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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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! Planning your destination wedding, but not quite sure when to change your passport name? Well, we’ve gotcha covered! Keep reading for a few common questions we get from our brides! When should I change my passport name? Before or after my destination wedding? We know you’re excited to change your last name, but do be sure to wait until after the wedding! Since changing your name can be a bit of a process (and since you already have so much to do before the wedding), we recommend you book all travel in your maiden name and make sure your reservation names match the name in the passport. What are the steps I need to take in order to change my passport name? The first step you’ll need to take is to complete an application form, which can be done online. You’ll also need to ensure you have all the supporting documents needed to make the transition. These documents include items such as: your current passport, a passport photo, evidence of your name change, etc. Lastly, you’ll need to either mail or appear in person to submit your documents. Read more about this process, here. How much will this cost? In order to change your passport name, you will be expected to pay the associated fees if your current passport was acquired more than a year ago. The fees begin at $110 and cost more if you need it expedited. If you received your current passport less than a year ago, you would not owe any fees for the name change. How long will it take to receive the new passport? For routine service, 4-8 weeks is the standard time frame for mail. If you’d like your passport expedited, then it will take approximately 2-3 weeks with an added fee. Have additional questions for us? We’re here to help! To get in touch with a destination wedding expert, simply click here. Couples – we’re here to tell you like it is! Here are the do’s and don’ts for planning your destination wedding: 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! You know what they say, “planning a wedding takes a village!” Here are six Facebook groups for couples looking for advice, to make connections, or ask questions about their upcoming destination wedding. Be sure to join in on the fun!
We hope our fabulous destination wedding groups serve as a great resource for you to chat all things wedding! For any questions or for additional information, please don’t hesitate to connect with a romance travel expert.
Not only are destination weddings enjoyable for the couples, but the guests are loving it just as much! Here are some experiences we’re predicting your guests will love this year! The Warm Welcome The bride and groom recognize and appreciate their guests traveling all the way out to their wedding. That’s why welcome parties have become a growing trend, and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. This gives everyone a chance to get settled into the hotel and spend some time with each other before the big day. Welcome bags are also a popular trend we’ve seen in destination weddings and provide guests with everything from snacks and sunscreen, to an itinerary and map so everyone will know what to expect when they’re there. Group Excursions Couples are always looking for fun ways to take their destination wedding experience to the next level. Group excursions are extremely popular for destination wedding groups, as it provides everyone not only something to do, but an experience with the couple that will be cherished forever. Popular excursions include snorkeling, archeological tours, sunset catamarans, and more. Group Activities And don’t think the fun stops there! Couples work closely with their resort coordinators to ensure everyone has something fun do in their free time. We’ve seen a lot of wedding groups partake in everything from cigar rolling and hat making, to rum tastings, cooking classes, beach bon fires, and so much more! Live Entertainment And of course, there will be times where you and your wedding guests will want to just chill out and relax. With that said, it’s not uncommon for your resort to have daily live entertainment, whether it’s a musical performance or show, live artist drawings, fire dancing, fireworks, etc. Endless Celebrations In addition to a welcome party, the bride and groom typically choose to spread the wedding festivities out during the time everyone’s there. So, women close to the bride might be invited to partake in a spa day or girls’ lunch, while the guys might spend the day fishing or golfing. You also might want to include a farewell brunch as a thank you for everyone making the trip out. Ready to say “yes” to a destination wedding? Then, click here to connect with a romance travel expert. We look forward to helping you create the best possible wedding experience for you and your guests! 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! If you thought hanging at the beach was cool, then you’ll love these unique entertainment ideas for your destination wedding! Fire Dancing Not only is fire dancing a sit-at-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of performance, but it’s one of the most highly requested forms of entertainment for destination weddings. Fire shows typically include various objects that can sustain a large enough flame to create an exciting visual effect for an audience. Oftentimes, they’re choreographed with music and consist of “dangerous” stunts to get the crowd to “ooh” and “ahh.” Need we say more? Cigar Rolling If the groom and his buddies are cigar fans, you’ll be pleased to know that many resorts can bring the art of cigar rolling to your reception. Guests can enjoy watching and learning from the expert, while of course, smoking their very own freshly rolled cigar. Not only is it a fun activity for cigar enthusiasts, but it’s something they’re bound to talk about for years to come! Harpist Any romantics out there? If you are, consider having a harpist play at your destination wedding! Not only is a harp the epitome of elegance and love, but it’s more versatile than a piano and takes up less space than a string quartet. It also produces a much fuller