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Wondering what the difference is between these experts, and who you really need and why? You’re not alone. Keep reading to learn who you need on your side as you plan your destination wedding in Mexico and the Caribbean.  Wedding Coordinator A wedding coordinator is a resort employee responsible for creating and managing all aspects of the wedding events taking place at the resort. Your wedding coordinator will help you schedule venues, entertainment and vendors. There is no cost for the services provided by wedding coordinators. Wedding Planner A wedding planner is an independent professional hired to organize your wedding, create the aesthetics and atmosphere for your day, and manage all vendors. A planner usually works with the resort wedding coordinator on your behalf. They are a liaison between the couple and the resort. Wedding planners can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your wedding. Destination Wedding Travel Agent Let’s face it. For many, images of the old school travel agency of My Big Fat Greek Wedding come to mind when the words “travel agent” are tossed around. For years, agents have tried to break away from this dated title and instead use labels such as travel advisor, architect, engineer and designer. But at the end of the day, all are true. With today’s online technology, just about anyone can book a trip. But planning a destination wedding thousands of miles from home in a foreign country for 20-200 guests is way, WAY more complicated than just booking a trip. An experienced destination wedding travel agent is worth her weight in gold when it comes to keeping you organized, guests informed and everything moving seamlessly and smoothly. Your agent should:
 Finding and hiring a destination wedding travel agent should be the first step in your planning process. Before diving into resort options, choosing a wedding date or even picking a destination, do yourself a huge favor and spend some time talking to a few potential destination wedding travel agents. As with any professional, you may need to pay a deposit or a retainer to secure their services. You may even be asked to pay for their advice and expertise. Would you expect anything less from an expert?
So what about the wedding coordinator and planner? You definitely will want the assistance of the resort’s wedding coordinator. She knows the ins and outs of the resort itself and is able to bring your wedding vision into reality. We suggest finding several inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this!) to share with her, along with your budget. She will help you create the vibe you’re going for and offer suggestions and tips along the way. For most destination weddings, a wedding planner is not necessary. Your travel expert and wedding coordinator should be able to handle everything for you. However, if you are planning a very large or lavish wedding with a lot of details and events to manage, a wedding planner is a good investment. As the saying goes, it sometimes takes a village! The expert wedding travel agents at Romance Travel Group do one thing and we do it well… we plan destination weddings! After nearly 25 years, our expertise, connections, processes and experience are unrivalled. We are consistently named “best” and “top” agency in the wedding and travel industry. One peek at the hundreds of 5-star reviews is proof of the attention and care that goes into each wedding we take on. We know it is a big step, but we promise that your nerves will turn to excitement after just one 30-minute call with our team. What are you waiting for? Sign up to talk to one of our wedding experts today.
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Charming hospitality, lively culture, and world-class beaches? There’s a whole ‘lot to love about a destination wedding in Mexico!
Reasonable Price One of the biggest destination wedding myths we hear often is that it’s too expensive. However, with the traditional American wedding costing around $30,000, it's no wonder most people assume a wedding in a gorgeous tropical location would be more. Luckily, most properties in Mexico can hold a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception for you and your guests for as little as $10,000… which is significantly cheaper than your average wedding! Flexible Options Mexico is one of our most popular destinations for brides because of the abundance of options available. We partner with a variety of properties who value your uniqueness and creativity. That ocean pier ceremony you’ve been dreaming about? Done. The monogrammed dance floor and custom cocktail you requested? You’ve got it. The possibilities are endless. Everything is Included Another reason why Mexico is great for destination weddings is the vast array of all-inclusive resorts. These properties include meals, drinks, entertainment, and some activities during your stay, so everyone is taken care of all day and night. We also have a number of properties that offer free wedding packages, which include everything from a private ceremony location to your reception and even your cake!
