According to Bonnier Corporations Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Destination Weddings is the fastest growing segment in the industry.

Despite reported budget cuts for traditional weddings, destination-wedding budgets have increased. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons conducted a reader survey to capture spending decisions and detailed demographics on today's destination bride and groom. The survey, administered by Walker Communications, indicates positive growth for the destination-wedding and honeymoon niches.

"Destination weddings are changing the way Americans travel," comments Susan Moynihan, editor in chief of Bonnier Corporation's Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. "Destination weddings provide an opportunity for extended quality time with cherished family and friends. The destination couple plans a group vacation around the wedding festivities and spends more to create a fabulous guest experience."

Destination wedding budget increased 4%, from $19,800 in 2006 to $20,600 in 2009
60% of destination couples pay for their own wedding.

There's a shift in spending as Destination couples have an average honeymoon budget of $8,200, or 34% greater than that of traditional wedding couples.

Priorities play roles as 91% say weather is the most important factor in the decision making process. 88% prioritize cost; 80% look for the availability of wedding packages

The Destination audience tends to be older, higher educated and more sophisticated. The average age of today's destination bride is 33, compared to a U.S. average of 28. 70% have graduated college and the average household income is $110,000.

It's all about quality, not quantity in the destination wedding. Average spend is $400 per guest, or triple that of traditional weddings with hosting an average of 48 guests, a slight decrease since 2006 (51 guests).

Souce: Bonnier