Affordable
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 remote 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 $15,000… which is significantly cheaper than your average wedding!
 
Customizable
Mexico is one of our most popular destinations for brides because of how flexible its wedding packages are. 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.
 
All-Inclusive
Another reason why Mexico is great for destination weddings is the all-inclusiveness. Most properties include meals, drinks, entertainment, and some excursions 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 the cake and DJ.
 
Complimentary Add-Ons
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 nights as an added bonus.
 
Easy to Plan
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?
 
Now do you understand why Mexico is our number one selling destination wedding?! It’s filled with great fun, great culture, and most of all, great people. For more information on planning your destination wedding with us, start here.

In light of some recent media articles regarding destination weddings and guests, in particular, we’d like to set CBS News and the Washington Post straight on the what, why, who and how destination weddings are the perfect answer for thousands and thousands of couples each year.
  
Everyone will tell you they wouldn’t miss it for the world!

It is true. When you ask guests, they will all tell you “Yes! We’ll be there!” We know everyone wants to attend, but we also know that for one reason or another, not everyone will make it. But that’s ok! When you started thinking about a destination wedding, wasn’t one of the reasons so you could create a memorable and intimate experience for your closest loved ones? Exchanging vows in a destination is the best way to trim your 300-person guest list down to 80 pretty easily and effortlessly. This is the exact reason why we recommend not sending out RSVPs. Most couples who send an RSVP to destination wedding guests end up with a lot of “false positives.” Skip the RSVP, and just assume that 30-40% of the guests you invite will actually attend. Check out our Guest List worksheet for help.
 
Not everyone can afford it.

We know that attending a destination wedding creates expenses for guests… about $1000 per person to be exact. We also know that the most important line item on the couple’s budget is the guests’ cost. Our specialists are trained to plan the entire destination wedding experience around a very realistic guest budget. We help by offering super low deposits and payment plans, too. Most couples know ahead of time if key people in their wedding party can swing it or not, and they are very sensitive to this. Many couples compromise on their dream destination and choose wedding dates and locations specifically based on guest cost. Even with all the due diligence in the world, there will still be guests that just cannot afford to make the trip. It is reality. But it doesn’t mean the wedding couple needs to cancel their destination wedding dreams. Just be sensitive to costs and time, and enjoy the experience you create for everyone in attendance.
 
We push guests a little out of their comfort zone.

Most destination wedding guests have never had the opportunity to travel outside the country to an all-inclusive resort. Some have to get a passport just for the trip. Some have to arrange child care and PTO with their jobs. Some have to move mountains in order to make it happen. But you know what? IT IS WORTH IT! We have so many guests tell us things like…

“Thank you for making this happen!”
“We are so glad we went!”
“This was the best trip we’ve ever been on!”
“We want to go back next year!”
“Worth every penny!”
“We want to do a Vow Renewal in two years. Can you help?”
 
Without a little nudging, guests wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience life outside their everyday circle. And the best part is they did it with the people they care about and made lifelong memories together. After all, isn’t life about opportunities?
 
There will be nay-sayers.
 
While we don’t agree with CBS News article that said a destination wedding is “in poor taste” (come on, really? Is it in poor taste to get married in New York when you have family in California and Texas??) we DO know that some guests will be less than thrilled at the idea of spending money and being pulled from their daily routines. This goes back to “not everyone will be able to make it. And that’s ok!” The couple knows their family and friends best. They, and only they, are the ones able to make the decision about a destination wedding. Once the decision is made, there is no looking back and no regrets. The wedding experience had by all far exceeds any doubt or hesitation.
 
It will be perfect!
 
After all the drama of who can make it and who can’t, one thing is for sure… when you’re at the resort, sitting on the edge of the pool with a cold, fruity cocktail, looking out at all the guests who traveled to be with you as you exchange vows, you will feel the love and support of ALL your family and friends, both near and far, who are there for you always. Your wedding day will forever be Your Wedding Day. It is just the beginning of your forever, and it will be perfect.
 
The experts are Romance Travel Group are here to be your advocate and cheerleader. We will support your decisions and do everything we can to make your destination wedding easy and memorable. Check our our other tips regarding destination wedding guests! Like what you see? Give us a call today to see how we can help,  507-237-6133.

The 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 day 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 give your group some down time before the wedding festivities begin!  
 
Quality Time
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.  
 