Free Perks How often do you hear the word “complimentary” associated with planning a wedding? Yeah, not so much. But in Mexico, it’s no surprise to see complimentary sky massages, champagne and strawberries, or private dinners thrown in as a way of saying “congrats” to the happy couple. We’ve even helped our brides and grooms get complimentary honeymoon or anniversary nights as an added bonus. Simple to Coordinate Imagine having all the little details taken care of for you, as you watch your wedding dreams fall into place. That’s right! A destination wedding in Mexico isn’t as hard to plan as you think. In fact, we’ll work with you side-by-side to ensure your day runs as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’ll even introduce you to the onsite wedding coordinator to go over all the fun details like decorations, food, and seating arrangements, so everything’s covered before you get there. The best part? These services are complimentary when you book. Can’t say that about your average wedding, now can you? Ready to plan your Mexico wedding? Then, click below to get started!
We understand wedding costs can add up, but don’t skimp on the things that matter. Here are some things you’ll be glad you invested in for your big day!
The Wedding Resort The resort you select can truly make or break a destination wedding. It essentially sets the tone for your special day and impacts not only your experience, but your guests’ experience as well. Be sure to work carefully with your destination wedding specialist to ensure you’re accommodating everyone in your party, so your wedding experience turns out as perfect as you imagined. Here are some of our favorite adult-only and family-friendly destination wedding properties to help get you started. Private Transfers There’s nothing we dislike more than a rowdy 2-hour transfer to the resort after a full day of traveling. We work with several transfer companies that cater to wedding groups all the time, so you and your wedding party can relax and unwind together in peace. This will get you to the resort quickly and give your group some down time before the wedding festivities begin! Quality Time with Loved Ones What’s so unique and special about a destination wedding is that the celebration goes on for a few days, or more if you’re lucky! This gives you and your loved ones plenty of opportunities to spend some quality time together in paradise. The best part? Most resorts have special activities already lined up for the wedding group, so you can bond over new experiences that will create the best memories. Be sure to set aside extra time for this one!
Photography & Videography If there’s one thing not to skimp on for your wedding, it’s your photos and video. We always recommend our brides and grooms invest in a good, quality photographer and videographer to ensure all your memories throughout the day are captured. This is the best day of your life, after all! We have plenty of recommendations for some pretty incredible destination wedding photo and video professionals, here. The Honeymoon! After all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding (and hanging with the family), nothing beats breaking away from it all to get some alone time with your sweetie. We have dozens of honeymoon ideas for you, not to mention numerous honeymoon offers that come as an added perk when you book your wedding with a particular property. Be sure to take advantage of all the wedding festivities, you deserve it, girl! We hope you’ll consider some of these tips when you start to plan your destination wedding –trust us, you won’t regret it! For more information from the experts, click below to get in touch!
Here are the top 5 questions wedding guests ask when they get the invite to your destination wedding!
1. “When should I book my reservation?” The couple’s wedding website should indicate your booking deadline, but if you want the most options with the best rates, it’s best to book early. Since the bride and groom need to know who is attending in order to plan seating, meals, and cake, we recommend you make your room deposit as soon as you get the invitation, but at the minimum, book by the booking deadline so they can plan their wedding accordingly. 2. “How much will this cost us?” Room rates are usually posted onto the couple’s wedding website. Occasionally, instead of rates, you’ll find a quote request form. To get an accurate quote from us, you’ll need to fill out and submit the form and we’ll reply with a custom quote. The more details you can provide, like how many nights you plan on staying, or where you’re flying from, will help us give you a more accurate cost. Typically for guests, a destination wedding can cost from $1,000-$1,500 per person depending on some of the details noted above. This covers your flights, accommodations, and food/drink for 3 or 4 nights.
