P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
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Is a tropical beach-side wedding in your future? Then, keep scrolling for some expert tips for planning your destination wedding!​

Step 1: Choose a Destination 
Choosing the right destination is the hardest, but most exciting part! Couples can spend months browsing through travel magazines and websites in search of the perfect destination. Budget often plays a major role as couples consider the cost and convenience of air travel to their destination options. Marriage laws and residency requirements for certain destinations also come into play. With so much to consider, couples often struggle with this initial decision. We understand this, and hope that you'll let our expertise be your guide.

Step 2: Select a Resort 
This is another fun step! Often, couples will fall in love with a resort that they've read about and choose it, regardless of its location. There are many things to consider when selecting the resort: Do you want it to be for adults only, or family friendly? Do you want it to be all-inclusive (highly recommended!) or close to the airport? You can be confident in our resort recommendations, knowing that we will only offer resorts with proven track records. Remember, we’ve been to most of these resorts and destinations and you can rely on our experience.

Step 3: Confirm Your Date 
Destination weddings take place every day of the week, so finding an available date is not usually a problem if you have some flexibility. The more set you are on a particular date, the earlier you should begin planning. As soon as you have the resort chosen, we will contact the wedding coordinator to secure your date.

Step 4: Reserve Your Room
Soon after we confirm your wedding date with the resort, we will need to book your room. This seals your plans, giving you the assurance that you in fact are going to have a destination wedding! You can take a deep breath and relax knowing that the major decision making is done.

Step 5: Send Save-The-Dates
Usually couples will send a Save-The-Date invitation as soon as their wedding date and location are confirmed. Since we expect to take on the task of travel planning for all of your guests, you'll want to include your personalized website address and our contact information on everything you send out so your guests know who to call to make their room reservations. We will customize each guests' travel arrangements to fit their specific needs.

​Step 6: We'll Handle it From Here!
​You will be working directly with the wedding coordinator at the resort to plan the details of your day. Don’t worry! We will introduce you to her. We will continue to oversee the entire planning process, as well as assisting guests with their travel plans. We are here for you every step of the way to ensure the most spectacular destination wedding.
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How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
We decided that a destination wedding would be more appealing during winter months so our friends and family could escape a very cold Chicago. December 5th happened to be the day we first met (in 2012), and we loved that we could make it our official anniversary and celebrate with sunshine.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
We booked our wedding without seeing the resort in person, which was a huge leap of faith!  Because of this, we leaned heavily on the wedding coordinators based in Miami to give guidance and advice from previous Hard Rock weddings. The only challenges we faced were due to the changes put in place due to Covid-19.  We had originally wanted a buffet meal at the reception, but for safety we had to choose plated.  It actually made a lot of decisions easier because we only had 1 option instead of many (I suffer from analysis paralysis). A month before the wedding, the Miami coordinator transitioned us over to the wedding coordinators onsite in Cabo to finalize it all before our arrival.

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
We sent our save the dates with information about our wedding website about 11 months prior to our wedding to encourage early booking and direct guests to the FAQ page.  Having all the information online (with our catchy domain/website name) made it so seamless to book, or at least bookmark the page until they were ready to book.
 
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
As our wedding date began to approach, the US was seeing rises in Covid-19 cases.  We had already lost a good number of guests because of the uncertainty of travel, and we wanted to ensure that it was indeed safe to travel while communicating to our guests that we were continuing on with our wedding as planned. The key to getting through it was continuing to email our guests our intentions, any research or data we had come across to highlight the safety protocols taken by airlines and the hotel and assure them we understood if they needed to cancel.  Luckily, we ended up with a solid group of 48 people!
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
No detail was overlooked in the wedding process, and I was confident our onsite meeting would be seamless – and it was!  We arrived later in the evening, so our wedding coordinator planned a morning meeting with us the day after we checked in. They put up a picture and welcome note to us on their huge lobby projector when we showed up for the meeting. It was so thoughtful! 

We showed the coordinator all of the décor we brought from home: table numbers, placecards, frames, and other items for the reception.  I hadn’t had room for a gift/card box and they told me they could bring one for me – a relief! Then we ran through every detail with timing for our welcome party, ceremony, and reception. This gave us an accurate timeline to reflect back to our wedding party. Finally, we walked through each venue booked for welcome party, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.  Although I’d been curious enough to go check out the venues the evening we arrived, it was nice to walk through with the coordinator to know where the tables would be situated, which angle our ceremony would face in the garden, and that the grass would be watered and maintained before wedding day.
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
We had a mix of guests who had either never been to a Hard Rock resort (us included!) or an all-inclusive resort in general, so we were excited and a little anxious to hear everyone’s experience – especially knowing there were some restrictions in place due to Covid.  Every single guest raved about the resort. The food was delicious (and plentiful! Portions were not small). There were several restaurants at the resort plus unlimited in-room dining.  The swim up bars were closed at the pools but this didn’t affect anyone’s experience.  Masked and gloved servers everywhere taking your order and bringing to you directly in the pool.
 
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?
A friend of mine who had a destination wedding asked me how I planned to tote my dress to the wedding.  I hadn’t thought of it prior and just planned to bring the dress in the bag it came with, but she assured me I wanted something sturdier and let me borrow her dress bag. It folded up and was able to fit atop the carry-on bags in the overhead compartment on the plane, and I carried it like a duffel through the airport.  Since the bag was pretty inconspicuous, I actually didn’t garner any comments or attention at the airport – which I preferred!
 
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 chose a destination wedding for it to be a little less traditional than a wedding we’d host at home, but we still ended up with a pretty standard cadence of events on our wedding day.  Our ceremony was officiated by my husband’s father, lasted no more than 15-20 minutes, and we used music from Spotify for it all (low key!). After the reception, our guests were led up to our reception location for a cocktail hour with light appetizers. After that, the bridal party entered, we cut our cake, and were served dinner with speeches in between each course. Our wedding coordinator was insistent that we wait until sunset to start our first dance, so the dinner portion felt like it lasted quite a while but as soon as the dancing started – it never stopped!  We had no formal events or activities as soon as dancing started (no bouquet toss, garter toss, etc), but ended the night with a whole-group karaoke session which was the most memorable part of our whole wedding.
 
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
This is a big question! Our original hopes for a destination wedding would be that it provided a vacation/relaxed feel for our friends any family.  Because so many people hadn’t traveled in 2020, it was even more appreciated, celebrated, and relaxed! The only real requirements for our guests were to attend our welcome party and reception, but the rest of their trip was completely up to how they wanted to spend time in Cabo!
 
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
All of the travel details!  I used to manage travel for consultants at work and I know the tedious nature of collecting information, sending updates, and orchestrating all the fine details.  Shelli and Heather were incredible through the whole process from information gathering, sharing pictures and videos of resorts, communicating with our guests, and even troubleshooting flight discrepancies while we were all at the resort.  They mail every guest a packet of travel documents before the trip with advice for packing, tipping, etc.  It was wildly helpful and really helped everyone focus on having FUN!
 
What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
I wouldn’t change a single decision!  Both Romance Travel Group and our wedding coordinators through the hotel made the selection process easy.  We didn’t have to “shop around” for vendors and negotiate contracts, nor did we have to spend time on a bunch of calls with separate vendors.  If you want a chill/lowkey wedding, this is the way to go.  And if you want an extravagant wedding, this is also the way to go!  The options are endless and it’ll always be beautifully handled no matter what you choose.

Cancun, Mexico
Cancun continues to dominate the destination wedding industry for its tropical appeal, endless resort options, easy flights, and affordability. There are dozens and dozens of gorgeous all-inclusive properties we send travelers to each year, making it a preferred destination for destination weddings, family celebrations, milestone trips, and more!
 
Negril, Jamaica
If you’re looking for that laid-back, no worries vibe, Jamaica is where it’s at. Couples say “I do” here for the world-renowned beaches, adventurous excursions, and exotic property settings. Those who have their destination wedding in Jamaica will immerse all senses into the culture. Jamaica also happens to be one of the easiest destinations to get legally married!
 
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is the very picture of paradise, and if the turquoise water and powder-white sand won’t convince you, we sure know the resorts will! Not only are the prices fair, but you’ll be able experience luxury and adventure all-in-one, as most properties throw in a variety of activities for free. This gorgeous Dominican destination also has some pretty incredible wedding options.
 
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most amazing coastlines for its natural beauty and exotic surroundings. The mountain peaks meet the blue waters of the Pacific creating a backdrop second to none. Visitors are pleased to find a variety of reasonably priced luxury wedding resorts for adults and families that will give you a true taste of Mexico and its culture.

Do any of these dreamy wedding destinations catch your eye? 

Exhilarated with the idea of having a destination wedding, but concerned how your guests will take it? Why, it sounds like you’ve got a case of “guest guilt!” But not to worry – these expert tips should help!

We hear it all too often: “I want to have a destination wedding, but I’m concerned what my guests will think of it.” Ladies, guest guilt is a very normal feeling! It just means that you care about your loved ones. Here’s what guest guilt usually looks like and how we can help you overcome it so all you’re guilty for is having the best wedding ever!

“I don’t want to ask guests to spend money on a trip.”
If you know your guests are on a tight budget, we’ll tailor our resort recommendations to fit! Remember, the great thing about working with a destination wedding expert is that we’ll work with you one-on-one to meet your (and your guests’!) specific needs. Together we’ll find the resort that meets all our expectations.
 
“I don’t want guests to use all their vacation days to attend my wedding.”
Not to worry! We can book guests for different lengths of stay, so those who are tight on vacation days don’t have to miss out. In fact, it’s quite common for guests to come for a long weekend to celebrate with the bride and groom – so don’t stress about it too much! We’ll help each guest create the trip that works for them.
 
“I don’t want to ask guests to leave their kids at home.”
No biggie! If a lot of your guests have young kids, we’ll narrow down your options to family-friendly resorts, so they don’t have to leave them at home. Trust us, your guests (and their kiddos!) will love these properties!
 
You see!? There’s no need to succumb to guest guilt. In fact, our destination wedding specialists will help you work through all of your concerns. We’re here for you, and we’re here for your guests. So go ahead, bring ALL your guest concerns to your call with your planning specialist – we’ll tackle them with you one-by-one.
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We hope these bridal footwear options have inspired you for your destination wedding! Looking for some additional guidance while you plan? Then, message one of our romance travel experts – we’d be happy to assist! 

Why Romance Travel Group?
Our original wedding date was set for June 11, 2020. We had been planning our destination wedding since November 2019 with another travel agency. We had a terrible experience and I had felt as though I was basically planning the travel on my own. When we had to cancel the first date due to COVID, I knew I wanted to go another direction with my travel agent. When we began to replan for our second date, I researched online for a travel agent that would be suited for us. I came across Romance Travel Group on the wedding website theknot.com and it was clear they would be the perfect fit! I received quick responses from them and was set up with my amazing travel agent, Ashley Jackson.
 
Why a destination wedding?
Steven and I had talked about what wedding we wanted before we even got engaged. We both disliked that with traditional weddings, the focus is mostly on the guests and worrying with what they want. For us, it was especially important that our big day was about what he and I wanted every step of the way. So, we decided a destination wedding with our closest friends and family was perfect! 
 
Biggest fears about a destination wedding?
Steven and I had never flown internationally so our biggest concern was the logistics. Will our wedding be legal in the US, can I transport my wedding dress and decor safely, will we find a resort we feel safe at, etc. Then COVID happened and everything changed. Countries began implementing travel restrictions and had requirements of paperwork to do before traveling. Jamaica was no exception! The process was stressful but thanks to Ashley, we were able to enter the country safely and have the wedding of our dreams! 
 
Wedding coordinator at the resort?
For anyone planning a destination wedding I absolutely recommend Sandals resorts. I worked with a wedding planner remotely leading up to the wedding where I was able to detail exactly what I was looking for. Once we arrived on site with met with our wedding coordinator who was a dream come true! She walked us to our locations, discussed all our concerns, and went through every detail of wedding day. On the day of the wedding she was there the entire day, from starting our hair and makeup at 10am until after the reception ended at 8pm. She was there to pour us mimosas during our spa time and even helped carry my wedding dress train to the ceremony and reception areas (which were a bit of a walk between). She handled every detail of our big day flawlessly and I can’t say enough how thankful I was to have her! There were a few hiccups, but I never knew about them because she handled it all with ease.
 
Booking process for guests?
Firstly, I would like to say that thanks to my travel agent, Ashley, I was able to have the wedding of my dreams! Without her this would not have been possible. She helped Steven and I, and our ten guests book their rooms and flights with ease. She provided charts with room options and pricing so each person could choose a room that fit their needs. She also kept me updated on who had booked and who she was still waiting to hear from. Everyone was appreciative for her prompt responses, as we were all rebooking this trip due to COVID and it was exceedingly difficult for everyone to get ahold of our previous travel agent even before COVID. Ashley gave everyone tremendous customer service and made each person feel like they were her only client. Not only this, but Ashley was able to get everyone room upgrades because we had to change resorts three weeks before the wedding due to COVID as well. I can’t speak highly enough of her!
 
Biggest fears as wedding date drew near?
All my fears were COVID related, as the date drew nearer Jamaica began requiring new documentation and approval to enter the country. Each person had to be COVID tested within a certain amount of days before arrival and an online travel authorization form filled out. Once that was received, Jamaica would approve each person to enter the country. This was the most stressful part of the experience, as I felt responsible for all 12 people in my party. Once again, Ashley went above and beyond to relieve my fears. She spent countless hours on the phone with the Jamaican board of travel, even having multiple calls the day before our arrival to ensure our groups paperwork was all clear. I can’t say enough that without Ashley this wedding trip would not have been possible!
 
Guests wowed by all inclusive?
I can speak for my husband and I, as well as each of my guests when I say Sandals Montego Bay absolutely wowed us! For most this was a first all-inclusive vacation, and it went above and beyond expectations. We were catered to from the moment we arrived to our transport back to the airport. Not only was the all-inclusive perfect for our guests, it really made our wedding day top notch. For our guests who had previously been to an all-inclusive they said confidently those other resorts did not compare to the service, food, and amenities that Sandals offered!
 
Easy/difficult traveling with wedding dress?
I fell in love with an A-line gown that had a lot of volume and a long train. As such, I knew this wouldn’t be an easy gown to travel with. I couldn’t put it in a soft garment bag because the dimensions were too big so instead, I chose to fold it and place it in a carry-on. I was terrified to check my wedding dress so for me, a carry-on was the easiest way! The airline ended up making me check the bag at the gate because the dimensions were too big, but I informed them it was my dress, and they ensured it stayed safe.
 
Did you plan traditional wedding elements?
We had a traditional wedding that would have been like one at home. Our ceremony was at an over the water chapel, followed by a cocktail hour at our reception area overlooking the ocean. After cocktail hour we had a sit-down dinner followed by drinks and dancing. The entire day was an absolute dream!
 
Best part of destination wedding?
I loved that our wedding experience wasn’t just one day, it was for a week! Our guests also had an amazing all-inclusive vacation along with attending our wedding! We created memories with friends and family that will last with us for a lifetime. If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a single thing, this destination wedding was perfect!
 
How did Romance Travel Group make everything less stressful?
Romance Travel Group, and specifically my agent Ashley made the entire experience less stressful. She was always kind and prompt with responding to me, even when my anxiety was getting the best of me. I am so thankful I chose this travel agency to plan my destination wedding as they made my perfect day possible! She handled every detail with Jamaica’s COVID travel requirements, booking my guests rooms and flights, and ensuring we had all proper documentation for travel. She did a million other things that helped take the stress off me so I could look forward to the wedding of my dreams!
 
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group?
I will ALWAYS recommend Romance Travel Group to anyone planning a destination wedding. I can’t say enough how great of an experience I had, especially in comparison to when I originally planned with another travel agent. Ashley was with me each step of the way, and even in the middle of a pandemic I had full confidence she would make our big day happen. For any brides planning a wedding during COVID, the best decision you could make is to have Romance Travel Group by your side to make your dream wedding happen! 

Congratulations, Whitley & Steven!!!

Do…book early
We recommend you reaching out to a destination wedding specialist and booking your resort between16 and 18 months in advance.
 
But don’t… invite guests too early
It’s best to extend the invites no more than14 months in advance – after your resort has been booked.
 
And don’t… require an RSVP
For a destination wedding, the guest’s room deposit serves as their RSVP. Easy-peasy! If you ask for a traditional RSVP, you will end up with a lot of “yes!” that can’t actually attend. Just let the room deposit be the RSVP.
 
But do… set a “book by” date
To encourage guests to book early, you can have a recommended  “book by” date on your website. This allows your guests plenty of time to plan accordingly.
 
Definitely don’t…worry when your wedding coordinator takes a while
In the destination wedding industry, it’s not unusual for your wedding coordinator to take a week or more to get back to you. *Deep breaths* We promise, this is normal. They are busy making magic happen behind-the-scenes!
 
Oh, and do…trust your travel agent and wedding coordinator
Remember, your destination wedding specialist and wedding coordinator are your advocates and have your best interest at heart.
 
Also, don’t…stress out over the little details
They say, “hindsight is 20/20,” and this couldn’t ring truer. Everything always falls into place beautifully, and you’ll eventually realize that stressing out over your music playlist was pointless.
 
Lastly, please do …commit yourself to slowing down
While you can easily get caught up in the moment of wedding planning, it’s important to slow down and take things in stride. After all, you only get one wedding countdown – so it’s best to make it count!
 
Ready to plan the wedding of your dreams? Then, click here to connect with a destination wedding specialist , today. We look forward to working with you! 

El Dorado Royale: Vintage Car
Weddings at El Dorado are filled with romance and elegance. Offering some of the best group perks for destination wedding couples, El Dorado is one of our all-time favorites. Plan some time for a photo shoot with this vintage car, sip some champagne and revel in the beauty of this magnificent resort setting. 

​Hard Rock Hotel: Sports Car
Hard Rock Hotel’s complimentary wedding packages are always impressing our couples with their innovative themes and wedding packages. Some perks include 1-tiered wedding cake, a bridal bouquet, sparkling wine, and a wedding registry – not to mention an on-site wedding planner that will work with you from start to finish. But nothing quite beats the sports car grand entrance like the one at Hard Rock – our brides have a lot of fun with this! 

​Moon Palace Cancun: Horse Drawn Carriage
At Moon Palace Cancun, the lucky couple can take advantage of several beautiful offerings – from a gorgeous chapel or beach venue, to the floral arrangements and décor – there’s not much you can’t customize here! We especially love when the bride chooses to make her special entrance in horse-drawn carriage – talk about turning some heads!

The Fives Beach Hotel: Sky Deck
Elevate your love at the Fives Beach Hotel! Here, the bride will make her grand entrance coming down the stairs of the property’s fabulous sky deck, which offers picture-perfect views of the coastline in the distance. The gorgeous venue option can accommodate up to 150 guests and presents a totally unique and “elevated” experience for the couple and their guests.

​Le Blanc Los Cabos: Rooftop
Known for its upscale luxury and sophistication, Le Blanc Los Cabos presents the very best weddings. Here, couples can enjoy the complimentary wedding package, which includes everything from a personal wedding coordinator, décor and flowers, bridal perks, a honeymoon experience – and so much more. Many couples take advantage of the rooftop venue, as the bride gets to make her grand entrance in a private, meandering path exclusive to the couple and their guests.  

Generations: Just Married Golf Cart
Looking for something fun and relaxing yet eye catching? This decorated golf cart is the perfect way to make your grand entrance, and romance escape! Generations Riviera Maya is quite possibly the perfect destination wedding resort of them all. Where else can you get family-friend AND adults-only resorts side-by-side, farm-to-table-dining, attentive service and stunning wedding venues like this? Generations has it all.

Want to request more information on any one of these wedding offerings above? Then, get in touch 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!