Your Honeymoon  
Ah, the honeymoon. Can’t forget about that! Some couples think because they are going away for their destination wedding, that it counts as their honeymoon…but we beg to differ! 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, be sure to shoot us a note at hello@romancetravelgroup.com today! 

Romance Travel Group gives the distinction, thanking the support and the joint work that has allowed them to grow.

​By EDITORIAL MNN  Thursday, April 11, 2019

In Quintana Roo and specifically in the Riviera Maya, the wedding tourism segment has increased exponentially in recent years. In the entity an average of 25 thousand tourist weddings are made per year.

For this reason, Romance Travel Group, the leading agency in planning for weddings, gave recognition to Grupo Lomas Travel and Karisma Hotels & Resorts for the excellence with which they have been working as business partners.

Both groups are recognized leaders in the tourism industry guaranteeing perfect vacations in beach destinations with memorable experiences; They are experts in the planning of weddings, honeymoons or anniversaries.

Recently, directors of Romance Travel Group, made a tour of the facilities of the corporate, where Shelli Nornes, owner of the North American agency gave recognition, thanking the support of Grupo Lomas , as well as the trust given, which undoubtedly - "has allowed us all to continue growing".

Romance Travel Group, based in Minnesota, has won several awards, awarded by hotel chains as well as magazines and pages dedicated to the tour; recently won Hall of Fame in the GIVC program not only for its high production at our El Dorado and Generations Riviera Maya hotels, by Karisma, but also for the support to the destination of the Mexican Caribbean, promoting us with its clients and strategic allies that work directly with the agency.

In this way, the Excellence In Partnership 2019 award motivates  Grupo Lomas to continue being a leading company in tourism development. Thanks to its Weddings by Lomas business unit, it has made the Riviera Maya one of the favorite wedding destinations. Its impressive beaches, recognized worldwide offer the opportunity of a dream wedding and then enjoy the perfect honeymoon without having to leave after the great celebration.

Encompassing everything you love about a traditional cruise ship, Richard Branson’s concept for Virgin Voyages takes sailing to the next level.

Adults-Only
Finally, a voyage you and your friends can enjoy. That’s right! Virgin Voyages is the first ever adult-only sailing experience. So, leave the kids at home this time, folks! This vacation was designed just for you. Think deck parties and DJs, a poolside oasis, numerous bars and an onboard nightclub, to name a few.

All-Inclusive
Sure, a cruise is “all-inclusive.” Until you start to factor in gratuities, drink packages, internet charges, and more. Not this voyage. This new ship (expected to set sail in Spring 2020) takes all-inclusion seriously.  Gratuities, fitness classes, and Wi-Fi, you ask? Well, they’re included.

Planet Friendly
To ensure you’re indulging without feeling the guilt, Virgin Voyages has promised to use the most innovative and sustainable technologies by banning unnecessary single-use plastics. This way, the experience as “green” as possible.

Sleek Design
This stunning new ship’s sleek design, modern amenities, and vibrant suites will make you feel right at home. Definitely not in some stuffy cabin that you’ve probably experienced before. Virgin Voyages’ rebellious-luxe design gives passengers an edgy and fun sailing experience. Now, can you say that about your average ocean cruise? We think not.

Around-the-Clock Dining
Got a late-night craving for Chinese food? Enjoy your juice freshly-pressed? Virgin Voyages will have it. With 20+ eateries (with bars) spread throughout the ship, we have no doubt you’ll find something to your liking. The best part? Everything is freshly prepared...no buffets. Anyone else getting hungry?
 
Extravagant Performances
Virgin Voyages really rolls up its sleeves when the sun goes down. With music practically a part of Virgin’s DNA, they’re bringing the concept aboard for all you party-goers to enjoy. From “off-off-off” Broadway, to Scarlet Night. Finding entertainment will be the least of your worries.

Bimini Beach Club
Did we mention the private beach club in Bimini? That’s right. In partnership with Resorts World Bimini, Virgin Voyages will run a beach club on the Bahamian island where the ship will anchor for a daylong pool party. Passengers will have private access to the island, where dining and entertainment is on the house – er, ship.

Culturally Immersive
Aside from everything aboard, Branson has made numerous partnerships from across the globe to create the most authentic and culturally immersive experience for travelers. Be sure to be on the watch for some familiar places you see on land, as they’ll be tied into the ship’s overall theme!
 
Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? Virgin Voyages is expected to depart out of Miami in the Spring of 2020. For the exciting details, be sure to contact us today at hello@romancetravelgroup.com. 
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