3. “Is everything included?" Although tips are technically included in your resort package, you’ll want to bring some 1’s and 5’s for the bartenders and servers taking care of you throughout your stay. Keep in mind, your shuttle driver isn’t a part of the resort staff, so bring some cash for your transfer driver. Additional excursions or spa treatments are also not included and can be paid with a credit card at the hotel. 4. “What if I find a cheaper price somewhere else?” We work hard to ensure you receive the best rates possible. If you do happen to find a more affordable option online, just let us know and we’ll look into it. We can usually spot why a rate looks cheaper. Most of the time it is because the airport transfers are not included, or it is the wrong hotel. We'll try to figure out why, and go from there. Only rooms booked in the block at the group rates count towards the couple's wedding amenities, though. 5. “What if I run into issues traveling?” The best thing to do if you run into travel issues is to come to us! We are available by phone or email and our travel partners have 24/7 help desks you have access to. Please avoid getting the couple involved, as they will already have enough on their plate. Just be polite and patient, and things will get worked out as soon as possible. For further questions, feel free to reach us below and we’d be happy to assist!
Wedding Date: July 11, 2022 ~ Resort: Generations Riviera Maya ~ Photographer: Esteban Bahena Why did you choose Romance Travel Group? After speaking with many other travel agents, Romance Travel Group stood out. Shelli and her team were very responsive and professional throughout the initial consultation and booking process. All information was organized and everyone was so knowledgeable about what different resorts had to offer while keeping our wish list and budget in mind. How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors? We chose Generations Resort in Riviera Maya because we were looking for a high end resort that was affordable for our guests, within a short driving distance to the airport, family friendly and within our budget. Generations checked off all those boxes and more. What made the resort even better was their countless beautiful wedding venue options and that they had 2 other adult only properties next door that we had access to if we wanted to take a break from the activities on the family side. What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding? It is very hard to plan an event at a location that you have never been to before. We had visited Cancun in the past but never saw Generations in person prior to arriving a few days before the wedding. We were fearful that the pictures and reviews made the resort look much better than it actually was. It was also a little nerve-wracking selecting and booking vendors using email/Facebook to communicate and sending deposits via wire transfers and Paypal but luckily everything worked out perfectly! Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges? Working with the wedding coordinator at the resort was pretty easy as we got closer to the wedding date. Things started off slow and response time was up to a week but, around 6 months out, the response time became shorter and more details were confirmed. The details we were most worried about were the wedding date and venue choices but RTG confirmed those when we signed our wedding contract so we did not have to worry. At times, there was a bit of miscommunication with different languages and translation but our wedding coordinator was quick to fix mistakes and clarify details as needed. Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate? Guests received invitations about a year in advance with our custom wedding website link that Romance Travel Group made for us. The website had all room, travel, and booking information available to guests with RTG contact info for and questions or concerns. Guests were given a deadline to put their deposit down on a room and the booking process seemed to be easy to navigate and use and if questions arose, guests were able to get quick answers from RTG. Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you. Choosing our bridal party was easy. We both had a childhood friend who we wanted to be a part of our special day. We also had other friends who were unsure if they would be able to attend a destination wedding. We decided to only have a maid of honor and best man so that we did not have to worry about people bailing or being unable to attend the wedding or creating additional stress. We gave the maid of honor and best man a box early in the planning stages with a tumbler and other small items when we asked them to be a part of our special day. Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. We arrived at the resort on a Thursday and our on site wedding coordinator met us in reception as we were checking in. She gave us a card with our meeting information for Friday and told us to go enjoy the rest of our day. On Friday we met her in the wedding office and went over every detail for the day of our wedding. We gave her all of our decorations and showed pictures so the onsite team could set them up for us. We could tell the resort is very comfortable with weddings because every question and detail was discussed and it all turned out perfect. How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding dress? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport? Traveling with my dress was super easy. I bought a trifold garment bag that i fit my dress, my husbands suit and a few other dresses in and brought it as a carry on. We were able to lay the bag on top of suitcases in the overhead compartment on the plane with no issues at all! Tell us about your wedding – did you have a traditional wedding with a cocktail hour, dinner reception and dance? What was different about a destination wedding compared to a wedding at home? We had a symbolic ceremony which only lasted about 10-15 minutes, a cocktail hour and a reception. Our cocktail hour was a little different as we had a donkey carrying cold cervezas! What was the best part of having a destination wedding? The best part about having a destination wedding was seeing all of our guests having a great time that lasted more than 1 or 2 days like a typical wedding. Most of our family does not travel and rarely goes on vacation so giving them a reason to enjoy themselves for a few days and celebrate with us was the best part. What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding? The most surprising thing about having a destination was how easy it was to plan everything. Although we were a little skeptical about planning a wedding from a different country, the wedding team at Generations was amazing and took care of so many small details that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. This took the stress out of the planning process and made it so much easier to enjoy the day! Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding? Yes! Romance Travel Group made our destination wedding experience perfect! From the first phone call we had to getting home from Mexico, RTG was available and responded quickly. They found us the perfect location and resort which checked all the boxes on our wish list within budget. I would 100% recommend RTG to other couples planning a destination wedding! From deciding to have a destination wedding, all the way to planning one - we're sure you've got some questions in mind! Here are 4 things you're probably wondering:
Why Choose a Destination Wedding? From affordability and convenience, to intimate settings with your closest friends and family - the list really goes on. In fact, we've created a whole blog post dedicated to why you should pick a destination wedding. How Much Does a Wedding Cost? Did you know that the average traditional wedding costs around $40,000 and up? Yep - you read that right. With a destination wedding, we have partnerships with gorgeous resorts around the world that will cost you a quarter of the price. Don't believe us? Just check it out for yourself. How to Plan a Destination Wedding So, how exactly does this whole thing work, you might ask? Well, say no more! We've worked with thousands of couples on their special day and have got the whole wedding planning thing down to a science. For an idea of our process, click here! Where to Have a Destination Wedding Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic take the cake for top places to get married (in our opinion). Not sure how to decide? No worries - we'll weigh all the pros and cons with you during our initial meetings! Interested in working with a travel agent to plan your destination wedding? Then, click below to get in touch with one of our experts!
Planning a destination wedding has come a long way and is now actually easier to plan than a wedding at home. Here are a few questions you may be asking yourself:
How will I decide on my resort and location? This is often the most difficult part of planning a destination wedding. Our best advice here is to find a travel agent that specializes in planning destination weddings. Anyone can book a trip. Planning a destination wedding for 20, 40 or 100 guests takes a completely different set of skills. Need a recommendation? Reach out to one of the award-winning agents at Romance Travel Group. Destination weddings are our passion! Will my guests attend? Most of your guests will be thrilled at the idea of a vacation with you! Some will be concerned about cost or safety. Your agent will communicate with your guests, answering all their questions and making sure they know everything they need for their trip. Trust us… your guests will RAVE about your wedding. Many destination wedding groups start traveling together every year because they had such a great time at the wedding. They will have a great time! How much will all this cost? Legit question! We often say that the couple can expect to pay under $10,000 for the trip, ceremony and reception. This can vary, of course, but it is a good estimate. Your guests can expect to pay about $1100 for a 3 night/4 day all-inclusive experience. With the resort so far, how can I ensure I get what I want? Most resorts have wedding departments with a team of coordinators on-site that will execute your vision. You can send them photos, Pinterest boards, spreadsheets, etc, and they will recreate the wedding of your dreams. Just about anything you see at local weddings can also be done in destination.
Who is going to help with all the travel plans? Remember that destination wedding travel expert we mentioned? She will work with each guest to create the trip that works best for them. Some guests will make a week-long vacation out of their trip, while others will only be able to sneak away from 3 nights. No problem! Your agent will handle all the details so you don’t have to. How will I know what needs to be done? Your travel expert and the wedding coordinator will ensure everything has been considered and your big day is executed perfectly. Together, they’ll help you through all the steps and decisions that need to happen. You’ll be amazed at how seamlessly everything comes together. Did we answer some of the questions you were wondering? We hope so! We know how overwhelming it can seem at first, but we are here to help you through it all. Fill out there short form here and we'll take it from there! Can't wait to chat soon! P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!
