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.

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!

Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Los Cabos is a breathtaking option for LGBT destination weddings for its picturesque coastline and mountainous backdrops. Couples are invited to start their forever in a variety of settings, like the property’s beautifully-decorated gazebo or expansive beach. There’s also a number of options to celebrate with a private dinner reception, a wedding cake, music, and so much more.

​Hard Rock Cabo
From the Hard Rock memorabilia and elaborately-decorated suites, to the Rock Spa and Posh Beauty Salon and Boutique – Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos is guaranteed to wash your cares away. Relax on the sandy shores of the Baja Peninsula, or soak up the sun in five of the resort’s refreshing pools. In addition, couples can enjoy their very own personal outdoor hydro-spa tub for a bit of added luxury!

Hard Rock Punta Cana
LGBT couples wishing to wed in the Caribbean will love Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana for its vibrant nightlife and legendary Hard Rock entertainment. Just like all these amazing properties, Hard Rock offers a complimentary wedding package that includes everything you need to pull off the perfect wedding day. It’s also a great option for couples who plan to marry legally prior to their trip, as this resort only performs symbolic ceremonies.

Secrets Cap Cana
This Dominican Republic property is situated in an exclusive community in Cap Cana, bringing the highest level of elegance and luxury to your wedding experience. Known for its incredible sugar-sand beach, sparkling pools and fancy rooms –it's no wonder this one made our top LGBT wedding resorts. Additionally, Secrets Cap Cana offers a variety of romantic packages just for the happy couple.

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!