Destination Wedding Planning Guide
As trends suggest, more and more couples are choosing destination weddings over traditional weddings for their special day. With our help and a little planning, your dream wedding can be a breeze. We have the inside information you need to plan your perfect day exactly the way you want.
Let us sit down together and look at some of the important decisions you will want to consider.
Ready to get started?
Start planning your destination wedding today. Call 1-866-875-4565 to speak with a destination wedding specialist or submit your request online .
Getting Started
Start Planning Early
You have decided to have a destination wedding and may be wondering where to begin. First, take a moment to picture your dream wedding. Is there a destination you have always wanted to visit?
Start researching and planning as early as possible. Learn about the destination, speak with your travel consultant and compare available resort options. Consider the distance from the airport, seasonal weather and what the resort includes.
Next, choose your wedding date. To save money, consider avoiding major holidays and peak travel periods.
Think about where your guests are traveling from and the budget for your wedding party. Caribbean resorts can be convenient for East Coast and Midwest travelers. Mexico's Pacific Coast is often more convenient for Midwest and West Coast guests, while the Riviera Maya is accessible from many U.S. cities.
Destination weddings take time to research and organize. Planning early gives you and your guests more time to reserve the right resort. Above all, choose the destination that feels right for you.
Your Wedding
Choosing your destination is important, but so is deciding what type of wedding you want. Are you planning a casual beach ceremony, a formal event or something in between?
Decide whether you want a large group or a small, intimate gathering. You should also determine whether the wedding will be adults-only or whether children will be invited.
These choices can affect which resort and destination best fit your wedding. Once you answer these questions, you can move on to selecting the venue.
Choosing Your Site
It Is Time to Select a Hotel
After choosing your destination and wedding style, select a resort that can manage your special event. One of the biggest advantages of a resort wedding is that the property can handle much of the setup, coordination and reception planning.
Compare all-inclusive resorts with European Plan resorts. All-inclusive resorts generally include meals and drinks, and some wedding events may be available with little or no additional cost. European Plan resorts usually include only the room, while meals, drinks and other services are purchased separately.
Some all-inclusive resorts are adults-only or couples-only. If children will attend, confirm the resort's age policy before making your final selection.
Customized Packages
All Inclusive Resorts can build and customize a complete destination wedding package. Guests may save money by combining airfare, resort accommodations and round-trip airport transfers. Group airline space may also be available and your dedicated travel wedding consultant will assist throughout the planning process.
Finishing Touches
Design a Trip Itinerary and Trip Options
Create an itinerary to share with your guests. Include arrival information, planned excursions, spa appointments, wedding details, reception information and any other scheduled group activities.
Why Is a Destination Wedding the Right Choice?
Less Stressful
Many hotels and resorts have on-site wedding coordinators who understand local marriage requirements and offer wedding packages that may include ceremony space, a wedding cake, photography, an officiant and other services.
Cost Effective
A destination wedding can be a cost-effective alternative to a large traditional wedding. Couples can combine the wedding and honeymoon experience while celebrating at a scenic all-inclusive resort with their closest friends and family.
Reunion Opportunity
A destination wedding gives you more time to relax and reconnect with family and friends. Instead of seeing guests for only a few hours, you can spend several days together enjoying the resort and destination.
Unique Wedding with a Lifetime of Memories
Instead of creating a Caribbean-themed wedding at home, you can celebrate in the Caribbean or Mexico and incorporate local scenery and traditions. Imagine wedding photos in a lush garden, beside a waterfall or on a white-sand beach at sunset.