A couple having their wedding at the beach.

Destination weddings are becoming a trend in Alberta as the number of bookings for such weddings increased significantly last year amongst Albertans.

According to the reports from AMA Travel, destination weddings increased by 8 percent in 2009 from the all-time record number set in 2008.

150 destination weddings were booked by the group travel specialists of AMA travel alone. These travelling groups were as many as 80 people in 2009.

AMA Travel’s director of business development, Andrew Hopkyns, said that one of the main reasons for this trend is the cost. He said that marriage is recession proof; Regardless of the economy, people get fall in love and get married. However, it is costly to have a wedding in Calgary in the month of June, so people settle for other destinations.

Danielle Bruce, office manager of Travel Cuts, agreed to what Hopkyns said. She said that the costs and the expected number of guests are truly important factors on where couples decide to get married.

Furthermore, Bruce said that when couples plan their wedding budgets, guests, and venues, destination weddings usually come into play. A destination wedding is a good option for couples who have financially-able and cooperative guests, or if they want to have a low key wedding with immediate family members only.

According to AMA reports Punta Cana and the Mayan Rivera are the two most preferred wedding destinations; Jamaica and Cuba are tied in third.

Nevertheless, wedding venues in Ottawa are equally as beautiful and as romantic as these places.

Enjoy a copy of the latest blog from HerWeddingPlanner.com

1. Backyard Weddings.  Smaller size guest list, more intimate settings.  These weddings may be small in size but not in decorative, themed details.

2. Butter cream is making a comeback.  Fondant is falling behind as cake designers are finding tools to allow butter cream to look as smooth as fondant on wedding cakes.

3. Destination Weddings.  Some bridal couples are choosing romantic islands for their nuptials, others are choosing destination that are within driving distance of their hometown.  Destination that are weekend getaways for your guests and romantic locations to tie the knot.

4.  Favors are coming back.  Look out for some really unique, beautiful favors this year.

5.  Color, color, color!  Brides will be overwhelmed with the gorgeous color palette of 2010.

Continue reading here:
Top 5 Predictions for 2010 Wedding Trends