If you’re planning on having guests travel with you for your destination wedding, chances are you have been wondering about group discounts and perks and how to manage it all. Let’s take a closer look at group reservations and options.

GROUP RESERVATIONS

The average size destination wedding is about 50 guests, or 25 rooms. Wedding travel agents are very well versed in negotiating and navigating group contracts and terms. Read everything! It is easy to make inaccurate assumptions that can cause issues down the road. Make sure you understand what you’re signing.

Most group contracts require a 10-room minimum. This means if you fall below 10 rooms in your block, you will need to pay for the extra room/s to get you to 10, or your group will be considered a cancellation. If you can’t guarantee 10 rooms (your room + 9 others), don’t sign a group contract. Guests are still responsible for their own rooms and payments, but all the rooms in your group are yours. You own the group.

Group contracts have set booking and payment deadlines. These deadlines are set by the resorts and outline when penalties increase. Don’t expect to negotiate on these deadlines. They will actually help you by creating an incentive for guests to book early. After all, you can’t plan your wedding until you know how many guests are coming for sure, and the only way to know this is to have guests book.

INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS

Group contracts can be overwhelming, for sure. But, for wedding groups, a group block is definitely the way to go. If you just can’t or don’t want to sign a group contract, all rooms for guests will be booked like individual vacations. All guests will pay different prices, rates can change drastically, rooms and resorts can (and will) sell out so some guests may not be able to attend even if they want to, and there are no freebies for you to take advantage of.

Most Romance Travel Group couples (like 95% of them!) sign group block contracts. We find that the perks and benefits of having rooms blocked and rates locked in make it so much easier for guests to book. The freebies are nice, too!
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Ready to set up your own destination wedding group block? We’d be happy to share our expertise and guidance with you. You plan a beautiful wedding… leave all the group details to us!

Wedding Date: November 11, 2022 ~ Resort: Royalton Riviera Cancun ~ Photographer: Quetzal Wedding Photo ~ Videographer: About Time Wedding Films ~ Bridal Salon: White Traditions Bridal Boutique ~ Tux Salon: Carl's

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
A friend suggested a travel agent since we were doing a destination wedding and I found them on Pinterest. 

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We love to travel and wanted to share that experience with our families. 

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
A big reason was I have been to a Royalton before and it was wonderful. We picked this one mainly due to the beautiful Gazebo. I knew I wanted to get married in it!

Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
Some where just afraid of the unknown because a lot of our guests have never traveled out of the country. Also money...they were a little worried it was going to cost a lot. 

What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
The weather! LOL! More than anything, I wanted to get married in the Gazebo. I would have been so sad if it rained. I also worried that they would not capture the theme I was going with. :-)
 
How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
I thought that 11/11 was such a magical number also 11+11=22 so I knew I wanted 11/11/22.

Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?
We did a themed save the date it looked like a boarding pass. They loved it. 
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
We had the best wedding coordinator. She answered all my questions and even covered details I didn’t even think of. She covered it all. I think the only challenge is the waiting process and unknowing until meeting her the day before.

Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
We went to White Traditions in St Charles MO. I had all my bridesmaids and my mom come with me. I knew I wanted boho themed. I felt amazing wearing it. It was light weight and perfect for the beach. 

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
They did find it extremely easy to book. No one had any complaints. 

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 was just worried my guest would not have fun. Or they suddenly would not be able to make it. 

Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you.
My bridesmaids were my best friends and my fiancé’s sister and Ryan had his best friends. 
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
It was good. She went over all the details and what to expect. It calmed all my nerves. 

Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
They were definitely wowed. Most of them have never been to an all inclusive before. They were amazing at everything. 

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?
I bought a garment bag that folds up. It was super easy to travel with my dress was a material that doesn’t wrinkle so it was super easy to travel with. It was my carry on. Ryan traveled with his suits in a garment bag as his travel on bag. 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 did have a traditional wedding. With a cocktail hour and full reception on the beach. It was just our closest friends and family. If we did a wedding back home we would have had a lot more people and not as intimate. 
 
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
It was like a vacation and party with the closest friend and family. 

What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
My wedding ceremony getting to say I do to my soul mate. 

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
They made booking so easy and answered any questions my guests had they made the whole process super easy. 

What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
I would have probably have reserved more rooms on the adults only side for my wedding party but they all had a wonderful time anyway. I would also recommend staying a few days after the ceremony because days leading up we had a few meetings and weren’t able to really relax till after the wedding so staying 7 days was amazing. 

What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding?
Just the amount of support everyone was so willing to help. 

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
YES!! I would definitely. I actually wrote a wedding review on a Royalton Brides Facebook page saying how this group has made it so much easier for us. And helped so much with the booking process. 

Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better?
No. It was amazing I appreciate the help so much. I could not have done it without this group!

​Every once in awhile, a resort comes along that steals our hearts. Maybe it is a new build, or a unique concept, or a special venue or location. The Fives Oceanfront checks all these boxes and then some. While the resort was built new just a few years ago, it has made a big impact on us and the couples we send there. Maybe it is just the place you’ve been searching for, too?

​Let’s face it. As travel agents, we get to see a lot of different resorts. A big part of being a travel expert requires us to know the ins and outs of a seemingly endless list of properties across the globe. The experts at Romance Travel Group specialize in destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Caribbean. Because we are so highly specialized, we are able to dive deeper than other agents and really immerse ourselves in the products we recommend and sell. Think about it… if you have a heart condition, would you go to a general surgeon or a cardiologist? You’re planning a destination wedding, do you want a travel agent, or a destination wedding travel expert? We thought so. Ok, back to the blog!...

Located 2 blocks outside of the charming village of Puerto Morelos, Fives Oceanfront is a boutique 92-room all-inclusive property situated directly on the beach (we’re talking steps!) facing the Caribbean Sea. Sunrises here are spectacular. The north side of the property faces acres of protected, undisturbed beachfront. The south side leads to town.

The town of Puerto Morelos is a quaint, authentic Mexican village full of small shops, cafes, bars, street vendors, fishing piers, and artisans. Prices are very reasonable in town, locals are friendly and welcoming and the vibe is relaxing and chill. Skip the bustle and expense of Tulum! Puerto Morelos is where it’s at!

The Fives Oceanfront resort itself has a variety of rooms, but our favorite is the One-Bedroom Oceanview Residence. There is plenty of space to sprawl out and the view from the balcony is second to none. Upgrade to a Penthouse and bask in the sun from your private rooftop complete with a hot tub. There are three full-service restaurants serving meals throughout the day and night, and bar service to keep you hydrated.

There are plenty of wedding venue options, but our favorite has to be the private rooftop terrace. Atop the main building sits a pool, deck, bar and restaurant for you to host your destination wedding festivities. With 365 degree views of the ocean and jungle, complete privacy and the ultimate WOW factor for your guests, this venue is a complete stunner.

The wedding team at The Fives resorts has been partners and personal friends of Romance Travel Group for years. We trust them with our couples and know that they will take care of every detail.

BIG NEWS! In October 2022, Romance Travel Group was named “Top Agency” for The Fives resorts, taking the stage at the annual Asset Awards conference to claim this coveted award. With a resort like Fives Oceanfront, and the expertise and guidance of the destination wedding experts at Romance Travel Group, your wedding will be the one to top for years and years to come.
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