Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life. And choosing the right travel agent to help plan your destination wedding is one of the most important decisions you'll make. An experienced travel agent is invaluable... they know the destinations, resorts, and the entire process to ensure everything runs smoothly. They have relationships with resort wedding teams, which means emails and phone calls are answered quickly. They can negotiate, spot potential problems, and handle emergencies, ensuring your big day goes off without a hitch. But, how do you find one, and how do you know they'll be good? Read on. First, Do Your HomeworkBefore scheduling a consultation with a potential travel agent, do your homework. A little bit of easy detective work will help you narrow down your list of agents to interview quickly. Hop on their website and social media and poke around. Here are a few things to look for: 1. Read Reviews Reviews should be plenty and overwhelmingly positive. If you come across a negative review, don’t worry. Instead of emphasizing the review itself, consider how the agent responded to it. A professional and fair response indicates that the agent values customer satisfaction and handles issues responsibly. Wedding agents work with hundreds if not thousands of wedding guests per year. The truth is, not all of those wedding guests are happy about the wedding or thrilled about needing to spend money on a trip that they have no control over. Sometimes, no matter how good an agent is, a guest is just not happy. Reviews are always two-sided, so look for trends in the overall feedback. 2. Check for Professionalism A legitimate agent will have a professional online presence, including a business email address (a Gmail or Yahoo email is just plain unacceptable). Make sure to verify that the agent has a proper business setup, including necessary licenses and E&O insurance, ensuring they operate legally and ethically. Do they display a Seller of Travel number or affiliations on their website? Their social media should showcase client experiences and destination weddings. Be wary of agents who are trying to recruit other agents. Speaking of recruiting... there are a number of travel MLM schemes to avoid. In the travel industry, it's crucial to distinguish between real professionals and MLM agents. MLM agents often lack formal training and experience and rely heavily on recruiting new agents rather than focusing on client service. This "recruiting" it a red flag that can often easily be spotted on social media and websites. 3. Look for Accolades Look for resort and industry-affiliated certifications, awards, and accolades, including The Knot Best of Weddings, Wedding Wire’s Couple Choice. Almost all destinations and resorts recognize their top-producing agents, who in turn will proudly display their achievements as confirmation of their expertise and success. These recognitions indicate that the agent has been vetted and is respected in the industry. Next, Ask QuestionsOnce you've narrowed down your list of potential agents to two or three, you're ready to set up a time to speak with them. When interviewing potential travel agents, consider asking the following questions. Regarding Their Experience and Specialization: 1. "How many destination weddings have you planned?" Experience is important for stress-free wedding planning. To be fair, we understand that everyone needs to start somewhere, but do you really want your wedding to be their first? An agent with extensive training, knowledge, and industry connections can navigate challenges effectively and has the expertise to handle unique situations, ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly. 2. "Do you specialize in destination weddings, or do you handle other types of travel as well?" Lean towards agents that ONLY plan destination weddings. Think of it this way… if you have a heart condition, would you prefer a general practitioner or a cardiologist? You would want the specialist, of course! A wedding-specific agent is honed in on the wedding industry, the resorts, the process, and most importantly, your expectations. They live and breathe wedding travel and are far more invested in the process. Regarding Their Process and Services: 3. "What is your destination wedding process?" An experienced travel agent will have a well-defined process with checks and balances to manage all aspects of a destination wedding. This process should cover everything from securing the room block and ensuring the most perks and freebies from the resort to confirming the date and venue and communicating with guests. The agent should have a thorough understanding of all the moving parts involved and be able to communicate clearly how they will handle each step. This includes managing contracts, coordinating with the resort’s wedding team, and providing ongoing support to you and your guests. A detailed process ensures that nothing is overlooked and that you can relax knowing that all the logistics are in capable hands. 4. "What services are included when I hire you?" A destination wedding involves more than just booking a trip. You'll need assistance with guest management, creating a wedding website, sending save-the-dates, updating the rooming list and providing 24-hour support for your guests. For the most seamless experience, hire an agent that is capable of managing and providing these services for you. The more help you can get, the better! Choosing the right travel agent for your destination wedding is not just about finding someone to book your travel arrangements; it's about entrusting a professional to handle one of the most important events in your life. As you embark on this journey, remember that not all travel agents are created equal. Take the time to research, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts.
