Plan a destination wedding:
in your own town
By Andrea Gifford

Many brides and grooms dream of planning a destination wedding in an exotic locale, but for most couples this dream is simply not possible. Luckily, with a little imagination you can still have the resort wedding of your dreams. Because we live in such a wonderful place, we sometimes forget that the Monterey Bay is truly a paradise. Planning a wedding on the Central Coast will give your out of town guests a chance to experience the beauty of the Monterey Bay while you enjoy this Shangri-La in your own backyard. Just take a page from your travel library and turn your event into a destination wedding.

The first place to start is by hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner can help you create an event that truly captures the essence of a destination wedding; one that makes you and your guests feel like they are on vacation. She can help you create a fabulous wedding that has the feel of a resort, with anything from a ceremony on the beach and a luau reception to a romantic 40's style affair at a glamorous ballroom.

The hallmark of the destination wedding is planned activities that make the most of the location. By organizing fun activities, you can enjoy some quality time with your guests and reacquaint yourself with all that the Central Coast has to offer. A trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, golf at a local resort, or a cruise on the Bay will help your guests relax and enjoy their time on the Central Coast.

Remember that many of your out-of-town guests will use your wedding as an excuse to take an extended vacation. These guests will be dependent on you for direction once they reach the area, so gift bags full of information on local entertainment, tourist spots, activities, maps, and other goodies will help them get oriented while reminding them of the setting. Try suntan lotion, a local hiking trail guide, samples of local food, or a list of hot spots for starters.

Another way to give your guests a true taste of the Central Coast is to incorporate local entertainment, locally grown flowers and regional cuisine into your celebration. Try hiring a Mariachi band, using begonias in your floral arrangements or offering a menu that includes fresh seafood.

The key to creating a destination wedding in your back yard is to set the right mood by incorporating the concepts that make exotic resort locations appealing. By taking advantage of all the Central Coast has to offer, you can feel like you're miles away at a fabulous resort - and pocket the cash for an exotic honeymoon!