With a stunning beach, modern rooms, and picturesque venues, Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is THE resort for destination wedding groups that want to blend together an adult’s only experience yet accommodate families of all ages as well.
Located about 25 minutes north of the Cancun airport, this oasis is nestled along a white sand, natural beach amongst postcard worthy teal water, with views of Isla Mujeres along the coastline. The subtle and simple décor throughout this property incorporates local flair mixed with modern yet tropical touches that makes you instantly feel immersed on a tropical escape.
Rooms - Spacious and modern rooms incorporate regional décor with fresh, simple, and airy aesthetics throughout. Offering two sections, the upgraded Elegance Club rooms are for guests 18+ and offer Butler service, a private Club lounge, various pools and swim up bars, as well as a private beach area…the ultimate elevated experience. The family section showcases the same design and furnishings, but the sections are separated by a natural fence and uniquely braided wristbands. Bonus - all wristbands double as a room key fob so no worrying about forgetting your key card in the room or finding a place to stash it while at the pool!
Staff - Ready at the drop of a hat and always with a smile, the bellmen eagerly await arrivals in the spacious lobby, the dedicated waitstaff at the restaurants and bars are continually ready to serve your next request, and the butlers within the Elegance Club will move one step ahead of you, offering what you don’t even realize you need! The pool and resort entertainment team is the ultimate hype squad - weekly foam parties, daily pool relays, beachside yoga are just a few offerings guests can participate in. However, if lounging is more of your style, there are plenty of loungers scattered amongst the pool or beach as well to take in the breathtaking backdrops. No matter where you are relaxing throughout the resort, guests are sure to feel the genuine, warm, and attentive hospitality.
Food/Bars - Offering various types of cuisines throughout the day and night, there is something for every guest at all turns. Each restaurant embraces the style of cuisine with refined furnishings and updated variations on traditional fare. The nightly buffet is an easy choice when you can’t narrow down a craving (everything from an extensive nacho bar to sushi and make-your-own miso soup but be sure to not miss a classic margarita at El Mariachi Loco while sitting on their terrace overlooking the nightly entertainment in the plaza.
Weddings - With the wedding team on site, your day is sure to go off without a hitch. The planning process includes a detailed wedding form that outlines every element you envision for your big day! The team here follows your direction and vision rather than bringing design ideas to choose from. Everything they set up and design for your day is taken directly from the form - it is an essential guide to be filled out between you and the team each time you talk as it will dictate your dream day, with no aspect to be missed. Each wedding is sure to be unique and tailored to the couple, offering unique WOW factors such as water drums, cigar rolling, a mariachi band or a specialized Circus or Impersonator show. Multiple ceremony venues include a unique garden gazebo that commands center stage with its unique 360° circular setup; the idyllic beach which also offers a second gazebo venue with a boardwalk, providing a the best of both worlds for couples who want the beach wedding without actually being in the sand; Lastly, the ultimate view is at the Sky Terrace with your guests sitting amongst a pool providing never-ending views of the crystal blue sea and powder sand behind you as you say “I do.” Coming soon: a pier is set to be built that will be the quintessential venue for a destination wedding.
If you want to say “I do” to Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, we are your experts! With the established partnership we have cultivated with their teams, we are here to help you with every step towards the aisle - you just need to decide which aisle is your favorite at this gorgeous resort!
Yes, it's true - there's a wedding resort for EVERYONE! Read on to see our recommended resorts for each type of destination wedding group. Adult Only: El Dorado Royale
Young Kids: Azul Beach
For Foodies: Unico 2087
Party Crowd: Hard Rock Cabo
Luxury Minded: Grand Velas
Looking for something that is not on our list? Feel free to hit the button below to get in touch and we'll chat through it together! P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!
Planning a destination wedding is simple when you take the right steps. Let us help you plan one memorable destination wedding!
