 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. 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!
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 Your destination wedding here! Photo courtesy of Jewel Punta Cana Resort. When it comes to planning a destination wedding, the Caribbean and Mexico are popular choices. With their beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding. Let’s jump into the weather you can expect for your destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico based on the time of year that you travel. If you want to know the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico, it is between December to April. This is the region's dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is mild and comfortable, averaging around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Hello sunshine!  Photo courtesy of Jewel Paradise Cove While the dry season is safer bet for a weather-friendly Caribbean or Mexico wedding, it’s not a guarantee. Rain and wind can still occur. Additionally, it's essential to note that it's also peak tourist season. This means that flights and accommodation are likely to be higher than at other times of the year. Bummer, I know. Based on my experience, the most popular months to have a destination wedding are in May and November. This would be considered “shoulder season” where you aren’t really dealing with the higher “peak tourist” prices, but also don’t have as much concern with the weather. Hooray!  Photo courtesy Wyndham Alltra Riviera Nayarit The struggle there is that the dates at the best resorts and venues book very quickly. So, if you want to plan a destination wedding in May or November, do not waste time or you’ll end up compromising on the venue. So, what happens if the dry season months don’t work well for you and you are hosting your destination wedding in the Summer or Fall months, when hurricanes could develop? First, let me put your mind at ease. Just because it is “hurricane season” doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop. Also, there are some destinations that are “safer” during the tropical season, so don’t throw in the towel quite yet!  Rainy day in the Caribbean. Photo Marina Abrosimova Here are 5 ways to help avoid having your big day ruined by a storm, here are some tips on how to plan a destination wedding regardless of the season. 1. Choose your wedding date wisely As mentioned above, the best way to avoid hurricane season when planning your destination wedding is to choose a date outside of the peak months. If that isn’t possible, consider these general rules of thumb... Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active months being August, September, & October. If possible consider a wedding in June, July, Mid to Late November, or even early December. 2. Research the weather patterns Each destination has different weather patterns during hurricane season, so do your research before choosing a location. Some islands or regions may be more prone to hurricanes than others. For example, the northern Caribbean islands are at higher risk than the southern ones. Consider speaking with a travel agent who specializes in weddings to help you pick the right time and location.  Your destination wedding group. 3. Consider wedding & travel insurance Wedding insurance can provide a financial safety net in case of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It can cover unexpected expenses such as cancellations, postponements, or rescheduling fees. It's important to note that not all wedding insurance policies cover natural disasters, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a policy. Travel insurance is recommended for you and your guests. In case the weather prevents you from arriving to your destination, or requires you or your guests to depart early, it will protect your investment. Travel insurance is always recommended, but during the tropical season, it is much more imperative, so I encourage you to encourage your guests to have the right coverage. 4. Have a backup plan  Photo courtesy of Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Regardless of the date of your wedding, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather.. When booking your venue and vendors, ask about their contingency plans in case of inclement weather. For example, some resorts may have indoor facilities or covered areas that can serve as backup locations for the ceremony or reception. It’s always a bonus when you love the back-up venue as much as your chosen outdoor venue. 5. Stay updated on weather forecasts If you're planning a wedding during hurricane season, be sure to stay informed about any potential tropical storms or hurricanes that could impact your wedding plans. Sign up for weather alerts, monitor weather websites, and keep in touch with your vendors and venue. Be prepared to make changes if necessary and I advise to make a swift decision, getting the advice of the onsite wedding team, if things are not looking promising on your wedding day. If the wedding team at your venue advises you to change to an indoor venue due the weather report, and you choose to move forward with an outdoor event, they will likely have you sign a contract. If weather does disrupt the wedding there will be a fee to set up the wedding decor again in the back-up location.  Photo courtesy of Hilton La Romana In conclusion, the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico is during the dry season, between December to April. It's the perfect time to enjoy the region's stunning beauty, indulge in outdoor activities, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Below is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation - no strings attached!  A happy couple in their Destination Wedding -Photo Jonathan Borba When considering your destination wedding – planning a destination wedding is more than just deciding where you'll hold the ceremony. You also need to consider whether you'll have a legal or symbolic wedding. Knowing the difference between what a legal and symbolic wedding ceremony are can make a big impact on your travel plans, and ultimately on your wedding day. So, let's explore this subject and see what the differences are – and if you have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to reach out! Destination Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a surge in popularity. So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it. If you're planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and symbolic wedding and may be wondering, “what the heck is a symbolic wedding?” or, “is a symbolic wedding legal”, or “what’s the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?” This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you. What is Required For a Legal Ceremony Away?  Photo: Katarina Dragon - Couple signing their legal wedding document Documents You May Need Just like you would experience in your State, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others will require translation of the documents into their language.
same day.
A Legal Ceremony is Nothing to Worry About: Don’t let this scare you! Some countries are super easy to get legally married in. It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.
The moment you say “I Do” in front of your friends and family is the real deal. You won’t have to decide which day to celebrate your anniversary. In my book, it’s kind of cool to say you were legally married in “Mexico” A Symbolic Ceremony:  Symbolic Destination Wedding-photo Jonathan Borba Second, let’s discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know. Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn’t legally binding. It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.
2. Not as much paperwork 3. No residency requirements 4. No translation of documents 5. Ceremony can be officiated by a family member or friend  Dominican Republic Destination Wedding - Photo Junior Cruz In the end, each couple should do what it feels is right for them. Unless you absolutely need to have a legal ceremony for your destination wedding, such as in some Catholic weddings, there is no wrong answer here. The most important thing to remember about your destination wedding ceremony, is to do what will make you and your soon to be spouse most happy. A destination wedding is supposed to be a celebration of your love, so make it as hassle free & wonderful as possible.
If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuckand not getting very far, I encourage you to schedule a free 60-minute discovery session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding! (Legal or Symbolic) A beautiful destination wedding will be one of the highlights of your marriage celebration! But every year, there are new trends and shifts in destination wedding travel. After compiling and analyzing data across various sources, and seeing the new requests that have come from my own destination wedding couples, I have predicted that these are going to be the top seven destination wedding trends of 2023. 1. Plan EXTRA EARLY:  Couple planning early their Destination Wedding Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block around 12 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are finding resort and venue space filled up for the dates they originally want. In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which also drive up prices. Check my blog about Destination Wedding Costs Couples are now looking at least 15 months out in order to get the room inventory & pricing that they need. BOTTOM LINE: The sooner you can discover the destination, wedding venue, & resort you want for your destination wedding, and reserve your date, the better! 2. Toes NOT in The Sand  Photo: Amar Preciado| Wedding at a chapel In 2023, brides are looking to get married in an Instagram-worthy location, with a breathtaking backdrop, but they DON’T want their feet in the sand. Many destination wedding venues now are putting in beautiful above-the-sand platforms, sky weddings, garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos which are growing in popularity. 3. Exclusive Private Experiences:  Fire dancers In 2023 couples are looking to do private, exclusive experiences with their wedding groups, such as private receptions to welcome their guests complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group. Couples are also scheduling their own private events such as fire shows, beach parties, tequila or rum tasting, and even a private tour or excursion for just your wedding group. 4. Over The Water Ceremonies!  Photo credit: Sandals South Coast Wedding Chapel As I mentioned above, more and more wedding couples don’t want their feet in the sand, but they still want the breathtaking backdrop. One way to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony. Many resorts now contain wedding venues that are built over the water. This not only gives the normal amazing view but also adds a 3-dimensional beauty to the ceremony. 5. Focus on Incorporating Cultural Traditions:  Mayan wedding ceremony Photo: Amar Preciado Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination wedding experience for both them and their guests! Today’s couples want to do more than just have a “wedcation” they want to give their entire wedding group an authentic experience with the location they have chosen for their destination wedding! 6. Including Local Cuisine & Cocktails:  Preparing Mezcal - traditional Mexican drink Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding, many couples also include local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding events. For example, in Mexico, there is a special liquor called Mezcal. Couples will hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location they are getting married in. In addition to a cocktail, they may also include some type of authentic delicacy on their menu.
7. Consulting with a Destination Wedding Expert: In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding. The reason is that wedding couples are busier than ever. as they work, finish school, start their family, and possibly move to a new home, all while trying to find some time for each other. Today's couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planned right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off of their plate! What will these destination wedding trends mean for you? Well, I hope they will help you to make the Destination Wedding of your dreams today. These 7 trends are only going to get more popular, as couples continue to push the envelope for a more unique experience for both them and their guests. And hopefully, it will at least give you a few ideas that you didn’t even know you wanted! If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use the link below, to schedule a free 1-hour strategy session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing & trendy destination wedding! Congratulations on your engagement! This will be one of the happiest times of your life, as you start planning your destination wedding! But thinking of everything you need to pull together to host a destination wedding can be overwhelming. There areso many different things that you will have to manage for everything to run smoothly. How do you make the choice of location, venue, transportation, and all the other things that you need to concern yourself with? This destination wedding survival guide is just what the doctor ordered to help you fit all of the pieces together perfectly for a smooth and wonderful destination wedding in paradise. Let me share with you these six destination wedding essentials! 1. Get Started Right Away  Happy couple planning their destination wedding In today’s post-COVID environment, dates & availability are booking up faster than ever before! Many couples are eager to finally say “I DO!” in an amazing location, just as they had hoped before the pandemic! Now dates are booking up fast, so don’t procrastinate, start researching resort wedding venues & availability now! 2. You Don’t Have To Know It All You may think you have to know everything about planning a destination wedding before you begin, but that’s simply not true! You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. The two most important things you need to start working on is making a list of potential destinations you would like to get married, and then, a list of potential resort wedding venues to hold your wedding & wedding group at. You may enjoy reading my article on Considering a Destination Wedding in Mexico?. 3. Consider doing a Pre-wedding planning trip  Couple going to try their selected hotel Hey, Who doesn’t like the samples at Costco, before you buy a 12-pack of hot chocolate bombs? Right? Once you have a destination wedding location chosen, then it’s time to figure out which wedding venue & resort to have your ceremony and host your group. One of the most effective ways to choose a wedding resort & venue is to visit it first before you decide. In fact, many resorts offer special “wedding visit” packages to encourage you to visit their resort, hoping you will choose them for your destination wedding. 4. Get a New Email For Only Wedding Related Conversions  Create your exclusive wedding email In order to have a successful destination wedding, you have to be organized. I always suggest that you create a special email address exclusively for your wedding & honeymoon. This way all of your wedding correspondence & conversations will be in one spot! Believe me, this will save you so much time and probably money in the end. The last thing you want is a confirmation email requesting you to verify your wedding date & time at the resort, and you miss it in a crowded inbox sandwiched between emails from Peloton & your uncle’s gallbladder surgery! 5. Consider Getting a New Credit Card That Earns Miles  Get a credit card that gives you miles As long as you are going to be charging your wedding expenses, you might as well earn some reward miles to help you pay for your travel. This is a great time to open a new credit card that will earn you miles or points for future or even current travel. You could actually get your airfare paid for if you play your credit cards right! 6. Consider Working With a Destination Designer or Specialist  Me helping couples with their destination wedding If you want to ensure that your destination wedding will be planned correctly, and reduce the stress and frustration you may feel when trying to plan this all on your own, it may be worth it to invest in a destination wedding designer or planner. A destination wedding planner or designer knows the ins and outs of a destination wedding and has plenty of experience setting up wedding groups, negotiating contracts, and managing all of the logistics for you and your guests.
They will also make sure that you receive ALL the amenities & perks you will qualify for as well. Things that many resorts won’t tell you unless you ask. At the end of the day, you want your destination wedding to be a celebration that everyone will remember! (In a good way) By taking this survival guide to the heart and putting these 6 steps in place, you can ensure that your destination wedding experience will be everything you hoped for, as well as one of your fondest memories as a couple. If you feel like you need a little help planning your destination wedding lifted off of your shoulders, then I encourage you to use the link below to schedule a free 1-hour discovery session with me! I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for your dream wedding to come true!  Photo courtesy of Secrets Resorts Planning a destination wedding can be an exciting and stressful experience. You want your guests to have an amazing time and for you to feel at ease knowing that everything for the big day is taken care of. Mexico is one of the best destinations for hosting an unforgettable wedding abroad. Here are the pros and cons of planning a destination wedding in Mexico. Pro: Easy access from the United States of America  Photo courtesy of Shamia Casiano For the most part, Mexico is easily accessible to U.S. citizens and offers plenty of daily flight options. This allows for ease of travel for you and your wedding guests as well as ensures that if there are flight delays or cancellations there will be several flight options available for backup. Pro: PLENTY of Incredible resort options and venues to choose from  Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Whether you are heading to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, or the Cancun/Riviera Maya area, you will have more than enough choices of resorts & wedding venues to host your wedding celebration. With the myriad of options available, you’ll also have your pick of luxury, chic, modern, or authentic resorts with lively, quiet, active, or pampering atmospheres. From boutique resorts with intimate settings to mega resorts with Vegas-style shows, Mexico truly offers something for EVERY wedding group! Lots of Incredible Wedding Venue Options:  Wedding venue for your ceremony - courtesy of Secrets Resorts In addition to these great resort options, if you want or need to get married in a chapel, you can find Catholic & protestant chapels with picturesque views of the ocean! You will also have an array of choices for private rooftops with unobstructed views where you not only can say “I Do!”, but also dance the night away under a canopy of stars. And don’t forget you can also find stunning beaches set amidst beautiful skies at sunset, infinity pools with overwater platforms, secret tropical gardens, and more. Pro: Amazing value of luxury & service for the price!  Honeymoon suite at Secrets Impressions Moxche -courtesy of Secrets Resorts If you are looking for incredible luxury & service for the money, Mexico will get you the most bang for your buck when it comes to the level of luxury and service you receive for the price. Part of the reason is that Mexico is just miles ahead of other destinations when it comes to hospitality & tourism. A quote I once heard from a travel insider pretty much sums it up like this.“ In (the location I was at) if your drink spills, a waiter will come right away to clean it up. In Mexico, the wait staff will see the glass on the edge of the table, and come to put it back in a safer spot.” Pro: Wedding package value for the price  Your wedding table - courtesy of Secrets Resorts The same is true for wedding packages. Your destination wedding budget goes so much further in Mexico! You’ll be amazed at the celebration you can plan that will be a day you and your guests will never forget! Pro: Endless excursions, activities & cultural experiences  Chichen Itza - courtesy of Mario de la Pergola Regardless of what part of Mexico you head to, you’ll have your pick of awesome experiences at your fingertips! Historical ruins, underground caverns, artistic cities, waterfalls, mountains, whale watching, snorkeling, nightlife, shopping, golf, catamaran cruises, day trips to nearby islands, you name it! There is something for everyone to enjoy in Mexico! Con: Legal wedding requirements if you don't choose to have a symbolic wedding  Each State in Mexico has different requirements for your wedding in Mexico to be legal, but you can expect bloodwork, translation of documents, witnesses, and 3-4 days of residency. If you don’t need to have a legal destination wedding, then I suggest you and your fiancee get married legally in the states (basically at the courthouse) and then you will do a symbolic wedding in Mexico for your Destination Wedding ceremony. No one will know but you, and it will save you from jumping through a lot of hoops. Pro: Two unique areas of Mexico to choose from:  Caribbean side versus Pacific side Mexico has two completely different, but equally romantic & beautiful areas to have an amazing destination wedding! (A) Caribbean Side (B) Pacific Side The Caribbean Side: The Caribbean side of Mexico is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, along the Caribbean sea, and is the most popular area of Mexico for any type of travel. This is where Cancun, Riviera Maya, and many of the other popular travel spots are located. Everything mentioned above will be available to you on the Caribbean side of Mexico, including white sand beaches and the ability to enjoy the Caribbean Sea if you or your group love getting in the water. The Pacific Side:  Photo courtesy of Carlos Mora - Puerto Vallarta The Pacific Side of Mexico is of course located along the Pacific Ocean and was originally best known for travel spots such as Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco, but now the hottest new spots to have a destination wedding in Mexico in either Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta! Located at the end of the Baja Coast, Cabo is home to luxury resorts, amazing foodie experiences, championship golf, yoga retreats, movie star getaways, and authentic cultural experiences. The beaches are wide and beautiful here as well, but darker sand than the Caribbean side, and are not usually swimmable due to the ocean currents and rip tides. One of the most popular vacation destinations, Puerto Vallarta is known for its stunning landscape, friendly people, beautiful marine life, and so much more! Which Part of Mexico is Best For Your Destination Wedding? The hardest decision you’ll have to make when planning a destination wedding in Mexico is which part of Mexico is best for your wedding vision and which resort or wedding venue will give you the wedding vision you are looking for. That’s where having the assistance of a destination wedding designer can come in handy. Con: Cancun/ Riviera Maya seaweed issues  Photo courtesy of Grace LF- Puerto Morelos With Cancun and Riviera Maya being the most popular locations in Mexico to host a destination wedding, I felt obligated to mention this “con” Over the last few years, environmental factors have caused an increase in the seaweed that floats into the waters and on the shore. It is impossible to predict when there could be a lot of seaweed or not as much because it can come and go at any time of the year. While resorts are continually cleaning up the seaweed, it does affect the beauty and clarity of the water. So If you are planning a beach wedding or want perfectly clear water, this area of Mexico may not be the best option for you. If water color is extremely important to you, then I suggest the Pacific side of Mexico, along the Baja Peninsula, such as Cabo San Lucas or the artistic, colorful, and lush Puerto Vallarta.  Cabo San Lucas - Paulina Vasquez Cabo’s water is a beautiful bright blue, and there are numerous excellent resort options available for your wedding there as well. The only negative is that a majority of the beaches in Cabo, though beautiful, are not swimmable, due to strong currents and waves.
Puerto Vallarta’s water is a stunning blue green surrounded by a lush and tropical jungle and mountains. Puerto Vallarta offers really unique wedding venues like private off-shore islands that are ideal for an oceanfront celebration. As you can see Mexico really offers more Pros than Cons for having a destination wedding. The growth in popularity of Mexico as a wedding location is clear proof that this is true. Mexico makes for an amazing location for a destination wedding as it's bursting at the seams with amazing resorts, beautiful venues, tons of activities, rich culture, and natural beauty. If you’ve been trying to figure out your destination wedding, but feel as if you’re getting nowhere fast, then I encourage you to schedule a free 1 hour- strategy call with me today, and let’s get you moving forward in your destination wedding planning! Congratulations! You're engaged! You’re excited about the idea of having a destination wedding, and you have been putting in hours trying to figure out what everything is going to cost. Your eyes are hurting from the amount of scrolling you’ve had to do searching out prices for resort wedding locations & venues. And you’ve read enough mixed reviews for every resort venue you are interested in to make your head spin. You need to have a well-rounded breakdown of how much your destination wedding will actually cost you! Knowing this can save you a ton of wasted time looking at the wrong locations & venues that may or may not fit your budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you know what you can expect to pay for a typical destination wedding.  St Lucia 1.YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING LOCALE: An Instagram-worthy destination wedding starts with a great location! Maybe you choose locations that are closer to the continental U.S, such as Mexico & the Caribbean, or you may be looking for a more exotic destination wedding locale, such as Hawaii, Fiji, Bora Bora, or even Europe. Usually, the farther away & more exotic a destination is, the more expensive it can be.  Airfare Prices: Obviously, airfare can take up a chunk of your guest's budget but only a small portion of your overall destination wedding budget. And if you’re flying during “high season” (Dec-April), flights are going to be more expensive than low Season, (May- Nov). With that being said, here are some current averages based on May 2023 travel: ● Depart From Midwest or East coast to Caribbean or Mexico: $450-$1000 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From Midwest or East coast to Hawaii: $600-$1600 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From Midwest or East coast to the South Pacific: $2000-$2500 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Departing From West Coast to the Caribbean or Mexico: $500-$1000 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From West Coast to Hawaii: $600-$1600 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. ● Depart From West Coast to the South Pacific: $2000-$2500 per person, round trip, depending on flight itinerary & destination. PRO TIP: There will always be fluctuations in price based on the time of year and even the day of the week. If you find an unbelievable air deal, double check the type of seat it is and the air schedule. Many really cheap tickets have incredibly harsh restrictions as well as horrible air itineraries that could get you to your resort so late that you miss all of your first day at your resort, therefore ultimately wasting money and delaying the start of your “wedcation” bliss!  @jessiewalkerphotography Sandals over the water chapel 2.DESTINATION WEDDING RESORT VENUE: Every resort offers different wedding locations, amenities, room options, restaurants, activities, as well as food and beverage plans. AI (All-inclusive) resorts include all of your food and beverages with your package price. EP (European Plan) resorts offer an a-la carte menu where you pay for each meal or beverage just as you would going out to dinner or bar stateside. In general, an All-Inclusive resort will usually offer you a better value for your wedding group, you definitely need to take your time looking through all the available options so that you can make sure to book the best resort wedding venue for you and your unique wedding vision.  Sandals Regency La Toc Millionaire Suite YOUR ROOM OR SUITE: The room or suite you choose will impact the overall cost for you & your guest's destination wedding stay. For example, you could love resort (A) with a base price of $1500 for 4 nights that includes a “standard room.” But if you choose a swim-up suite for your room option. The price for your resort stay at resort (A) will now be $2,000 for 4 nights because of the upgraded room option. Below is an average cost you & your guests can expect to pay for different types of room stays for 4 nights based on current rates: NOTE: Most destination wedding guests will stay 3 to 7 nights for a destination wedding, with the average being 4 days. It will really depend on how much each guest wants to spend on their stay. Because I won’t send anyone to a resort that is average or below quality, you can assume that all of these prices are going to be 4 stars and higher in quality. Luxury Resort: Adult Only AVERAGE RATES based on 4-night stay: Deluxe Room: $1,500-$3,500 Suite: $4.000-$8,000 Butler: $8,000-$11,000 Highest Room Category: Think over the water bungalows or 4 Seasons type quality & experience: $16,000-$25,000 GOOD NEWS FOR YOU: The good news is, that many resort wedding venues will offer you free nights and room upgrades depending on the size of your wedding group! In many cases, you can get either part or ALL of your stay and even possibly parts of your wedding comped because you’ve earned so many free nights and extras from your wedding group.  Sandals weddings inspiration- reception at the beach 3.THE WEDDING PACKAGE & DECOR YOU CHOOSE: Most high-quality destination wedding resorts will have stunning wedding packages that will include your ceremony location, music, lighting, cocktail party, decor, wedding cake, reception location, entertainment, food & cocktail menu, and an open bar. NOTE: You have to make sure that your wedding group is going to be set up correctly in order to earn the wedding amenities and free nights. Booking directly with the resorts will not always get you this information, as most resorts don’t seem concerned with letting you know what you can earn. Booking with a destination wedding specialist will guarantee that your wedding group is set up properly to earn everything you qualify for.  Catamaran ride with your group 4.ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS FOR YOUR GROUP: A great way to connect with all of your wedding guests and to give them a memorable experience during your wedding week is to do a group activity. Depending on your location, you can do an ATV tour, visit a waterfall, bathe in hot mud baths, shopping in a local village, zip lining, golf, rum tasting, scuba diving, snorkeling, catamaran sunset cruise and swimming with the dolphins, etc. You get the idea! Due to the size of a wedding group, I recommend you book your group activity in advance. NOTE: There are MANY tour companies out there. Usually the lower the price the more sketch the company. Only go with companies that are licensed and insured, and have great testimonies. For a good quality tour, you can expect to pay around $120+ per person, depending on the type of tour, and activities that are included.  Caribbean Destination Wedding ULTIMATELY IT IS UP TO YOU!
CONCLUSION CHOICES: There are so many ways to make your dream destination “I DO!” a reality! It’s all about deciding what kind of experience is right for you and your guests—and knowing exactly where you should be splurging, on the things that will really make a difference in your destination wedding experience, while spending less on the things that won’t make a difference. If you’ve been struggling or frustrated trying to get your destination wedding all figured out, and you’re ready for a little help, schedule a free destination wedding consultation with me today, so that you can get unstuck and moving forward on with your destination wedding planning!  I just came back from vacationing with my family at this property and we were awed by the quality of their service and food. Our room was one bedroom residence located in Villa 17, very spacious and comfortable for a family of three to 4 like us They make you feel welcomed to their family, everyone from the bellboy to the Managers are there making sure that all your needs are met.  Advantages of doing your Destination Wedding at The Fives Beach and Residences • The customer service number from your room is found by dialing 0 and they are prompt to respond. I have dialed that number to call to make restaurant reservations, request new towels and to schedule our pick up from our room to take us to the Lobby on the day of check out. • The food at the Kho Thai restaurant is impressive. In general all their restaurants offer a great selection of dishes, there is something for everyone. My young son that is a picky eater loved the hamburgers at the beach, the grilled beef at Flavors buffet restaurant and the chicken nuggets at Oka Sushi restaurant for example. • At each restaurant they make sure that they ask about food allergies or any dietary needs. This is super important if someone in your family needs a gluten free diet for example. • Wonderful service at the beach and pool area. There is always someone there ready to take your meal and drink order from the several restaurants in the area. I have seen pizza, burgers and hotdogs, and tacos. In that area you will Sea Olive and Arezzo Italian Restaurant. • Rooms are very spacious and comfortable, we had a suite with a couple’s room with sliding door for privacy, the other room had a sofa bed in the living area, a dining table and a full kitchen.  •They have a desk where you can book your excursions located in the plaza area and allowed outside vendors like Lomas Travel to offer their service as well, they are there in the mornings at Oka Sushi restaurant. • You can never be bored at this property, they have a themed night every night, we got to experience on our arrival a night at the beach with a live band playing there, a Kermese night were local artisans were offering their products, a Mexican night, a Rock and Roll night with a live band playing. There are plenty activities and experiences for you to explore, from Spanish lessons to learning to cook a Mexican dish. • Activities for kids of all ages including kids and teenagers club. • Small but swimmable beach for those that love that experience, we were lucky to have a day with turquoise waters in the middle of sargassum season. Their team cleans the beach everyday. If you love to walk along the shores of the beach you can do it here. • Phenomenal Wifi all around the hotel, no matter where you are, you will be always connected including the beach. •They have residences that offers one, two or three bedrooms, accommodates large families with no problem. • Wonderful roof top terrace for weddings that gives you 100% privacy • Very responsive wedding department  Travel advisor tips: • You need to make reservations for your specialty restaurants, we recommend to do it the day before early in the morning. • Villas 1 to 5 are located close to the beach. • This is a large property and requires a lot of walking, you can always wait for the golf cars to move you around the hotel or you can call customer service and request them to pick you up from your room to take you to the beach, a restaurant, etc. • Highly recommend to try Kho Thai restaurant, to us that was the best one! • Choose your spot on the beach early in the morning, it will be crowded and you won't find a place if you come in the middle of the day. • Bring water shoes, the beach is nice but has some rocky areas  Are you ready to start planning your upcoming destination wedding? Let's chat!
 Let’s start with clarifying what exactly is a Save-the-Date. The Brides Magazine describes it as “an official announcement of your wedding date and location. They also let guests know that they will, in fact, be invited to the celebration.”
I would say it is a very important announcement that allows all your family and friends to be informed about your wedding plans so they can make necessary arrangements to attend. That means create their own travel budget, get vacation time or days off from work, arrange sitters for kids, etc. At the time of this post, in June 2022, the hotels in the Caribbean Islands and Mexico are extremely busy with postponed weddings from 2020 and 2021 and are already booking weddings for 2023. The message here is very clear, plan early, I would suggest a minimum of 18 months ahead of the date that you have chosen to get married to secure your wedding date and your hotel as soon as possible. We expect that the wedding industry will normalize more in 2023 but an early start helps you and your travel advisor to quote and research hotels that will best fit you and your group. With all that said and clarified, when is the best time to send your Save-the-Date announcement? The answer is as soon as you have chosen your wedding day and secured your hotel for you and your guests. Some hotels like Sandals and Beaches Resorts allow you to book your wedding 24 months ahead, other properties allow 18 months, but the majority will take wedding bookings between 12 to 14 months prior your wedding date. If you did secure your hotel several months before your wedding, that gives everyone plenty of time to arrange a flexible payment plan to make sure that they will attend your wedding. Of course, this Save-the -Date should be sent only to those that you would like to invite to your wedding. Your Save-the -Date should include the date and location of your wedding and the link to your wedding website that will be set up by your travel advisor. That site will have all the information about the hotel, rooms options, and much more! Since this is not a formal invitation just yet, it doesn’t need to have all the details of the wedding itself like the venue, reception, activities. Your Save -the -Date serves to test the waters and see who of your guests are going to attend the wedding. This will help tremendously your travel advisor who will have a good idea of how many rooms must be secured at the hotel for all your family and friends attending your ceremony. Ready to plan your destination wedding? 
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Rossana TaylorBilingual English -Spanish Travel Agent 
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California Seller of Travel Registration Number: 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute the state's approval.
Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Reference Number ST37113. Iowa Seller of Travel Reference Number 960.
Washington Seller of Travel Reference Number UBI 602 775 122
Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Reference Number ST37113. Iowa Seller of Travel Reference Number 960.
Washington Seller of Travel Reference Number UBI 602 775 122