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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 Wedding 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 experience 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 get you to the resort quickly and give your group some down time before the wedding festivities begin! Quality Time with Loved Ones 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. The Honeymoon! 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, click below to get in touch!
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Not sure how to tie the knot (legally) in paradise? Then, read on to discover the ceremony requirements for your destination wedding!
Legal Ceremony vs. Symbolic Ceremony?First thing’s first. What exactly is the difference between a legal wedding ceremony and a symbolic wedding ceremony? Well, a legal ceremony is when you receive a marriage certificate from the destination you’re married in, and is recognized legally back home. A legal ceremony typically requires more paperwork, has additional fees, and occasional blood tests. A symbolic ceremony has no legal binding, and makes up approximately 90% of destination weddings. Typically, the bride and groom will go to their local clergy or courthouse and become legally married before they leave. The best part? A symbolic ceremony and wedding can be performed just as a legal one would – so your guests will never know the difference.
Destination Ceremony RequirementsMexico – As one of our most popular wedding destinations, the bride and groom will receive no legal bearing in this symbolic marriage. In fact, the only civil ceremony that is legally recognized in Mexico, must be performed by a judge. A blood test is required for this. Dominican Republic – If you decide to wed here, keep in mind the only legal ceremonies are the one’s performed by the judge or Catholic priest. Be sure your paperwork is notarized and translated into Spanish, which will typically add an additional $1000-1500 to your wedding costs. Any vow renewals will also serve no legal bearing, as that is performed by a non-denominational minister. Jamaica – Both civil and religious ceremonies performed by a minister are legally recognized in Jamaica. Vow renewals also bear no legal meaning, and the couple must be previously married.
Our Ceremony RecommendationTypically, we recommend the bride and groom go to their local clergy or courthouse and become legally married before their destination wedding. But not to worry, a symbolic ceremony can be performed just as a legal one would – so your guests will never know the difference! Questions? Click the button below to get in touch with an expert! P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
Curious how you can customize your destination wedding? Then, say no more! We've got all the details for you here...
Start with a Wedding PackageThe best way to get ideas for your destination wedding is to start with a wedding package! This way, you'll have all the necessities in place and can add from there. But first - a little more about wedding packages. Here's a few questions brides often ask: Do all resorts have wedding packages? Yes! What is included in a typical wedding package? In addition to your resort’s all-inclusive benefits, wedding packages can include everything from expert wedding designers and décor, to sound systems, the ceremony officiant, a wedding certificate, a semi-private dinner, a honeymoon package, and much more! How much do wedding packages cost? Most resorts have a complimentary wedding package included in your stay (say what?!). Yep, you heard that right. In fact, free wedding packages usually offer all the basics you need for your wedding day. Looking for something more custom or specific? Well then, say no more, because most resorts also offer premium wedding packages for an upcharge to match your specific preferences and personality! Do wedding packages vary by resort? Yes and no. While resorts present their wedding packages a little differently, at the end of the day, you’re getting the same goodies for around the same price. How do I pick the right wedding package? Since all wedding packages are pretty much the same, we recommend selecting your dream resort first. Once you decide on the perfect place, then you can customize the wedding package of your dreams.
Popular Destination Wedding ThemesOther ways to customize your wedding are by selecting a "theme." Here's some of our favorites! Boho - The natural wood and textures like macramé and dried arrangements give you perfect blend of nature and paradise. We’re especially loving the uniqueness of the pointed arbor and wooden aisle. Lavish - Golden chairs and a white petal runner will make you feel like you’re walking on cloud nine as you make your way to say “I do” to your handsome groom. A dramatic floral-draped altar, stunning decor, and elegant touches will be a daydream that feels too good to be true! Tropical - From the lush greenery and palm leaves, to the exotic flora and sound of the ocean in the background –you really can’t go wrong with this classic tropical collection. Truly elegant. Truly simplistic. And truly amazing. Modern - The ultimate blend of luxury and fun with whimsical decorations, callas-topped columns, and a dramatic circular floral arbor. Couples also adore the unique acrylic napoleon chairs and modern touches in this collection, as it’s quite the eye-catching display.