FIND A WEDDING EXPERT First and most important, you need to choose a wedding travel EXPERT to help you through the process. We can’t stress this enough! A wedding travel expert knows all the destinations and resorts, the good AND the bad, and can recommend the ones that match your wants and needs. Our experts oversee the entire process and will never charge you a fee for our services. We want you to WANT to work with us because of our dedication to you. You’ll love what we have to offer. PLAN THE LOGISTICS After we help you select the perfect beach destination wedding resort, we’ll negotiate the best group rates, perks and amenities and create a custom wedding website for you to share with your guests. All of the details your guests will need are listed on your website, making communication and reservations super easy.
USE YOUR ONSITE COORDINATOR We will introduce you to the wedding coordinator at the resort, who will handle all the wedding day details and help us create the wedding of your dreams. We, of course, will continue to oversee everything and remain in constant contact with you, your wedding coordinator and your guests until the big day. LOCK DOWN TRAVEL PLANS We will make and manage custom travel arrangements for you and your guests based on the wants and needs of each person attending. Guests will be able to choose their own room category and travel dates, and even set up a payment plan to help budget for the trip. TRUST THE PROCESS! As your wedding day draws near, we will make sure guests know what to expect prior to their trip to ensure a seamless experience. We send out “know before you go” information along with beautifully packaged travel documents and goodies. We are available while you travel in case anyone needs assistance. You only need to take a deep breath and know that WE’VE GOT THIS so you can enjoy an unforgettable destination wedding experience. To get started, just tap the button below. We'd love to hear from you! P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!
Finally, a resort that sets a new bar for all-inclusive luxury and vibes. Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce you to Secrets Moxche! Located 45 minutes south of the Cancun airport, and 10 minutes north of Playa’s famed 5th Avenue, this adults only tropical oasis is the new standard for couples wanting the ultimate wow factor for their destination wedding experience. The minute you gaze out over the resort from the open air lobby, you know you’ve stepped into something unique and special. With multiple pool areas, including several private cenotes, nooks and crannies, there is always a perfect spot to socialize, or retreat to. And of course, there’s always the gorgeous, natural, palm tree dotted beach to lounge on. Oh, the beach, how we love you! Rooms – splurge for the Preferred Club! Only Preferred Club guests get access to the rooftop Observatory which includes a private restaurant and infinity pool with panoramic views. All rooms are designed with a modern, earthy flair. Conveniences are well thought out and include master control panels, a secret room service delivery box, and tablet loaded with resort information. Staff – very attentive and full of genuine Mexican hospitality. Waiters are engaging and knowledgeable about the food they are serving. Bartenders are fun and full of energy. The wedding team brings years of planning experience having come (often in pairs or groups) from other resorts. You can tell that the staff is being led, from the general manger on down, by a team that demands exceptional service. Food – a journey across the globe. With chefs trained in the destinations they represent, each restaurant has a menu, presentation and décor to make you feel like you’re been transported. Dinner in Paris? Lunch in Rome? Oh yes! The restaurants take a departure from the typical Secrets Resorts line up, which was an unexpected, yet pleasant, surprise. Mealtime will definitely be a highlight of your experience here. Weddings – you’re in good hands! The wedding team was hand-selected based on experience and execution to ensure an unsurpassed wedding day. Carolina and her team are true experts with their craft, thorough planners and masters of detail. Think of them as designers and planners, not just order takers. They will take your vision and budget and bring it to life. Your wedding day is deserving of the best, and these ladies have earned that title. With our guidance and travel expertise, and our relationship with the team at Secrets Moxche’, your wedding will be planned to perfection, giving you the stress-free, intimate destination wedding of a lifetime. Have we convinced you to say "I do" to Secrets Moxche’ yet? You won’t regret it for a second. Our knowledge of and partnership with this resort will absolutely come in handy. Let's start planning your wedding here today! Not sure if you need a destination wedding specialist? We're here to help! Here's 5 reasons NOT to use one:
1) You want to spend time researching 100’s of resorts, reading 1000’s of reviews, and looking at photoshopped photos in hopes of getting lucky and picking the right resort Don't want to do this? A wedding travel agent will do all the necessary research to match your interests and budget - so you don't have to. 2) You don’t mind waiting weeks and weeks for the wedding coordinator to reply to your emails, if they reply at all Don't want to wait? A wedding travel agent offers a quick turnaround and is always up-to-date with the latest changes. 3) You prefer to have all your guests call and text you millions of questions about booking a room, room rates, airport transportation, passports, and travel in general Don't want the questions? A wedding travel agent will work with each of your guests to make sure they are well taken care, all so you can focus on being the bride. 4) You enjoy being responsible for organizing and preparing international travel for large groups of people Don't want to organize? A wedding travel agent is an expert on the details and will prepare each guest for their international trip. 5) You want to be stressed out for the next year while you try to plan your wedding day Don't want the stress? A wedding travel agent is definitely what you need! Think you'd be better off without a wedding travel agent? Think again! Your wedding is a time for you to focus on being the bride. Leave all the travel and guest details to the experts. This is what we do. You will be so happy to have us on your side. Contact us through the button below to start the planning process! P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!
Wedding Date: March 3, 2022 ~ Resort: The Fives Beach ~ Photographer: Timeless Photography ~ Bridal Salon: Posh Why did you choose Romance Travel Group? After doing some research around how to start planning a destination wedding in Mexico, I came across RTG in a Google search. I chose RTG after having a kick-off call with Shelli. She made me feel very comfortable with the way she explained how her company works, their process, and how they care about each unique wedding; it made me excited to want to move forward with even doing a destination wedding. She is SO friendly! What led you to choose a destination wedding? My husband and I knew we didn’t want to get married in Minnesota (where we live). After exploring destination weddings in other states (Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina), I realized how complex and expensive it’d be to do a “destination” wedding elsewhere in the US. Then, someone asked if I had thought about doing it in Mexico. I was hesitant at first, but after doing some research online, I read that destination weddings at all inclusive resorts in Mexico are so much more affordable! We probably saved ourselves $10-$15k just by doing it in Mexico. How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors? I explained my budget, resort must-haves, and style I was looking for to Shelli. I was excited about all of the unique areas around the resort that would be awesome for pictures and it was family friendly which was important to us since there would be kids traveling. What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding? Planning a wedding sight unseen. But, it ended up exceeding my expectations once I saw how everything was curated and set up for each event. Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges? The wedding coordinator was very friendly, patient, flexible, and listened to my budget concerns…helping to give me ideas and options that would fit into what I wanted to spend. The biggest challenge was getting timely responses from them. At one point, I hadn’t heard from them for 3 months and we were 1-2 months away from the wedding without having finalized all selections! Once back in touch with them, finalizing planning went well and they were really responsive. Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate? Yes! We received many compliments from our guests around how easy, communicative, and professional RTG was to book with. What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this? Getting all details finalized with the wedding coordinator. It was indicated that we had to make final selections and payment 1 month before the wedding but I hadn’t heard from them in 3 months. But they ended up letting me finalize and make selections even up to the wedding day! Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. The meeting I had with the onsite coordinator when we arrived went very well! We went over every single detail. She gave me her whats app phone number to communicate with her leading up to the wedding day which was great for last minute questions. She was a really hard worker. How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding dress? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport? It was easy to travel with the dress for the most part. I did carry it on and was able to store it in the first class closet on the way down to MX, but on the way back, I had to lay it down in an overhead bin. I did get some comments at the airport on the way down! Tell us about your wedding – did you have a traditional wedding with a cocktail hour, dinner reception and dance? What was different about a destination wedding compared to a wedding at home? We had a welcome reception the evening before the wedding (drinks and apps). The day of the wedding was the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception (+ DJ and dancing!). It was just easy for everyone to be in one place the day before and the day of the wedding. Easy to navigate around from event to event and it just felt more intimate! And each area around the resort that we held the events at were beautiful and unique in their own way. What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience? The reception! It was just so memorable and fun to have all of our favorite people together to celebrate with us. The music, ambiance, and staff made the evening even more special! In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you? Being able to book our guests' travel and answering any questions they had! What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process? I wouldn’t do anything differently. Only advice is to be patient with the planning coordinator as you plan with them leading up to traveling. As mentioned, you may not hear from them for a while but it will ALL come together! Also, think about decor that you can bring down on your own to save $$ (they charge A LOT for decor). We brought down our own string lights, votives + candles, table numbers, and other decor. Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding? Absolutely! 100%. Everyone loves a little something for free, right? Here's our latest lineup of the best resorts offering complimentary wedding packages. Let's explore these together to see which option works best for your destination wedding dreams!  Royalton Resorts
