The site also states that destination
weddings have, in recent years, become more accessible to couples looking to add spice to their special ceremony;
and in fact, one of the most common reasons to choose a Destination Wedding is to save money. Properly
planned, a Destination Wedding can save a couple upwards of $20,000 off the cost of a traditional wedding,
because it often involves fewer guests.

In northern New Hampshire, The Balsams Grand Hotel and Resort is host to numerous weddings annually and has
witnessed the trend in destination weddings first hand.

“We have experienced a significant increase in couples seeking destination weddings in recent years,” said The
Balsams wedding specialist, Karen Ahrens. “We’ve had people from as far as California in this country; and we
recently hosted a bride and groom, their wedding party and all their guests from the United Kingdom.” Ahrens
added that couples are looking for activities as well as amenities; the food and rooms are important, but they also
want golf, tennis, swimming, skiing, and more depending on the season.

Ahrens continued, “Some of our destination weddings have indeed been smaller than other types of ceremonies,
usually involving close family and friends. Destination weddings can vary in size from intimate weddings with only
close family and friends to larger weddings with guests flying across county to attend.” The Balsams is among the
properties that offer special package deals for wedding parties – an approach that also helps manage costs.

The same holds true for Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, located in Whitefield, NH.

“Mountain View Grand has also noticed an increased interest in winter weddings, and this month will begin offering
winter wedding packages that include discounted rental fees, complimentary activities and other value added
benefits,” said Rick McCarten, director of sales & marketing.

According to The Knot Magazine, Destination Weddings – which are at least 200 miles from where the bride and
groom live – definitely are on the rise. McCarten has also noticed a big surge. “We’re experiencing our busiest year
ever for weddings, with many couples coming from areas outside of New England seeking more unique experiences
for their friends and family,” he said. “We’ve even started offering scenic helicopter rides.”

Glen Gardner, director of sales and marketing for M/S Mt. Washington Cruises, added “We have seen a doubling of
weddings on the M/S Mount Washington in 2009 and 2010, more than half of which are from out of state. The
natural beauty of the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire have drawn couples from as far as Edinburgh and
Bangkok to the unique setting of Lake Winnipesaukee.”

According to Alice DeSouza, Director of The NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development (NH DTTD).a destination
wedding does not mean that couples have to go to far off places like Tahiti, Aruba or Europe to find a magical
experience.

“New Hampshire’s varied natural and historic treasures can be discovered and enjoyed and become part of a
romantic remembrance, “said DeSouza. “Wedding photographs can be taken near the ocean at one of our historic
lighthouses; in the rustic setting of a covered bridge; or a fall panorama of yellows, oranges, and reds painting the
mountains. The charm and authenticity of the New Hampshire experience will resonate with couples and their guests
for years to come.”

Chandra Carson, a young newlywed from the Washington, D.C. area discovered The Inns and Spas at Mill Falls,
located in the heart of New Hampshire’s historic Lakes Region, while dating her then-boyfriend Kyle, who is
originally from Henniker, New Hampshire. “I just fell in love with Church Landing,” says Carson. “The destination
had everything we wanted – from a charming village setting to beautiful surrounding scenery to fabulous, affordable
accommodations for our wedding party and guests. And the hospitality was just superb.”

Deb Pepka, director of sales for The Inn and Spas at Mill Falls in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire noted, “We’
ve seen an increase in their winter weddings as more brides and grooms look to take advantage of cost savings
during off-peak times.”

DeSouza added that grand ballrooms, historic churches and country clubs are classic sites, however there are so
many other unique and stunning settings including country inns with on-site spas, a Victorian steamship to take
couples to the mysterious Star Island of the Isles of Shoals and outdoor chapels such as the Cathedral of the Pines
in Rindge.

“Combining weddings and honeymoons also are becoming increasingly popular in New Hampshire,” said DeSouza.
“Instead of hurrying off to catch a plane after the wedding, newlyweds are opting to relax, linger and explore the
varied regions of the state.”

A destination wedding is a great way to add a unique whimsical quality to your big day, and it’s no surprise that
there are some wonderful hidden treasures here in New England. The stress of coordination and transportation is
easily reduced, so guests and the happy couple can fully focus on what the day is all about: a lifetime of love and
having a great time.