Destination Wedding VenuesNot only can you customize your wedding theme, but the venue options are endless! Check out what we mean, below!
Other Ways to CustomizeAnd of course, we encourage you to get creative! Think of ways to incorporate both of your personalities into your big day. Popular details include: signature drinks, special activities, decor, pre-post parties, entertainment, and more! Have any questions for us? Then, just ask! We can't wait to help you plan the perfect wedding in paradise! P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!
Curious how much to budget for your destination wedding? Well, here it is! A quick budget breakdown that might surprise you - plus, tips for keeping it under $10k!  Destination Wedding Cost BreakdownResort Costs For 7-nights at an all-inclusive resort, expect to spend approximately $3,000 for the both of you. Most resorts charge between $150-$250 per person, per night, but that includes your room, your meals, your drinks, taxes and tips. Of course, you’ll probably want to bring a little extra cash for spending and additional gratuities, at your discretion. Also keep in mind, prices may vary depending on the time of year you book, as well as the resort you select. Flight Costs For 2 round-trip flights, you’re looking at a total cost of around $1,000. This will also be dependent upon the airline you’re using, the time of year, and of course, your destination of choice. Wedding Package Costs Most resort wedding packages can range between $0 and $5,000. You heard that! And although some properties offer some really great free wedding packages, most couples spend about $2,500 for additional customizations, upgrades, etc. Packages typically include the ceremony location, bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, officiant, cake, chairs, and semi-private dinner for around 40 guests. Now, these costs can fluctuate depending on your taste and preferences, but the average destination wedding costs under $10,000. Now, that’s something to get onboard with! Looking for some other ways to cut wedding costs? Keep scrolling to see some of our top tips for keeping your destination wedding under $10k! How to Save Money for Your Destination Wedding
Travel During Off-Season The best rates are found during off-season in September and October. Besides the best room rates, you’ll find that resorts have lower occupancy levels during this time, leaving plenty of pool chairs open for everyone. November and December are also good options, as long as you avoid the holidays (when rates and occupancy goes way up)! Find an All-Inclusive Option For the best value, we highly recommend going all-inclusive. When all your meals, drinks, entertainment, airport shuttles and taxes are included, guests can better gauge their budgets and plan accordingly. This is especially true for wedding groups, as the cost you pay for private dinners and events is significantly reduced. Convenience is also huge reason couples opt for all-inclusive. Choose a Simple Setting A big draw to having a destination wedding is the natural and intimate setting it presents. Not only will it save you money on venue costs, but sometimes less really is more. After all, nothing says “I love you” like some swaying palm trees and an ocean view!
Bring in Your Own Vendors Have a photographer friend or hair-stylist BFF? Perhaps a DJ’ing college roomie? Well then, you’re in luck! As long as these pros are staying at the resort with you for three nights, they are not typically considered outside vendors and you won’t have to pay extra to use them. Ask us how you can negotiate travel for these services. Opt for a Honeymoon Split-Stay Another great way to cut down on costs is to combine your destination wedding and honeymoon (aka, a split-stay). Most couples stay at the wedding resort for 5-6 nights while guests are there, then move to a new resort where you can honeymoon for 3-4 more nights. This will save you a lot in airfare! Use a Destination Wedding Expert Last but not least…use a wedding travel specialist (that’s us!). A good travel pro will make suggestions for you and knows the resorts that offer the most amenities based on what your needs are. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did! Destination Wedding Costs, Revealed!So, there you have it. Your ultimate destination wedding cost and budget planner! Looking for a little push in the right direction? Then, click the button below to get the conversation started. We can' t wait to help you with your special day! P.S. Find this post helpful? The, be sure to pin it for later!