Includes a personal wedding planner and onsite coordinator, wedding couple VIP welcome and room upgrade, “Getting Ready” refreshments, ceremony location, chairs, and sound system, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, sparkling wine toast, semi-private reception, cake, and more. Hilton Ziva/Hilton Zilara Includes pre-planning and onsite wedding concierge, couples massage and romantic dinner, ceremony with alter table linens, folding chairs, and sound system, couples’ bouquets and/or boutonnieres, post-ceremony sparkling wine, wedding cake, special suite décor, and more. The Fives Includes personal wedding planner and on-site coordinator, Spa Bridal Suite and Groom’s Room, ceremony welcome drinks, ceremony location with garden chairs and sound system, personal flowers, semi-private dinner for up to 40 people, Sweet Honeymoon Dream package, and more. Majestic Resorts Includes a massage for the wedding couple, room upgrades, romantic candle lit dinner and in-suite breakfast for wedding couple, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, post-ceremony Champagne, dinner for up to 60 guests, wedding couple bracelet, and more. Riu Palace Resorts Includes ceremony setup, recorded music, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, semi-private reception dinner, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, romantic room decoration on wedding night, and 10% spa discount. Hard Rock and Unico Resorts Includes an event consultant and onsite wedding coordinator, complimentary honeymoon package, ceremony arbor, podium, audio system, and chairs, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, themed one-tier cake, sparkling wine for the ceremony, and more. Searching for a boho-chic, Tulum-ish wedding resort in Mexico? Well, then say no more - we've rounded up our top 4 here!
Secrets Moxche’ Escape into luxury, just a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen's famed 5th Avenue, and indulge in a contemporary experience resort with a bohemian feel! Here, the happy couple can enjoy luxurious amenities, stunning views, an in-room rolling bar, all complete with their signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience. This brand new, adults only resort is already a fan favorite for couples looking for an upscale, unique and inspiring destination wedding location. El Dorado Seaside Palms Situated on Kantenah Bay, El Dorado Seaside Suites is divided into two distinct sections: Palms and Infinity – both of which offer a unique vacation experience. The Palms features intimate accommodations, authentic Mexican architecture, lush vegetation and serene coconut plantations - perfect for wedding goers looking for a laid back, boho-chic vibe. There are instagrammable photo ops throughout this adults only, all-inclusive resort. Unico 2087 The carefully crafted details and local artful touches make Unico 20º87º the ideal matrimonial backdrop for couples and adult travelers. Known for its exceptional value and service, this property boasts an entirely new standard for inclusion. We think you’ll also find the Anfitrion Service to be especially enticing, which is designed to replace the traditional butler service and to serve as your personal host during your stay. The Fives Oceanfront Say hello to The Fives Oceanfront Hotel – where you can relax and recharge your senses on the peaceful shores of Puerto Morelos. This seaside escape will immerse you into the natural beauty of your surroundings and introduce you to new adventures every day. Explore the pristine beaches, cenotes, and some of the best snorkeling and fishing sites in the area – or just lounge on the soft white sands with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Whatever you do, you don't want to miss the private rooftop pool area which turned into a spectacular private wedding venue in the evening! Ready to start your exciting destination wedding journey? Then, contact us through the button below to start the process! P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!
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