NASSAU, Bahamas, Jan. 27, 2012 (PRNewswire) – Engaged couples considering options for their big day should add destination wedding to the top of their lists. According to a recent survey commissioned by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism*, not only are most Americans likely to accept invitations to a destination wedding (78%), but they consider them a better value for their money than traditional wedding receptions (56%). This is good news for the betrothed who have always dreamed of saying “I do” in a tropical locale but feared that a wedding away might hinder the size or style of their nuptials.

The Islands Of The Bahamas offer an endless array of options for destination weddings. With 16 island destinations to choose from, there is something for every couple, whether they picture a celebration with friends on a spectacular beach, a gazebo overlooking the ocean, or a mix of traditional ceremony and tropical touches. Based on the survey results, other reasons why couples should consider a destination wedding in The Bahamas include:

• Location, Location, Location: 45% of respondents prefer to attend a destination wedding in a tropical beach setting. With an abundance of breathtaking pink and white sand beaches, The Bahamas has that covered.
• If You Invite Them, They Will Come: A common misperception is that guests will not travel far or spend the money to attend a destination wedding. On the contrary, more than half of respondents (53%) are willing to travel up to five hours to get there, while a quarter will spend $1,000 or more to attend. Just be sure to give them plenty of notice. 73% of those polled require between one and three months advance notice. No worries, guests can reach The Bahamas in as little as 30 minutes from South Florida and have any number of hotels and resorts to choose from to fit all budgets.
• Picture Perfect: Not only will the setting make for beautiful wedding photos that will be cherished for a lifetime, but the guests will look better too. A quarter of Americans say they are more likely to go on a diet before attending a destination wedding than a traditional wedding.
• Getting to Know You: Couples can relish the fact that all of their loved ones are in the same place at the same time… and are enjoying each other’s company. 68% of respondents say they are more inclined to be more outgoing and get to know other guests at a destination wedding.
• Yes, it’s better in The Bahamas: Don’t forget to invite plenty of single friends. Nearly a quarter (21%) of respondents fess up to partying harder at a destination wedding and (coincidentally?) the same percentage say they are more likely to get friendly with a bridesmaid, groomsman or other guest than they are at a traditional wedding.

For a limited time, there is one more reason why The Bahamas should rank high on the consideration list for engaged couples… starting today, brides and grooms to be can enter the Bahamas Bridal Style Sweepstakes for their chance to win the ultimate wedding experience in The Bahamas. One lucky couple will be given the opportunity to spend four nights island-hopping throughout The Bahamas to visit a selection of islands and scout potential venues for their big day, including the Luxury Included Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Offshore Island on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas on Grand Bahama Island and Pineapple Fields on Eleuthera in the Out Islands. After seeing all three islands and resorts, the winning couple will be allowed to choose which location best fits their style and that’s where their dream destination wedding will be. The package will include a wedding ceremony for 10 people complete with roundtrip flights, three nights’ accommodations, a wedding consultant, floral arrangements for the bride and groom, a photographer for the wedding ceremony, and a wedding cake.

To enter the Bahamas Bridal Style Sweepstakes, couples should simply visit The Bahamas Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thebahamas, and select the “Wedding Sweepstakes” tab.

Those looking for even more inspiration for their big day should take a look at the “Romance” tab on The Bahamas Facebook page and/or view the new “How to Plan a Destination Wedding” video on The Bahamas YouTube site.

*Survey Methodology: This survey was conducted over the telephone between January 12th and January 15th 2012 among a national probability sample of 1,014 adults ages 18 years of age and older who live in private households in the continental United States.