Is a tropical beach-side wedding in your future? Then, keep scrolling for some expert tips for planning your destination wedding!
Initial Destination Wedding Planning StepsStep 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.
Final Destination Wedding Planning StepsStep 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. Ready to Plan Your Destination Wedding?Click the button below to get in touch with one of our experts! P.S. Liked this post? Then, be sure to share the infographic below with a bride-to-be!
 Not sure how to tie the knot (legally) in paradise? Read on for some tips!
But first, there are two types of destination wedding ceremonies: Legal A legal ceremony is when you receive a marriage certificate from the destination you’re married in, and is recognized legally back home. A legal ceremony typically requires more paperwork, a judge, additional fees, and occasional blood tests. Symbolic A symbolic ceremony has no legal binding, and makes up approximately 80% of all destination weddings. Popular Destinations: Ceremony Requirements Mexico As one of our most popular wedding destinations, the bride and groom will receive no legal bearing in this symbolic marriage. In fact, the only civil ceremony that is legally recognized in Mexico, must be performed by a judge. A blood test is required for this. Dominican Republic If you decide to wed here, keep in mind the only legal ceremonies are the ones performed by the judge or Catholic priest. Be sure your paperwork is notarized and translated into Spanish, which will typically add an additional $500-800 to your wedding costs. Jamaica Both civil and religious ceremonies performed by a minister are legally recognized in Jamaica. Jamaica is one of the easiest countries to have a legal destination wedding! Costa Rica Costa Rica offers legal ceremonies if they are performed by a judge. Religious ceremonies or vow renewals will hold no legal bearing, as they are considered symbolic. Our Recommendation Typically, we recommend the bride and groom go to their local courthouse, obtain your license and file the paperwork to become legally married before their destination wedding. This takes a ton of stress off during the trip. Abd don't worry!... a symbolic destination wedding ceremony is performed just like a legal ceremony (just without the paperwork!) so your guests will never know the difference! Travel agents who specialize in destination wedding travel have the tips and knowledge you can’t find anywhere else. Here are 5 reasons you’ll want to use one today! We Live and Breathe Travel
As travel agents, we live and breathe travel all day long. We book several travel experiences for people every day. We give you our opinions and recommendations based on our first-hand travel experiences because we’ve been through it, we've been there. We help you save time, money and stress – sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? We’re Wedding Specialists While travel agents are fully-qualified to plan all your travel-related matters, it’s always smart to work with someone who specializes in what you’re looking for. Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of research and planning – something only a true wedding travel expert could help you with. We’ll Do all The Heavy Lifting Don’t want to research a resort? No problem, we’ll do it for you. Not sure how to coordinate all your guests? We’ll handle it. As for the ceremony and décor? We’ve got the hookup on speed dial. The point is, hiring a destination wedding specialist benefits you in more ways than one – including doing all the heavy lifting for you. We Can Customize One of the greatest things about a destination wedding is that no two weddings are the same! In fact, we’re able to customize pretty much anything your heart desires to align with your budget and preferences. So that rooftop wedding you’ve been dreaming about? Yeah, we can make it happen! We’ll Work with You From the initial resort recommendations, to your guest accommodations, transfer services, and wedding day – we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Remember, we’re not a call center – we’re real people that are just as excited to plan your wedding as you are! Looking for a destination wedding specialist? Then, you’re in luck! Romance Travel Group helps thousands of couples plan the ultimate destination wedding each year. To get started, simply click here to connect with us today! With destination weddings on the rise, what better way to tie the knot than at one of these gorgeous tropical wedding venues?! Keep scrolling for some inspiration! Sky Terrace with an Ocean View
