Planning your destination wedding can be a breeze. There was a time when getting married was a simple affair. You grab your nicest dress (white or otherwise), head to the local church, and come home for dinner as man and wife. But for young couples in the 21st century, weddings are a much bigger deal — and much more fun!

For example, some travel experts estimate that 1 in 4 marriages today are destination weddings — a ceremony in a far-off location, usually celebrated by the couple alone or with a small group of family and friends.

With so many beautiful locations in this world, choosing a destination for your wedding can seem overwhelming. But if you ask the right questions, it’s actually a breeze.

How Will Your Guests Feel?

Most people say that weddings are all about the bride, but when you plan a destination wedding you have to consider your guests’ feelings, too. After all, they’re joining you for a long weekend vacation (for some the only vacation they’ll take all year) — they should have the time of their lives, too!

Think about the people you’ve invited to your destination wedding. Should they remember your wedding as the party that never stopped? As a relaxing getaway full of quality time with friends? The experience you want to create for your guests will help you determine which destination is right for you.

What Will Everyone Spend?

No couple wants to spend time worrying about the budget before they get married. In fact, most couples don’t want to worry about anything before they get married; that’s why wedding planners and all-inclusive resorts are so popular. But when you have a destination wedding, it won’t only affect you and your fiance.

Cost may determine just many of your guests can afford to go! The trick to having your dream wedding, complete with your dream guests, is to compromise. If you can save a few pennies to make attending easier for your guests, do it — but if your dream is too big for some of your guests, don’t be hurt if they respectfully decline.

Where Do You Want to Go?

After all the discussion about the budget, guest experiences, and the wedding of your dreams, your gut instinct is probably the strongest force telling you where to tie the knot! Your wedding should be a happy, memorable day for you and your partner, so remember to listen to that little voice telling you where to go.

However, if you’re trying to decide between a few locations, we do have some advice you might find useful. In our opinion, it’s best to choose a location you can reach by a 4-hour (or less), non-stop flight. This makes the experience of getting there much easier on everyone!

Once you’ve decided on where you want to get married, you can always find an all-inclusive resort to suit your means. For example:

• If you’re looking for the weekend-long party, an adults-only resort like the El Dorado Seaside Suites in Riveria Maya, Mexico is the perfect blend of sophistication, culture, and a crazy good time.
• If you want a luxurious experience that leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, Sunset at the Palms in Negril, Jamaica is here to help you unwind.
• Royalton Saint Lucia in St. Lucia invites you to enjoy luxury accommodations and embrace the natural beauty of the Caribbean — perfect for nature-loving newlyweds.  
• If you’re bringing the kids with you for the wedding, a resort like Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana, has something for everyone to enjoy.
• If you’re eloping with no one but the love of your life, there’s no better place than the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort in Antigua — voted the “world’s most romantic resort” for 12 straight years!

Wherever you go for your special day, we hope it’s the best, most beautiful day of your life. Congratulations on your wedding, and feel free to ask us any questions about our all-inclusive resort packages!