The Overwhelm
Between the guest list, the dress, the menu, the decorations, the travel arrangements – there’s just so much that goes into planning a wedding! In fact, it’s quite common for brides to feel the pressure throughout the entire planning process because there’s just THAT much going on. Fortunately, when you work with a destination wedding specialist, everything... from the destination and resort selection to the travel insurance and airport shuttles... is taken care of. We’ll also hook you up with your resort’s onsite wedding coordinator to help you with all the little details, too!
 
The Cost
Another concern we hear often about is the cost of the wedding itself. And we totally get it! Weddings can easily break the bank. However, what most brides don’t realize is that destination weddings actually cost about a quarter of what a traditional domestic wedding can cost. Yep, you heard that right! So, for less than $10,000, we can plan you the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing any of the frills or fun.
 
The Guest Experience
Finally, brides worry about how their guests will be taken care of during the planning process. Questions we hear often are, “do I need to collect RSVPs?” or, “do I need to book their rooms?” or, “will I have to coordinate group excursions?” etc., etc. The quick answer? No. Your destination wedding specialist coordinates your guest arrangements for you. You can now breathe and enjoy. Trust us, you’ll be in good hands.
 
Ready for us to take the weight of wedding planning off your shoulders? Then, click here to start your journey with us, today!

What is my budget?
While a traditional wedding can typically be around $32,000, we can help you plan the destination wedding of your dreams for nearly a quarter of the cost. With that said, there are typically three factors that play into your costs: the resort, the airfare, and the wedding package. These things all fluctuate depending on the time of year you book and where you’re traveling. These are some things to keep in mind when determining your budget! Flexibility is key!
 
Where do I want to get married?
We recommend choosing a destination that is easy to get to, so your guests don’t spend an entire vacation day or two traveling. Places like Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are fairly easy to get to and only require a 4-5 hour flight. Locations that are more exotic require multiple connecting flights and transfers, making it an exhausting day for your guests to endure.
 
When do I want to get married?
Your wedding costs will rely heavily on the date you choose. Peak seasons are usually from mid-January through Easter and will reflect the highest rates. Your mid-season ranges from Easter through August, and even early January, and will have fairly reasonable rates. For a better bargain, try September through early November or early December.
 
How many guests should I invite?
Generally, we find that about 40% of those you invite will be able to attend your destination wedding. However, don’t let that discourage you! Not everyone can afford to take the time off or travel. We suggest having a reception back at home to celebrate with those who were unable to attend.
 
What kind of resort do I want?
​Have you been dreaming of something small and intimate, or active and lively? Adult-only or family-friendly? We highly recommend all-inclusive resorts because they include meals and drinks, making it a lot easier on your guests and their budgets. Additionally, many all-inclusive resorts offer couples a semi-private reception, resort credits, upgrades, and more!
 
What kind of ceremony should I have?
​Envisioning yourself tying the knot on the beach? Or perhaps, you’ve thought about saying “I do” under a beautifully decorated gazebo? Oftentimes, your resort will offer many options for you to choose from based on your preferences and guest count. You’ll even have a Plan B lined up in case it rains, so no need to worry about that!
 
Do I want a symbolic or legal ceremony?
A legal ceremony is when you receive a marriage certificate from the destination you’re married in, and is recognized legally back home. These ceremonies typically require more paperwork, has additional fees, and occasional blood tests. A symbolic ceremony has no legal binding, and makes up approximately 80% or more of all destination weddings. Typically, the bride and groom will go to their local clergy or courthouse and become legally married before they leave. It is just easier that way.
 
We hope these questions and answers are enough to get you started. Once you’re ready, be sure to connect with a destination wedding expert to start planning!  

No Plan B
Chances are, if you’re having a destination wedding, you’re probably having it outdoors, on the beach or in a garden. With tropical climates, sporadic rain showers are to be expected. Be sure to discuss back up locations with your wedding coordinator. Most resorts have a Plan B ready for you just in case. Of course, no one ever hopes for rain on their wedding day (hey, it’s supposed to be good luck, right?), but at least you have an option in case mother nature decides to strike.
 
Overdone Themes
What we love most about a beach wedding is the simplicity of it all. The tall swaying palms, the clear blue water and sugar white sand provide the best décor of all! Don’t spend too much time focusing on if you have enough seashell décor on the tables or if the colors of your napkin rings are just right. Keep things simple, elegant and beautiful. Your guests will be focused on much more important things… like you getting married!
 
Ignoring Guests’ Comfort
It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things that go into planning a wedding. But don’t let your guests’ comfort fall short! Consider things like temperature and time in between the ceremony and reception to make the process more enjoyable for them. Some ideas we’ve seen include leaving paper fans on each guest’s seat so they can keep cool, or providing refreshments and snacks when you’re taking photos.
 
Footwear & Attire
Don’t make the mistake of purchasing a heavy ball gown and 6-inch heels for your beach wedding. The material will not only weigh you down, but be incredibly hot for the environment you’re in. You’ll also want to make sure your resort provides some sort of flooring if you’re heart is set on stilettos. Otherwise, your best bet is a pretty sandal as you make your way down the sandy aisle. Likewise, really consider some unique alternatives to the traditional groomsman tux rental. Choose wedding day fashions that complement your ceremony location.
 
Wrong Location
The location of your destination wedding is imperative. Too exotic = too expensive. The ideal location allows guests to comfortably travel for 4 days. Do you need to accommodate guests with small children? Then, you’ll want a great family resort. Do you want a luxurious and sophisticated affair without the noisy kiddos? Then, think adult-only. Are customizable wedding packages a must? Well…we can think of a few ideas! Whatever it is, be sure to work with a destination wedding expert, as they’ve personally visited all of the most popular locations. We promise, using a pro will make things so much easier, and save you time and money.
 
Do-It-Yourself Wedding
Is it possible to have a DIY destination wedding? Sure. But the bigger question is... why would you want to??? Your wedding is the perfect time to NOT do it all by yourself. The person who will help you the most, who will assist all your guests, who will oversee the details and make sure you have everything perfectly in place and will be your sole go-to person while you are in the destination, is your wedding travel agent! Trust us, this is the one day you do not want to DIY anything. 
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We hope you consider these common mistakes as you begin your destination wedding planning journey! Need a push in the right direction? We can help! To get in touch with a destination wedding expert today, click here to get started! 

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!