7 Benefits of Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort for Your Destination Wedding

Gazebo ceremony location Photo courtesy of Hilton Rose Hall

When it comes to your destination wedding, choosing a resort venue is one of the most important decisions you'll need to make. And don't be surprised if you get overwhelmed with all of your options — it's natural. And how do you know if you should host at an all-inclusive resort or another resort type? I think you will find this article helpful as you try to find the perfect resort for your destination wedding.
 
If you’re planning a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort, you will want to keep reading, because this article is all about how hosting your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort benefits you.

​Let’s get to it!
 
1. All-inclusive inclusions

Koh Thai restaurant at The Fives Beach Resort and Residences

You may be wondering what is included at an all-inclusive resort. The all-inclusive rate includes the accommodation, all food, all beverages (including alcohol), taxes, fees, and gratuities.
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So, you can stroll into a restaurant, sit down, open up the menu, order two different meals (because you can’t decide), have as many margaritas as you want, and mosey out when you’re done. So, when it comes to hosting a destination wedding group, the all-inclusive option is a huge win for your wedding guests as they know the cost upfront and don’t have a surprise bill at check out!
 
2. The Wedding Packages

Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts. English Royalty wedding inspiration by Sandals and Beaches Resorts

Wedding packages will vary as well as the inclusions, but all-in-all, the wedding packages at all-inclusive resorts are very inclusive and a great value. Especially when you factor in that you have a full wedding planning team at your service to design your dream wedding in paradise.
I love how customizable the all-inclusive wedding packages are and the fun touches that can be offered to bring your wedding vision to life. There are even packages available that guarantee you are the only wedding for the weekend, or unique exclusive experiences for a full wedding weekend itinerary. How cool is that?
 
3. The Venue Options

Beach ceremony at Jewel Punta Cana. Photo courtesy of Playa Resorts

This may be the reason why you are considering a destination wedding - those Instagrammable backdrops!

I think the beauty of hosting your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort are the choices.

You could host a welcome cocktail reception, an all-white party, a beach bonfire, a rehearsal dinner, your wedding & reception, and a farewell breakfast all at the same resort, but at different venues giving you completely different styles and experiences.
 
When I consult with clients, the vision for the wedding and all of the private events is a big part of our discussion. Keep in mind that there will be venues that will not work for your group based on the capacity, so be flexible.
 
4. Less Stress

Happy couple on their destination wedding! Photo courtesy of Junior Cruz (photographer)

Imagine that all you and your family have to worry about on the day of your wedding is getting ready and showing up! No worrying about setting up, no exhausting late nights tearing down and cleaning up, and no worries about anyone driving home after the celebration. Ahhhh...pure bliss.

While you will have decisions to make before your wedding, once you arrive, you’ll have a final meeting with the wedding team and they will take it from there. You seriously can just relax and have fun with your guests knowing that it will all come together, and it will be more amazing than you ever imagined.

You can focus on each other instead of a list of things to do. You can focus on your guests and create memories with them. 
 
5. Having a Wedcation

Take your guests on a Catamaran snorkeling tour like this one, Catamaran El Mexicano. Photo courtesy of Weddings by Lomas

If we all took inventory of the weddings we’ve been to over the years, some will be more memorable than others.

When your friends and family look back at your wedding, they will always remember it. They will have fond memories of celebrating with you for several days rather than getting five minutes of your attention on one day.

They will remember how fun it was when you all went on the catamaran cruise, played beach volleyball, did shots at the pool bar, went dancing at
the discotheque, had a spa day, went golfing at an amazing course overlooking the ocean, and played the silly games with the resort entertainment team.
 
They will remember the great conversations playing late-night card games and all the “had to be there” moments.

A destination wedding is so much more than a wedding, it truly is a wedcation. And you don’t have to schedule every waking moment. That’s the beauty of the all-inclusive - your guests can decide how they want to spend their time and everything they need will be at their fingertips.
 
6. All The Amenities

Just married couple enjoying their reception! Photo courtesy of Junior Cruz

If you were on the fence about a destination wedding, my guess is that I have you leaning toward a destination wedding. Well, hold on to your hats, ‘cuz it’s getting even better!

When set up correctly, hosting a group at an all-inclusive resort comes with a ton of benefits, freebies, and amenities.

This will vary by the size of your group, time of year, and any promotions, but let me share a few examples of what you can earn: free rooms, free events like a welcome cocktail, room upgrades, free wedding packages, honeymoon amenities like a candlelight dinner or breakfast in bed, and more. Learn more about planning a destination wedding here!

Here’s the scoop - many couples don’t understand how this works, so they just let their guests know when and where the wedding is so that they can book their trips. The problem is that if your guests all book on their own, you won’t earn any of the amenities you should have.

Don’t let that happen to you! Consult with an expert. 
 
7. The Overall Value

Destination wedding guests enjoying the party! Photo courtesy of Junior Cruz

I suppose this is really just a summary of all the benefits I’ve shared, but I need to emphasize that you can get so much more for your money with a destination wedding. Between the wedding packages, the inclusions with the all-inclusive rate, the fact that it is less stressful, and all the amenities, it is a slam-dunk value!

Not to mention that your honeymoon is all wrapped into it - if you want. Whether you stay a few extra days or transfer to another resort in the area, your travel dollar goes beyond the wedding.

In case you need it, I wrote an article about how much a destination wedding costs, you can check it out here. 
 
There's no question that the idea of an all-inclusive vacation can be very appealing for your destination wedding. The idea of getting everything you need for your destination wedding in one place can seem almost too good to be true. But it is possible! The best all-inclusive resorts will want to give you a worry-free experience from start to finish.
 
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you get the best value for your all-inclusive destination wedding, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Below is a link to schedule a
complimentary Discovery Session - no strings attached!

Schedule your free Discover Session