The Wedding Vacation: The Best of Both Worlds

Why get married and then get up before dawn, when you're already exhausted, to catch that 7 a.m. flight to Mexico or the Caribbean for your honeymoon? With a wedding vacation, you're already at your honeymoon destination and the relaxation and getting to know one another can begin as soon as you say "I do."

Made popular by the Sandals Resorts people, the company that coined the phrase "WeddingMoon" to describe the phenomenon, a wedding vacation combines a destination wedding with a resort, usually beach-related, honeymoon. Sandals, and many other resorts, encourage couples to combine their wedding and honeymoon by offering discounts, free nights, and substantial gifts to those spending their honeymoon at the resort in conjunction with the wedding. For instance, Sandals is currently offering free china (up to a 20-piece set) and crystal stemware for those booking a six-night stay within a year of their Sandals wedding.

Destinations for a wedding vacation are limited only by the couple's imagination. The Caribbean and Mexico are popular choices, but Bermuda, the Bahamas, and even Tahiti make lovely -- and memorable -- wedding vacation choices.