​Wedding Date: February 28, 2025 ~ Resort: Live Aqua Cancun ~ Photographer/Videographer: Mike Cantarell ~ Bridal Salon: Wedding Shoppe, St. Paul, MN

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?

A friend from worked referred me after attending a wedding that was set up by Romance Travel Group.

What led you to choose a destination wedding?

Second marriage, we love the ocean and vacationing, incorporated both into our special day.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?

After an amazing slide presentation by Abby our agent, we chose Live Aqua Cancun.

Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?

The majority of my friends were really excited!  There were some friends that could not make it secondary to cost and other obligations but in the end we just wanted our children present, everyone else was a bonus in our eyes. 

What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?

Not being able to talk with vendors personally and actually see the venue, however with our package we were given 2 days free at the resort if we wanted to go there beforehand.  

How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?

There really is not a meaning, we wanted to get away from winter and chose that date.  

Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?

Romance Travel Group sent out a very adorable invite. 

 Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges? 

I absolutely loved Christy! She was amazing. It really helped when I got the WhatsApp app and used that for communication. Christy and I had 2 facetime calls that were so detailed with the wedding events of the day, I really felt confident that the day was going to be perfect!

Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?

Wedding Shoppe in St Paul.  Went with my daughter (my maid of honor), son’s girlfriend, and good friend of mine.  

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?

Yes, feedback from my friends was that Heather was amazing and quick to respond and be so helpful with every question. 

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?

I think my main concern was that we wanted everyone to enjoy the resort we chose and also spending enough time with our guests.  This more a bride than groom worry though.  Matt calmed me by saying "if people can not have fun in Mexico that is on them".  We really also tried to enforce this was our guests' vacation also and for them to do everything that made them happy.  

Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you. 

My maid of honor was my daughter, bridesmaid was a good friend.  Our best man was Matt's son and groomsmen was my son.  Ring bearer was one of my best friends (like a brother to me). My son gave me away. 

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. 

We were greeted by resort staff as soon as we arrived!  They brought us upstairs to get us checked into our room and provided us with food and drinks.  They were amazing!

Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?

Guests absolutely loved the resort!  Many remarked they loved the size (not too big) and how beautiful the ocean was.  

How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding attire? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport? 

Our wedding attire was placed in the captains closet, everyone was so nice and excited for us!

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 were married on the beach by an officiant they offered at the resort.  We still will need to get married in the USA but consider our wedding the day we got married in Mexico.  We did a cocktail hour and followed it with the most amazing wedding meal we have ever experienced.  Our reception was surrounding a pool overlooking the ocean.  It was a magical venue. 

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?

Our wedding was one day but we felt like a bride and groom for an entire week surrounded by our family and friends.  There was also something so magical about being married on a beach surrounded by our family and friends.  We also had the bonus audience watch from the infinity pool above.  It added something unique and special to our wedding.  They cheered like they were part of our wedding guests. 

What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?

I really cannot nail down one memory, the  whole experience is the best memory.  

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you? 

They sent out the invites, helped me pick the perfect venue for us, they took care of all of the travel needs for us and our guests, they answered all my guests questions, they even called when I arrived in Cancun to make sure everything was going well.  

What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?

Right from the start I would emphasize that guests needed to go through Romance Travel Group to attend the wedding.  That was explained by RTG but I still had multiple guests attempt to book through different avenues. 

What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding? 

How effortless it was.  How beautiful it was.  How it exceeded every expectation.  And how amazing our wedding dinner was. 

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?

100%!

Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better?

They are top notch!   Keep doing what you are doing!

Thank you, Debbie & Matt! Best wishes to you always!!

​Wedding Date: July 6, 2024 ~ Resort: Dreams Playa Mujeres ~ Photographer: Heber Moran  ~ Videographer: Dream Catchers ~ Beauty: Sara Tamargo ~ Bridal Salon: The Brides’ Shop ~ Tux Salon: Ritz Tuxedos

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?

My friends used Romance Travel Group for their wedding and we were able to experience them as guests. We had such an amazing experience with them we knew we wanted to use them for our own wedding. 

What led you to choose a destination wedding? 

We love traveling and wanted to turn our wedding into a vacation with all of our loved ones. 