sound than other instruments and can essentially be transported anywhere, making it a great option for your beach wedding. Live Artist Drawings Allow your guests to have some fun of their own as they watch a real-life artist sketch their portrait right before their eyes. Oftentimes, these artists will impress you with their caricature skills, which are usually completed within minutes! You might also find an artist that specializes in landscape drawings or paintings, making it a great souvenir to bring back home with you. Hat Making In addition to the live artist drawings, a lot of resorts have connections with other local artisans that will gladly bring their craft to your guests. Hat making is a rather popular activity, where the vendor will teach you how to make the perfect sunhat or fedora out of nothing but palm tree leaves or bamboo…talk about getting “one with nature!” Mixologist Want to create a special wedding cocktail for your big day? Then, consult with your resort’s mixologist! They’ll work with you to concoct the perfect signature drink for and your wedding guests. Perhaps the bride and groom have separate tastes? No worries – your mixologist can help you come up a “his” and “hers” drink to reflect both your personalities! Do any of these activities sound like something you and your wedding guests would enjoy? Then, get in touch with us today at [email protected] so we can connect you with the right people! Creating the guest list for your beach wedding isn’t as stressful as you think! Here are some fool-proof ways to get it done with ease: Step 1: Create a Chart To get a better idea of how many people to expect at your destination wedding and how many rooms to reserve, it’s best to divide your guest list into 3 sections. We recommend creating a chart in Excel or something similar so you can visualize everything side-by-side. Each column should be labeled at the top as your “A List,” “B List,” and "C List." Step 2: Create Your “A List” Under the first column, note any guests you know will be at your wedding no matter what. These people include your bridal party, your parents and grandparents, and any close friends that wouldn’t miss it. The “A List” should represent anyone that is a definite yes. Step 3: Create Your “B List” Your “B List” (second column) should include guests you know would love to travel with you, but just may not be able to for some reason or another. Keep in mind, about 30-40% of your invited guests actually attend – but don’t let that worry you! This just means you could open your guest list up a little more than a traditional wedding guest list. So, don’t be shy about sending out those invites! Step 4: Create Your “C List” The last and final column you’ll create is your “C List,” which should list anyone you feel obligated to invite but know there’s a small chance they’d actually attend. That could include old friends you haven’t seen in a while, co-workers, extended family, etc. Step 5: Total Them Up Once you’ve created your A, B, and C Lists, go ahead and add your entire A List and half of your B List to get an idea of how many guests will attend your wedding. This will give you a good idea of how many rooms to hold for your guests. Since you know everyone on your A List is probably coming, those should definitely be counted. Since your B List is on the iffy side, count half of them. C-listers aren’t considered because they’re not likely to attend at all. Well, there you have it! The easiest way to create your destination wedding guest list! For a better idea of what we mean, click here for an example. For more information on the destination wedding planning process, contact us today at [email protected]. Now that you decided on a destination wedding, it’s important to give your guests the details as soon as possible! Here’s what you need to know about creating your save-the-dates What are save the dates?
A save the date card serves as an announcement to inform your guests of well, your wedding date! It typically gives your guests the initial details of your wedding including, the date and location. Why do you need them? For a traditional and local wedding, you may not wish to send out a save the date, but for a destination wedding, it’s crucial. This’ll give your guests plenty of time to save money and to make travel arrangements. Top Tips: 1. Send Early To ensure your guests have the proper notice to travel to your destination wedding, you’ll want to make sure you send the save the dates out 12-14 months in advance. The extra time will allow your guests to save up on vacation days and budget accordingly. 2. Get Creative There are so many design options out there, so you can get as creative as you’d like! Save the dates aren’t meant to be super formal, so things like magnets, postcards, or passport-style booklets are perfectly fine. A lot of couples use their engagement photos as the backdrop for their save the dates, while others tie in their wedding theme or color palette. The sky’s the limit! 3. Details to Include Of course, the purpose of your save the dates is to include any initial wedding details you may have. This includes your wedding date, your destination, and most importantly, your wedding website! Your website is the perfect place to elaborate on all the details of the trip. 4. Skip The RSVP An RSVP is unnecessary to include on your destination wedding save the dates because we track them for you! We’ll keep track of everyone who books so you don’t have to be scrambling for final numbers. We’ve found that a traditional RSVP for destination weddings presents too many “false positives” or guests wanting to attend, but can’t. Refer to An Example We all need a little inspiration from time to time! That’s why we drew up a save the date example to get you going. You can also always check out Pinterest for endless ideas on design, color palettes, layout and more. We hope these tips help when it’s time to start creating your save the dates! For more information on destination weddings, visit our homepage to schedule your consultation call today! 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! Your guy popped the question and now it’s your turn! Here are 5 fun ways to propose to your favorite girls!