If you're ready to start planning your dream destination wedding with a seasoned professional, Romance Travel Group is here to help. With years of experience and a passion for creating unforgettable wedding experiences, we have the expertise and connections you need. Let's work together to turn your dream wedding into a reality. Schedule your free consultation (and ask us all the questions!) and take the first step towards your perfect destination wedding. Wondering what the difference is between these experts, and who you really need and why? You’re not alone. Keep reading to learn who you need on your side as you plan your destination wedding in Mexico and the Caribbean. Wedding Coordinator A wedding coordinator is a resort employee responsible for creating and managing all aspects of the wedding events taking place at the resort. There is no cost for the services provided by wedding coordinators. Your wedding coordinator will help you schedule venues, entertainment and vendors. They will often make suggestions and recommendations based on your needs and requirements. Resorts sometimes have a planning team located in the US or Canada that work with couples to lay out the wedding day vision and timeline. One to two months before the wedding, the planning team then hands off the wedding file to the on-site wedding team to fine tune and execute all of the details for the wedding day. Resort wedding coordinators know their properties well and can be a huge source of information and help for couples, especially since most couples do not get to see the resort or venues before arriving. Wedding Planner A wedding planner is an independent professional hired to organize your wedding, create the aesthetics and atmosphere for your day, and manage all vendors. A planner usually works with the resort wedding coordinator on your behalf. They are a liaison between the couple and the resort. Wedding planners can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your wedding. They provide a lot of one-on-one consultation, attention to detail and specialize in bringing your exact vision to life. They are usually very resourceful and work with your best interests in mind at all times because they are hired to do just that. Destination Wedding Travel Agent Let’s face it. For many, images of the old school travel agency of My Big Fat Greek Wedding come to mind when the words “travel agent” are tossed around. For years, agents have tried to break away from this dated title and instead use labels such as travel advisor, architect, engineer and designer. But at the end of the day, all are true. With today’s online technology, just about anyone can book a trip. But planning a destination wedding thousands of miles from home in a foreign country for 20-200 guests is way, WAY more complicated than just booking a trip. An experienced destination wedding travel agent is worth her weight in gold when it comes to keeping you organized, guests informed and everything moving seamlessly and smoothly. Your agent should:
Finding and hiring a destination wedding travel agent should be the first step in your planning process. Before diving into resort options, choosing a wedding date or even picking a destination, do yourself a huge favor and spend some time talking to a few potential destination wedding travel agents. As with any professional, you may need to pay a deposit or a retainer to secure their services. You may even be asked to pay for their advice and expertise. Would you expect anything less from an expert? So what about the wedding coordinator and planner? You definitely will want the assistance of the resort’s wedding coordinator. She knows the ins and outs of the resort itself and is able to bring your wedding vision into reality. We suggest finding several inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this!) to share with her, along with your budget. She will help you create the vibe you’re going for and offer suggestions and tips along the way. For most destination weddings, hiring an outside wedding planner is not necessary. Since destination weddings tend to be smaller celebrations, your travel expert and wedding coordinator should be able to handle everything for you. However, if you are planning a large or lavish wedding with a lot of details and events to manage, or if you lovingly refer to yourself as a busy-body or a worry-wart, a wedding planner is a good investment. Your peace of mind is priceless. As the saying goes, it sometimes takes a village! The expert wedding travel agents at Romance Travel Group do one thing and we do it well… we plan destination weddings! After over 25 years, our expertise, connections, processes and experience are unrivalled. We are consistently named “best” and “top” agency in the wedding and travel industry. One peek at the hundreds of 5-star reviews is proof of the attention and care that goes into each wedding we take on. We know it is a big step, but we promise that your nerves will turn to excitement after just one call with our team. What are you waiting for? Sign up to talk to one of our wedding experts today. Couples love us! (and we love them!)
I wouldn't have been able to have the wedding of my dreams on my budget without their help!” Katelynn & Nick, Unico Riviera Maya They absolutely handled everything perfectly to make our lives easier.” Savannah & Tye, Royalton Punta Cana Do yourself a favor, reach out to Romance Travel Group, you will not regret it!” Camille & Jacob, Azul Beach Negril Planning a destination wedding? Congratulations! We understand the excitement, anticipation, and also the tiny worries that come with planning a wedding away from home. One of the biggest challenges? Getting your wedding dress to your dream destination in pristine condition. We are thrilled to introduce a product that we believe will be an absolute game-changer for you: The WallyBag. Why is the WallyBag a destination wedding essential? Picture this: Your dream wedding dress, that beautiful piece you’ve invested so much emotion, time, and money into, being mishandled, wrinkled, or worse – damaged during transit. The thought alone is nerve-wracking! Enter the WallyBag. Not just an ordinary garment bag, the WallyBag ensures: Safety: With its WallyLock hanger clamping system, there’s no fear of your dress slipping and getting wrinkled. It holds up to six hangers and secures them perfectly. Protection: The bag is not just about holding your dress, but also ensuring it remains neat, with a fully lined interior and padded roll bars for that extra cushioning. Space: Multiple pockets mean you can safely store those gorgeous heels, your delicate veil, shimmering jewelry, and more. And yes, there's a special pocket just for those little accessories. Easy Travel: Carry it with ease, whether you sling it on your shoulder or attach it to your rolling luggage. And guess what? It tri-folds perfectly to fit in most airlines' overhead bins. Durability & Protection: Made from water repellent polyester fabric, come rain or shine, your dress remains untouched. As a testament to how much we believe in this product and its value for our couples, we’ve secured an exclusive partnership with WallyBag! For our esteemed clients, we're offering an exclusive 10% discount and free shipping. Just use the discount code "RTG" at checkout. 👉 Order yours now: WallyBag Premium Tri-fold Carry-on Wedding Dress Travel Bag. Don't forget to use the discount code "RTG" at checkout. Say goodbye to travel stress and hello to a perfectly packed wedding gown! Your dream wedding deserves nothing less. If you have started to think about planning your destination wedding, there is a good chance that you’re stuck on finding the perfect resort. You’ve probably started looking, found a few resorts that you like, but then suddenly everything starts to blur and look the same. As travel professionals, we know exactly how to start narrowing down the possibilities to discover resorts that are perfect for what our couples need for their wedding. Here are some key points to consider: Location Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic top the list of wedding destinations, given the abundance of all-inclusive resorts and flights. More resorts and flights usually create a better value. The more exotic destinations can definitely be alluring, however, the longer flights and increased costs are factors to consider. Group Size The number of guests greatly influences your resort choice. A small 20-guest wedding has much different needs than a large 100-guest wedding. Larger groups should look for resorts offering a great group amenity package, which typically include reception, cocktail party and other financial incentives. More guests means more expenses, so seeking out resorts that cater to larger groups will really help with your wedding budget. Guest List Are you inviting anyone under the age of 18? If so, you'll need a family-friendly resort. Adult-only resorts require all guests to be over the age of 18. Guest Budget Budgets matter, too! Quality all-inclusive resorts generally charge $200-$280 per person per night. Your wedding date can significantly affect this cost. If guest budget is high on your priority list, consider an off-season wedding date. Making the Final Decision
In the end, location, group size, guests, and budget are all crucial in choosing the right resort. Weigh each factor carefully, keep an open mind, and trust your instincts. After all, it's your special day! Remember, a destination wedding isn't just a ceremony... it's an experience, for both you and your guests. Choosing the right resort plays a key role in creating unforgettable memories. Need more help? Our team at Romance Travel Group is ready to offer personalized planning assistance for your big day. We've been to the destinations and resorts and can expertly match you to the perfect location. Our services are free. Why not give us a try? Planning a destination wedding is surely a very exciting and memorable experience. But as thoughts of organizing travel for 50 guests, planning from hundreds (or thousands!) of miles away and potential language barriers creep in, it can quickly become very overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged! We’ve broken down the initial planning process into these 3 steps to help ensure that your destination wedding goes smoothly and is everything you've dreamed of and more. Keep reading to see how easy it can be!
We know, the thought of planning a destination wedding can definitely be a daunting task, but by breaking the initial planning down into these 3 steps and working with the right travel agent (we can’t stress this enough!) you can have a stress-free and unforgettable event. Just see what we can do!
We’d love to be the agency to help you through this process. We’ve been planning destination weddings since 1998, and it is all we do. No cruises, no Disney, no family vacations to distract us from focusing on your wedding day. And since our services to you are FREE (yep, you heard that right!) why not give us some time to show you how we can help. You don’t need to do this alone. Brides, we get it! Planning a wedding can be stressful! Especially when you’re not sure where to start. Well, fear not. We’re going to walk you through the most common wedding woes our brides experience, PLUS share how to overcome them. 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! Thinking about a destination wedding? Be sure to ask yourself these questions before getting started: 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! It is easy to lose yourself in wedding planning, isn’t it? One thing turns into another and pretty soon, your simple beach wedding has gotten a little outta control. Let’s help you wrangle your wedding back into place. Here are 6 mistakes you can avoid to ensure your destination wedding runs as smoothly as possible 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. 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! We understand wedding costs can add up, but don’t skimp on the things that matter. Here are some things you’ll be glad you invested in for your big day 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 [email protected] today! |
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