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?

Romance Travel Group did a great job asking us the right questions surrounding our vision. They sent us a list of resorts to choose from and we took the time to research each one on YouTube. We made a pro’s and con’s list to help us narrow down our selection. Some of our deciding factors include: 

• Price/budget
• Wedding package offered
• Bonuses offered in wedding package
• Food & service quality
• Aesthetics of resort
• Location of resort and cost to fly there for our guests

We ultimately chose Dreams Playa Mujeres because they offer a beautiful over the water glass bottom floor venue. They also specialize in destination weddings. 

Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?

No, whoever wanted to be there for our wedding came. 

What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?

My biggest fear was not being able to control the weather. Whether it would be too hot or too rainy. Weather is the biggest factor I could not control. Everything else we can plan for and figure out. 

How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?

Our wedding date was July 6th, 2024. We needed to wait until the kids were out of school, so we chose to have our wedding in the summer. We also knew we wanted it early in the summer season so it would not be too hot and so that it would be before hurricane season. 

Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?

We took each one of our guests out on a double date to invite them personally. 

Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?

My biggest advice here is to add yourself to the Facebook wedding groups for your resort. The sooner you join the groups the better. This was the most helpful place to get questions answered quickly, get inspo on how you want your wedding to look, figure out what to bring, things to share with your guests, see what decor is offered and read full reviews of past weddings from other brides. They also have catalogs and updated forms/info that was so helpful. 

I watched YouTube videos to better understand the process of planning a destination wedding. This also helped me set the right expectations around wedding planning timelines and insight around when you will be in contact with your wedding planner. Because I knew I would not talk to my wedding planner until 4 weeks before my wedding I had peace of mind that it is possible and to trust the process. They are professionals and they know how to make your vision happen with very little time. My wedding planner Monica was very detail oriented, calm, collected and made our process stress free. 

While they give you an itemized budget sheet to estimate your cost with, my biggest challenge was the potential price fluctuation (due to inflation) and not knowing what the cost is until the very end. We were able to get very close to their price estimate and stick to our budget. For items that increased more than what we were comfortable with we adjusted and went with items that were more important to us in order to stay within budget. 

Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?

I made a list of wedding dress shops in my town and made an appointment with each of them. I wanted to go shopping by myself so I could connect with myself and see how I feel in each dress. Then I would send pictures to my bridal party and get advice on which dress to go with. I am so happy with the dress I picked. It was exactly what I pictured my wedding dress to be. 

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?

Once our guests understood they must book through our website with Romance Travel Group instead of booking directly with the resort, the booking process for our guest was a breeze. 

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?

Our biggest fear was surrounding the weather and the unexpected storm. Romance Travel Group did a great job in taking initiative and reaching out to our guests with updates. 

Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you.

I took each one of them out for a one-on-one lunch date and asked them individually. 

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.

Because my wedding coordinator and I met over the phone before our onsite visit, she was well prepared and our first in person meeting went well. I gave her all the things I brought from home and went over all the final details. We went over the final budget sheet before I approved it. 
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival? 

They absolutely loved the all-inclusive concept and wanted to plan another trip. It was so easy and stress free for them. 
They mentioned our resort was breathtaking and had so many fun things to do. 

How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding attire? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport?

My dress tailor recommended I put my wedding dress into a medium vacuum storage bag. Once you are at the resort you can give them your dress to be steam ironed and it worked out perfectly. This was the best idea ever. It saved me so much room and it protected my dress because it is waterproof. This made my dress so compact I was able to easily put it in my carryon. 

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?

Our wedding was the best day ever! We had a traditional wedding with cocktail hour, dinner reception and dancing. We also bought the party package from our resort and that made our reception so entertaining and so much fun. This package came with party favors, drummers, dancers, interactive water drums and more. We kept this as a surprise for our guests so no one knew entertainers were coming. They really helped kick off the dance floor and got the party started.

What was the best part of having a destination wedding? 

The best part of having a destination wedding is traveling somewhere new with your friends and family. Being able to build memories away from home. It is a vacation for everyone to let go and relax outside of the normal routine. 

What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience? 

