For Richer, Not Poorer: Wedding Season During Recession is 'Better in the Bahamas' Thanks to the Bahamas Bridal Bailout

Contest Now Open for Couples to Win One of Five FREE Bahamas Weddings!

NASSAU, Bahamas, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Times are tough these days and for brides and grooms-to-be the current recession may mean a bump in the road on the way to happily ever after. With the average wedding costing more than $28,000*, many couples are finding themselves scaling back on or even postponing their wedding plans. This in mind, and with peak wedding season just around the corner, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has officially launched the "Bahamas Bridal Bailout" contest, whereby couples can enter for the chance to win a FREE destination wedding in The Islands Of The Bahamas.

Through April 24, couples with a story to tell can upload a short video or essay with photo to www.bahamasbridalbailout.com explaining why their wedding should be "bailed out" by The Bahamas. The more creative the better! On April 25, the voting begins. Entrants can share a link to their submission with everyone they know in order to generate the greatest amount of votes. The top 20 vote-getters will become the finalists from which a panel of judges will chose the five winning couples.

Weddings will include airfare for the bride, groom and up to eight guests, five complimentary rooms, a wedding cake, photographer and flowers, and will take place at the following resorts:

• Old Bahama Bay by Ginn Sur Mer - an elegant and tranquil Grand Bahama Island resort, boasting luxurious accommodations, sparkling white sand beaches and breathtaking ocean views.

• Pelican Bay at Lucaya - a charming boutique resort located just steps from Grand Bahama Island's entertainment center and offering tropically decorated suites and complimentary continental breakfast each morning

• Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort - ideally situated on a 1,000-foot stretch of Nassau's most spectacular white-sand beach and featuring seven acres of stunning waterscape, three freshwater pools with waterfalls, a swim-up bar and Jacuzzis nestled in a tropical landscape

• SuperClub Breezes - an all-inclusive tropical escape with a spectacular beachfront setting that boasts unparalleled water sports, three fresh water pools, a rock-climbing wall, tennis and the full-service Blue Mahoe spa.

• Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino - located on one of the world's most beautiful beaches and offering inspiring views, eight restaurants & lounges, a Vegas style casino, an ocean front pool with spiral water slide and much more.

Whether entering the Bridal Bailout contest or not, all couples can take advantage of great savings with a limited time offer from the Bahamas Bridal Association. A special package is now available, allowing soon-to-be-weds the opportunity to tie the knot in paradise for just $1,450. Components include wedding officiant and marriage license, tropical bridal bouquet & matching groom's boutonniere, photographer, wedding cake, Champagne, and an on site wedding consultant for the big day. For more information please contact romance@bahamas.com.

Life in the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better. And it's easy to see why. With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

*2009 Brides.com American Wedding Study

    Media Contacts:    Ellen Wilson
                       Weber Shandwick
                       (212) 445-8057
                       ewilson@webershandwick.com

                       Anita Johnson-Patty
                       Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
                       (954) 236-9292
                       ajohnson@bahamas.com

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism