5 Expert Destination Wedding Tips Every Couple Needs to Know
Planning a destination wedding should feel like a warm ocean breeze, not a storm of stress. But between guest counts, room blocks, and vendor rules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Romance Travel Group, we’ve helped hundreds of couples turn their dream beach wedding into a reality, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. These five tips are the ones we find ourselves sharing again and again, because they really do make all the difference.
1. Don’t Dismiss the Wedding Package Too Quickly
Wedding packages can be confusing, especially when it comes to guest counts. A package that “includes 30 guests” doesn’t mean you can’t invite 38. It just means the first 30 are included in the base price. The extras? You simply pay a per-person fee (usually around $100–$200 depending on the resort). That’s it.
Many couples skip over amazing packages because they think their group is “too big.” But trust us, adding a few extra guests is totally doable. Just keep an eye on the package cap, as there’s usually a limit before you’ll need to upgrade to the next tier. Knowing this opens up more options and helps you avoid ruling out your dream setup for no reason.
What you really need to know about wedding packages
2. Choose Your Resort Before You Choose Your Vendors
We get it! The minute you start wedding planning, it’s tempting to dive head-first into Pinterest boards and Instagram photographers. But pump the brakes for just a second. Before booking a vendor, you need to choose your resort.
Why? Because every resort has its own vendor policy. Some allow outside vendors, some charge hefty fees, and others only work with their preferred list. If you’ve already fallen in love with a photographer who isn’t allowed at your resort… that’s a major letdown. Start with your resort shortlist, then dig into vendor details. This one step can save you a world of heartache.
3. Skip the RSVPs - Let the Bookings Do the Talking
Traditional RSVP cards? Toss ’em. Destination weddings work a little differently. Guests need to book their travel months in advance, and asking for a simple “yes or no” on an invite only leads to confusion and false hope.
Instead, set a firm “book by” date, and let your rooming list act as your RSVP list. If someone hasn’t booked? They’re not coming. It’s that simple. It’s a cleaner, clearer way to keep track, and way less stressful for everyone involved.
Bonus tip: Ditch the fancy mailed invites altogether. Use your wedding website and booking information as the hub for everything. Save time, save money, and save yourself from chasing down flaky responses.
4. Skip the Legal Headaches - Go Symbolic
Here’s the truth: 90% of our couples choose to do a symbolic ceremony, and for good reason. Getting legally married in your destination can come with loads of red tape, from blood tests to government translators to fees that add up fast.
Instead, get legally married at home before your trip (your guests won’t even know the difference). Then have your beautiful “I do” moment at the resort with zero paperwork stress. It’s the same magical day, minus the legal hassle.
5. Sign the Room Block - Protect Your Wedding
Room blocks might sound intimidating, but they’re one of the smartest decisions you can make. Why? Because they guarantee rooms and pricing for your guests, even if the resort fills up or prices spike later.
And here’s a perk many couples don’t realize: room blocks often come with bonuses like free nights, upgrades, or even private events. These aren’t listed on resort websites… they’re behind-the-scenes perks that your travel expert can help you unlock.
Most room blocks only require a minimum of 10 rooms. So if you’re planning to fill your room plus at least nine others, you’re golden. Don’t skip the block. It’s the unsung hero of destination wedding planning.
Planning Made Easy
We’re here to make your destination wedding simple, affordable, and totally unforgettable. These five tips are just the beginning of what we help couples with every single day. When you work with an experienced destination wedding travel expert (hey, that’s us!), everything gets easier, from resort selection to guest bookings and beyond.
Ready to ditch the overwhelm and start planning the wedding of your dreams? Let’s chat. We’ll help you every step of the way.
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