Have you always dreamed of a destination wedding on the beach but don’t know where to start? This is exactly what my husband and I thought when we got engaged. I was not a travel advisor at the time so we turned to an expert: a trusted Virtuoso travel advisor. She guided us through the whole process.
Is a destination wedding the right choice for you?
If you are very particular about every detail, then a destination wedding may not be the best choice for you. Will you be able to visit the destination beforehand or will you travel there sight-unseen? If you will be planning remotely, you may not be able to participate in certain aspects, such as tasting the food and cake, or meeting the photographer and musicians. Also, depending on the venue, your options may be limited for selecting details such as the flowers, decor, or musical entertainment.
Where to go for your destination wedding?
First, your travel advisor will get to know your requirements before recommending specific destinations. You might prefer, for example, a small intimate legal wedding, child-friendly, with easy flights from multiple origins. Expect to be presented several different options for your consideration. If it’s not practical for you to visit all of the destinations before deciding, your travel advisor is there to help. In many cases your advisor will have been to the destination already or will have a colleague that visited. These personalized insights will be valuable to you as you consider your decision.
When to go?
If you are considering a tropical destination such as the Caribbean, you need to be mindful of hurricane season (summer). Do you want snow or not want snow? Do you seek the beach or a mountaintop venue? Weather can be a big factor in your destination and schedule decisions. We recommend planning at least one year in advance because some hotels only allow one wedding per day, so the availability can become limited. Also, it gives you time to plan and be organized for the wedding.
Type of resort
During the search for the perfect venue, your travel advisor will provide resort options to review so you can see the types of resorts available at each destination. The types of resorts you may consider include large full-service hotels or small boutique hotels. Other features such as all-inclusive offerings, adults-only, etc. may be important factors. Additionally, you need to consider where the wedding ceremony itself will take place. Many resorts offer multiple sites, for example, such as on the beach, on a grassy lawn, or in an indoor event space.
The legality of the ceremony
For foreign destinations, consider whether local laws restrict your ability to get legally married. Depending on the destination, the requirements can vary wildly. For example, in Mexico you need to arrive at least 3 business days before the ceremony, have a blood test, 4 witnesses, a birth certificate translated into Spanish, authorization from the Mexican Immigration office (if neither person is Mexican), and a health certificate. So, it may be worth considering getting legally married in the USA at the courthouse and then having a symbolic ceremony at the destination.
Also, you need to consider who will perform the ceremony. Will you prefer a non-denominational or religious ceremony? Not all resorts will be able to accommodate specific religious requirements.
Number of people
The size of your wedding is an important factor to consider and can determine the type of wedding package you select. Some resorts require a minimum number of people (or rooms) staying at the resort for a minimum number of nights. You don’t want to commit to a large wedding and then not be able to meet the minimums as you will have to pay the difference. Also, if some guests are not staying at the resort, there may be a fee for them to attend the event.
Please note that even though everyone invited to your wedding would love to attend, many might not be able to travel or cannot afford to travel. For example, is it likely that your 90-year old grandmother will attend?
Group activities
Since everyone will travel to be with you on your special day, consider extending the festivities beyond just the wedding. You may want to schedule a “rehearsal dinner” the night before and brunch the day after the wedding. Consider inviting everyone to join you on any excursions you plan, such as boat trips, and local tours. You are taking people’s valuable vacation time, so make sure they enjoy their trip!
Budget
Don’t forget that you are not just paying for the wedding ceremony and reception but also your flights and accommodations. Also, consider that you may want to ship materials to the destination prior to the event, such as welcome gift bags or additional decor. Also, remember to consider the budget of your guests.
Benefits of using a travel advisor
Working with a travel advisor is invaluable in planning a destination wedding as you leverage her experience and an extensive network of industry contacts. Expect to pay a planning a fee up-front which will cover services such as:
- Researching destinations that best match your requirements.
- Recommending resorts from first-hand knowledge (you may not have the time or budget to visit every destination and venue before you have to make a decision).
- Assisting with the wedding contract.
- Coordinating everyone in the group by organizing flights and hotel rooms for all attendees. Your advisor is the point person for your group so you don’t have the stress of assisting with everyone’s individual arrangements.
- Recommending and organizing group activities.
- Providing peace of mind if you have any concerns or issues along the way.
Honeymoon
Don’t forget the honeymoon! Many couples plan their destination wedding separately from the honeymoon. (They typically prefer not to honeymoon with their family.) Your travel advisor will help you plan your honeymoon too! Consider waiting a couple of months after your wedding to go on your honeymoon. Do plan to extend your stay at the resort for a week or longer after the wedding to enjoy time with your family and friends.
Is a destination wedding in your future? Congratulations! Contact us today to start planning your perfect wedding.