A special date for (destination) weddings 12/13/14

A special date for (destination) weddings

By Gay Nagle Myers

More than 20,000 U.S. couples plan to marry on 12/13/14, the last sequential calendar date until Jan. 2, 2034, according to a recent poll from the David’s Bridal, the U.S. bridal-store chain.

“We’ve learned that couples love dates that have patterns,” said Brian Beitler, executive vice president.

For the hospitality industry, the date could be a marriage  bonanza, and several hotels and resorts have set special packages. 

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa on St. Lucia is one of them.

Coconut Bay does close to 200 weddings a year, but it limits the ceremonies to three a day.

“We decided to do a specially-priced wedding package for 12/13/14, because this date really strikes a chord with couples,” said Mark Adams, the property's president and CEO. "We expect we will be booked for three separate weddings on that date."

The Three Weddings and a Date package is priced at $1,314 per couple and includes a private ceremony in the oceanfront gazebo, one-hour reception for up to six guests with hors d’oeuvres and open bar, island tour for two, 30-minute couples’ massage, continental breakfast in bed, turndown service on the wedding night with wine and 15% discount on spa services for members of the bridal party.

The resort’s wedding coordinator will supply a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, one-tier wedding cake, bottle of sparkling wine, services of a marriage officer and all government and administrative fees.

All-inclusive accommodations are not included, but couples can save up to 55% in the resort’s adults-only Harmony wing, with rates from $135 per person, per night, double for a seven-night stay for travel through Dec. 20.