For an elevated destination wedding experience, you and your soon-to-be are sure to love a sky wedding! Here, you and your guests can enjoy the wedding festivities on your very own private sky terrace with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the sand and sea! Tropical and Intimate Chapel For a more traditional ceremony with a tropical flare, look no further than a beach chapel wedding! Many beach chapels boast artful details and colorful stained-glass windows with the sound of ocean waves nearby! Tranquil Ocean Pier Solidify your love for one another on a tropical ocean pier surrounded by family, friends, and the big blue sea! With a pier wedding, you’ll tie the knot atop the waves and embrace the sound of the ocean as you strut your stuff down the aisle! Romantic Secret Garden With a secret garden venue, your ceremony will be a true reflection of the history and culture that surrounds you! Available in a variety of botanical setups and gazebos, ranging from natural wood and stone, to vibrant florals and greenery. How romantic! White Sand Beach A beach wedding is certainly a favorite among our destination wedding brides! Take in your surroundings and embrace the silky sand, tropical breezes, and breathtaking views at one of our many beach wedding resorts. The destinations for a beach wedding are endless! Exotic Nature Cenote A natural cenote wedding ceremony is most distinctive for being rich in culture and its natural surroundings, lush tropical plants, and intimate atmosphere. Embrace the Mayan culture with this unique venue option! Do any of these unique destination wedding venues catch your eye? Great! Then, it’s time to get started! Simply click here to get in touch with a specialist, today. Curious what wedding packages are available for your destination wedding? Then, keep reading for some insight! Overall, All Wedding Packages Are Similar
All resorts have wedding packages. And frankly, they are all pretty much the same. What one hotel has to offer, other hotels can provide as well. Most of them include everything from expert wedding designers and basic décor, to sound systems, the ceremony officiant, a wedding certificate, a semi-private dinner, a honeymoon package, and more! Similar Wedding Package Costs Most resorts have a complimentary wedding package option, making them quite similar in terms of pricing. We typically recommend taking advantage of the free package, then add in the pops of customization where it matters most to you. Wedding packages are usually non-negotiable (they won’t allow you to swap spa treatments for a cocktail party) but resorts will have plenty of options for you to add to your liking. Look for The Best Group Amenities If you really want to dive deeper into wedding packages, consider comparing each resort’s group amenities. Some resorts offer a ton of great freebies and incentives for couples hosting their wedding with them, while other resorts will actually charge you extra for having too many guests. We’ll make it easy for you by including the best options on our list of recommendations. Pick Your Dream Resort FIRST Since wedding packages are so similar, we recommend selecting your dream resort first. Look at the resort’s amenities, rooms, dining options, beach, pool scene. Does the overall resort atmosphere match the vibe you are going for for your wedding? Can you picture your guests hanging out in the pool and enjoying their time? Once you decide on the perfect resort, then you can customize the wedding package of your dreams. How to Select the Best Resort This all depends on your preferences! What amenities are important to you? Are you a beach-lover? A foodie? Want something private and adult-only? These are the things you’ll want to add to your wish list when working with your destination wedding specialist. Are you interested in learning more about destination weddings and which resort is right for you? Click below to get started! 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.  Curious how you can save on your destination wedding? Here are 4 expert tips that should help with your budget:
Travel During Off-Season Did you know that you can save big on your destination wedding by simply traveling during off-season? That’s right! In fact, you can find some of the best rates during the months of September and October. Besides the best room rates, you’ll also find that resorts have lower occupancy levels, where you’ll have more of the property to yourself! November and December are also good options, as long as you avoid the holidays. Use Major Airports Major hubs like Cancun, Montego Bay and Punta Cana have a wide-range of flight options, as well as several price ranges to suit your budget. The advantage of choosing a destination with a major airport also means you may find more direct flights and less layovers. Keep Décor Simple Many couples love the fact that a destination wedding needs very little to be beautiful (think minimal décor). Not only will it save you money on venue costs, but the scenery will make your day truly magical. After all, nothing says “I love you” like the natural beauty of swaying palm trees and an ocean view! Use a Travel Pro We can’t stress this enough! If you use a wedding travel specialist (that’s us!), they’ll be able to make suggestions for you and will know which resorts fit your budget and preferences. Spending hours searching online for the best deals will only waste your time and give you a huge headache! Allow the experts to find you the best value destination wedding that is tailored to you. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did! So, there you have it! 4 ways to save money on your destination wedding. Pretty simple, right? For more info on destination weddings, feel free to contact us here!  Forget hunting down your guests, we’ve got an easier way to find out if they’re coming to your destination wedding! Keeping reading to see what we mean…
It’s a waste of money… For a traditional wedding, it’s not unusual to send out formal invitations with a pretty little RSVP form attached. But for a destination wedding, it’s a bit more complex when you factor in travel arrangements, accommodations, and airfare. We recommend keeping track of your guests’ reservations online, as it’s much easier and saves you on the added postage. …and a waste of time Another reason RSVPs are unnecessary, is because we track them all for you! We’ll keep tabs on who is traveling with who and when, so you don’t have to be scrambling for final numbers the week before your wedding – eek! The “false positives” As we mentioned above, there’s a bit more your wedding guests will have to consider before they can give you a definite yes or no. For example, they’ll have to plan their budgets, take time off from work, make arrangements with their babysitters – all of which could present too many “false positives” if you required an RSVP. Here’s what we’ll do instead… Our process is much simpler than sending out RSVP cards! In fact, for a destination wedding, the guest’s room deposit serves as their RSVP. Once that deposit is paid, it’s pretty safe to assume that your guest is in fact, coming, and you can count them in for dinner! See… easy-peasy! Interested in having a destination wedding of your own, but need some questions answered first? We’re here to help! Simply message us today and a destination wedding specialist will be in touch with you shortly. Hesitant about a destination wedding? Not to worry! We’re here to give you some reassurance.  …but what about the cost?
One question we hear all too often is, “how much does a destination wedding cost?” The answer? It varies! While a traditional wedding can typically be around $35,000 or more, we can plan you the destination wedding of your dreams for nearly a quarter of the cost. But to give you a ballpark, between the resort, the flights, and the all-inclusive wedding package, you can celebrate your love in paradise for under $10,000! …but will my guests even come? Another thing we hear is “will my guests want to come to my destination wedding?” The long and short of it? Everyone who is important to you will be there – and those are the people who matter the most! The reality is, only about 30-40% of the guests you invite are likely attend. But don’t take it personally – some folks might not have the budget or vacation time available to them right now, which is completely understandable. Don’t let it hold you back from having your dream wedding! …but how would I even plan it? We’ve got that part covered! Our job as your destination wedding specialist is to make suggestions for you and provide you with the resorts that offer the most amenities based on what your needs are. In fact, we help you with everything from the booking process and travel arrangements, all the way to taking care of your guests and any issues that arise along the way. We also have dozens of connections across the world to ensure you receive the absolute best pricing, support, and perks you can’t find if you were to plan it yourself. Plus, we’ll hook you up with your very own onsite wedding coordinator to help you with the little details once you arrive! Ah, that feels much better doesn’t it? To get started with one of our romance travel experts, message us today to start the planning process. Your destination wedding awaits…! Couple: Kelly & Nick ~ Wedding Date: August 29, 2020 ~ Resort: Unico Riviera Maya ~ Photographer: Jessica Gattone Photography ~ Travel Agency: Romance Travel Group  Why did you choose Romance Travel Group? Romance Travel Group was referred to us from a friend who had a wonderful experience attending her brother's wedding in Mexico planned by RTG, then they utilized RTG for their own wedding which we were lucky enough to attend in the Dominican Republic. It was clear after hearing about their experience that RTG would be the right fit for us as we planned our wedding in Mexico! What led you to choose a destination wedding? We loved the intimate setting that the beach provides for weddings, limited decorations are needed when you have such a beautiful backdrop. We are both lovers of nature and the outdoors and couldn't think of a better place. We also have family that lives all over the U.S. so travel was going to be a part of our guest's plans regardless of where our wedding was held. How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors? When looking at resorts we knew we wanted our ceremony on the beach so we searched for a beautiful beach, which is not hard to find in Mexico! Then we knew we wanted an adult-only resort with a unique feel. We looked at several chain style resorts but wanted something one of a kind with wonderful food and expansive pools, this led us to UNICO 20 87! Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges? Our on-site wedding coordinator Diana was absolutely amazing! She was kind, courteous, and compassionate. She offered suggestions to make our day perfect! Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress? Searching for a wedding dress was harder than I expected. I am a very indecisive person and ended up going to 9 different bridal stores before finding my dress at Bridal Aisle Boutique in Osseo, Minnesota! My sister and maid of honor were with me! Once I put the dress on, I knew! What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this? Planning a destination wedding is one thing, having COVID get in the way was a whole different playing field! Our guests were checking in all the time wondering if we were still able to travel to Mexico and wondering if our wedding was still on as planned. Thankfully everything worked out in the end and we did not have to change our date, location, or details but COVID definitely added some stress to the wedding process! Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. We met with Diana the day after we arrived at the resort. She was organized and walked us through everything we needed to know. We still had some decisions to make about music and she was patient with us through the process. She went through all of our details to ensure her notes were accurate then she took us on a tour and showed us exactly where everything would take place. 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? Traveling with my dress was a piece of cake. I ordered a trifold garment bag from Amazon that fit both my dress and my husband's suit and we carried it on the plane with us. Flying Delta airlines made it easy as they were only booking 60% capacity on their flights due to COVID so we were able to lay the bag flat in the overhead bin, but they did give me the option to hang it up in first-class too. We wore the stereotypical bride and groom shirts around the airport and heard a lot of congratulations as we walked through. The flight crew on Delta also congratulated us multiple times! What was the best part of having a destination wedding? We loved that it gave our family and closest friends a chance to get to know one another while we spent our week in paradise. It was an overall perfect opportunity for the people we love and care about the most to talk, laugh, and relax together. In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you? We loved that our guests had the option to ask us questions or if they felt more comfortable they were able to reach out to RTG. It gave them away to ask questions and be reassured without having to "bug" us. Romance Travel Group also made us feel more comfortable about planning a wedding at a resort we had not been to since we did not tour UNICO prior to arriving for our wedding, it was new for us but spoken highly of by RTG which was reassuring. Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding? ABSOLUTELY! Congratulations, Kelly & Nick!!! Have a vendor from home you can’t say “I do” in paradise without? Then, keep reading for some additional insight!  How do destination wedding vendors work?
Typically, your destination wedding resort will provide you with all the vendors you’ll need. However, this isn’t set in stone! If you have a preferred wedding vendor back at home that you’d like to bring in for the big day, it’s totally doable! Is there a vendor cost? As long as the vendor you’re bringing in is staying at the resort for three nights, you will not have to pay extra to use them. However, if you hire a vendor that is local to the resort and they are not on the resort’s vendor list, be prepared to pay hefty “outside vendor fees” that can range anywhere from $500 to $2000 each! What types of vendors do couples bring in? While this can vary, most couples bring in a hair stylist, make-up artist, photographer, videographer, or DJ (minus all the equipment!) How should I plan my outside vendor’s travel arrangements? Typically, the bride and groom will cover all travel expenses for their outside vendors. But be sure to ask them if they will negotiate travel costs for their services. Consider asking "if we cover your travel expenses, will you take all the photos of our destination wedding?" How will my vendors plan for the big day? Not to worry! Your onsite wedding coordinator will make sure your outside vendors are connected with her team and appropriate staff, so they know exactly what to expect. Have additional questions for us? Then, click here to get in touch with a destination wedding specialist, today! |
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Helping couples throughout the USA say “I Do”
Headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota
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