Our favorite memory of our wedding was when we all jumped into the pool at the end of our reception. It was just a unique ending and a great way to cool off. We all had so much fun doing it and it was a great way to build new memories together. 

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?

They have such a great process to walk you through each step of the way. They are very professional and knowledgeable. We loved how they took initiative and took care of all of our guests. Romance Travel Group is so sweet and was so on top of everything. 

What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?

I wouldn’t stress out so much about the potential price fluctuation and the budget sheet. In the end you will choose what’s important for you to have or not have and everything will work out. 

We would recommend trusting Romance Travel Group and their process. Take it one step at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed and stay on track with your deadlines. The earlier you start the process the better. 

We would recommend staying longer after guests have gone home so the two of you can soak it all in, relax and enjoy each other. 

What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding?

I was surprised with how much you can trust the professionals to execute and let them make your dream wedding come true. Romance Travel Group and our resort truly know what they are doing and they all work together like a well-oiled machine. 

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?

I absolutely would recommend Romance Travel Group to anyone and everyone. They were amazing to work with as the bride and also as a guest. Everyone who attended our wedding couldn’t speak more highly of them. I couldn’t have had such an amazing wedding without them. They are amazing and I truly could not have had my dream wedding without them!

Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better?

No, we had the most amazing experience with Romance Travel Group. Knowing about the Facebook wedding group for our resort was exactly what I needed. The sooner a bride knows about this the better. :) 

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but one of the first and trickiest questions couples face is: "How many guests will actually attend?"

If you’re wondering how to estimate your guest count, you’re not alone! Many couples start with a list of 200 people, only to find that only half actually make the trip. But this is ok! Destination weddings are naturally more intimate than traditional weddings. To avoid overcommitting on rooms or underestimating attendance, we’re breaking down a stress-free formula to help you build your perfect guest list.

The best way to begin? Write down everyone you’d invite to a wedding at home. From here, you’ll categorize them into three groups:
 

• A-List: Immediate family, wedding party, and your closest friends. These are the people who will 100% be there no matter what.
• B-List: Friends and extended family who would love to come, but may have financial, work, or family obligations that could prevent them from traveling.
• C-List: Distant relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances—people you feel obligated to invite, but who are unlikely to attend.

Why does this breakdown help? Because not everyone you invite will actually RSVP "yes"—and that’s completely normal!

Here’s a simple yet pretty accurate way to determine how many guests will actually attend:
 
Formula:

Take everyone on your A-List
Add half of your B-List
= Estimated Final Guest Count
 
Most destination weddings see about 50% of invited guests attend, but this percentage can fluctuate. A few factors that may affect your numbers:
 
Close-knit family & friends? You might have a higher turnout.
Expensive or far-away destination? Your percentage could be lower.
Wedding at an all-inclusive resort? Guests may see it as a fun vacation and be more likely to say yes!

​Now that you have a thoughtful headcount, it’s time to reserve rooms for your guests. Resorts require a deposit (usually $100 per room) to hold rooms for your group.
 
Why does this step matter?
Booking too many rooms = A higher deposit + potential penalties for releasing unbooked rooms.
Booking too few rooms = Late RSVPers may struggle to find a room, or rates may increase.
 
Expert Tip: Work with a destination wedding travel expert (like us!) to get the best group rates, ensure flexibility, and avoid financial risks.

Not everyone will book their room right away—so it’s important to create a clear booking deadline to give you enough time to finalize details with your resort.
 
Here’s a timeline that works well:
 
14-16 months before the wedding: Send Save-the-Dates and open the room block for reservations.
10-11 months before: Close the room block for reservations. Closing the block creates urgency.
6-10 months before: Send reminders to guests.
4-5 months before: Final payments for guest rooms are due.
​
Guests who wait too long may miss out on the best rates, so be sure to emphasize the importance of early booking in your invitations!
 
Common Guest List Challenges & How to Handle Them

❌ “Everyone says they’re coming, but no one has booked yet!”
✔️ Solution: Until a guest puts down a room deposit, they aren’t officially attending. Send friendly reminders and emphasize booking deadlines. Your destination wedding travel expert should be able to help with this.
 
❌ “What if more people RSVP ‘yes’ than I planned for?”
✔️ Solution: Keep a few extra rooms on hold, but don’t overcommit. Your wedding travel expert can help adjust your room block as needed.
 
❌ “Some guests want to book outside the group block to save money.”
✔️ Solution: Politely explain why booking in the block helps everyone—group perks, better rates, and making sure everyone is at the same resort for wedding events. Many resort charge fees to guests who book outside the room block.

Want to make organizing your guest list even easier? Download our FREE Destination Wedding Guest List Planner!
 
This planner includes:

• A printable guest list template
• An RSVP tracker
• Expert tips for handling guest communication

​Creating a guest list for your destination wedding doesn’t have to be stressful! Remember...
 
Start with a master list and divide guests into A, B, and C categories.
Use the 50% rule to get an accurate estimate.
Be strategic with your room block so you don’t overcommit.
Set a clear RSVP deadline to keep guests on track.
​
Need expert guidance?
At Romance Travel Group, we specialize in destination weddings and take the stress out of the planning process. Let’s make your dream wedding effortless!
 
Contact us today for a free consultation!

All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages

• Best for couples looking for convenience and affordability
• Includes food, drinks, entertainment, and venue at a flat rate
• Available at top resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic
• Many resorts offer free or discounted wedding packages when you book a certain number of rooms

Luxury & Custom Wedding Packages

• Best for couples who want a high-end, personalized experience
• Build-your-own ala carte designs
• Private venues, top-tier décor, and premium entertainment options
• Personalized services, including spa treatments and gourmet dining

Elopement Wedding Packages

• Best for couples wanting a romantic, intimate ceremony
• Simple, stress-free, and budget-friendly
• Ideal for just the two of you or a few close guests
• Popular at small boutique resorts and private beaches

Large Group Wedding Packages

• Best for couples with 50+ guests who want a full wedding experience
• Includes group booking discounts, private receptions, and excursions
• Resorts offer free wedding perks like room upgrades and extra events
• Romance Travel Group helps coordinate large guest lists smoothly

​Budget Breakdown:

• Free Wedding Packages (earned based on how many guests or rooms book)
• Basic Wedding Packages (Small, intimate ceremonies): $5,000 - $10,000)
• Mid-Range Packages (Larger wedding, more inclusions): $10,000 - $20,000)
• Luxury & Custom Weddings (Private venues, high-end details): $20,000+)

What Affects the Cost?

• Resort & destination choice
• Guest count & group discounts
• Custom décor, entertainment, photography
• Peak vs. off-peak wedding seasons
• Wedding date

​The good news? Since all resorts offer similar packages, you don’t have to stress too much about price differences—they all even out in the end!

Here’s the truth: Every resort has a wedding package, and they will all drive you crazy! They’re all pretty much the same, just slightly different. What one resort offers, another can do as well. The package itself doesn’t matter a ton since resorts can customize anything you want. In the end, they all cost about the same, which is actually a good thing—it helps keep your budget predictable.
​
For a detailed breakdown of free destination wedding packages, check out our Free Destination Wedding Packages Guide.

​One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is that a package only covers the number of guests listed in the details. For example, if a package says it’s “good for up to 20 guests,” that doesn’t mean you’re limited to only 20 people at your wedding.

Most resorts allow couples to add extra guests for a per-person fee rather than requiring them to upgrade to a higher package. Some resorts may have a cutoff where couples must move to the next-tier package, but in most cases, you can simply pay for each additional guest without a problem.

This flexibility makes it easy to choose a package that fits your vision while accommodating all your loved ones. If you're unsure how guest count affects your package, we can help you navigate the details and find the best option for your group!

• Stress-Free Planning: We handle every detail so you can focus on celebrating
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts: Our strong resort partnerships get you VIP treatment
• Custom Wedding Website: We set up a guest RSVP & booking page just for you
• First-Hand Resort Knowledge: We personally visit and recommend only the best resorts

Client Testimonial:
"Romance Travel Group made our wedding absolutely stress-free! Our guests were taken care of, and the resort was breathtaking. I couldn’t have done this without them!" – Danielle & Mark, Mexico Wedding 2023
​
Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding? Let’s Get Started!

📞 Schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our expert planners today!
💌 Need help picking the perfect package? Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way!