Bride Squad Apparel What’s more fun than a t-shirt or tank to show everyone they are part of your squad? Online stores like Etsy have a large variety of cute tees, tanks and shirts your girls can wear to everything from your bachelorette party to the morning of your wedding while you’re getting ready. Customize the apparel with your wedding hashtag, the girls’ names or simply, “bridesmaid” or “maid of honor.” Hand it to them in a pretty gift bag and they’re guaranteed to say, “I do!” Create a Bridesmaid Box This idea calls for a little more creativity, but we know you’re a crafty bride, after all! So, why not put together a decorative box filled with things you know your girls will love? We’ve seen fun things like personalized wine glasses or koozies, candles and chocolates, keychains and jewelry, a photo frame or a coffee mug…the sky’s the limit! You know your girls best! Message in a…Balloon A fun twist on a message in a bottle! Simply cut out strips of paper and write your proposals on them. Then, blow up a balloon and slip your message and confetti or sequins in the opening before knotting it shut. After that, you’ll want to tie a piece of ribbon to one end of the balloon. On the other end, you’ll want to tie a hole-punched note that says “pop me” with a safety pin attached to it. Give it to your girls and watch the confetti fly as they laugh with joy! Simple and cost-effective! Personal and Sentimental For all you sentimental brides, this idea is for you! Compile all your favorite pictures of you and your bestie(s) together. Create a collage of all your fun memories, or, perhaps you have one awesome picture that would look great in personalized frame. Include a hand-written note of all the great times you’ve had together and voila! Instant tear-jerker. Be sure to include the tissues! This is So Punny If you’re one for sarcasm and one-liners (and donuts) you’ll love this bridesmaid proposal! One that we love in particular is the “donut proposal.” With this one, you’ll need a couple small boxes (for each girl) and a box of donuts. Put some tissue paper and a donut in each box. On the inside top of the box, write “be my bridesmaid/maid of honor?” On the outside of the box write, “I DONUT want to get married without you!” How cute is that!? We know nothing can top your man’s proposal, but these bridesmaid proposals come in at a close second! Have any other fun ideas for us? Be sure to let us know in the comments below! For more information on planning your wedding, click here to get started!
With over 25% of weddings now taking place away from home, destination weddings have evolved into a cost-effective, meaningful and unique way for couples to share their wedding experience with their guests. Planning a wedding from a thousand miles away can still feel a bit daunting at first, but it is impossible to ignore the gorgeous beach wedding photos on Pinterest and Instagram, right? If you feel the little spark of hope in your heart as you scroll through destination wedding ideas, don’t ignore it! Don’t be afraid of it! Planning a destination wedding has come a long way and is now actually easier to plan than a wedding at home. Here are a few questions you may be asking yourself:
1. How will I ever decide on a location and resort? This is often the most difficult part of planning a destination wedding. Our best advice here is to find a travel agent that specializes in planning destination weddings. Anyone can book a trip. Planning a destination wedding for 20, 40 or 100 guests takes a completely different set of skills. Need a recommendation? Reach out to one of the award-winning agents at Romance Travel Group. Destination weddings are our passion! 2. What will my guests think? Most of your guests will be thrilled at the idea of a vacation with you! Some will be concerned about cost or safety. Your agent will communicate with your guests, answering all their questions and making sure they know everything they need for their trip. Trust us… your guests will RAVE about your wedding. Many destination wedding groups start traveling together every year because they had such a great time at the wedding. They will have a great time! 3. How much will all this cost? Legit question! We often say that the couple can expect to pay under $10,000 for the trip, ceremony and reception. This can vary, of course, but it is a good estimate. Your guests can expect to pay about $1100 for a 3 night/4 day all-inclusive experience. 4. How can I be sure my wedding will be what I want? Most resorts have wedding departments with a team of coordinators on-site that will execute your vision. You can send them photos, Pinterest boards, spreadsheets, etc, and they will recreate the wedding of your dreams. Just about anything you see at local weddings can also be done in destination. 5. Who is going to help with all the travel plans? Remember that destination wedding travel expert we mentioned? She will work with each guest to create the trip that works best for them. Some guests will make a week-long vacation out of their trip, while others will only be able to sneak away from 3 nights. No problem! Your agent will handle all the details so you don’t have to. 6. How will I know what needs to be done? Your travel expert and the wedding coordinator will ensure everything has been considered and your big day is executed perfectly. Together, they’ll help you through all the steps and decisions that need to happen. You’ll be amazed at how seamlessly everything comes together. Did we answer some of the questions you no-doubt have about planning a destination wedding? We hope so! We know how overwhelming it can seem at first, but we are here to help you through it all. Schedule your free consultation call here. Then, we’ll get to work on hand-selecting a few resorts we think would be absolutely perfect for your destination wedding, based on everything you’ve shared with us. After that, we’ll help you select the resort, book the date and soon, you’ll be inviting guests! Ready to start planning? We sure are! We can’t wait to hear from you! To help you narrow down all of the destination and resort options, start by asking yourself these 5 questions:
Destination Try to keep travel times within reason. For example, you won't want to plan a Hawaii wedding if guests need to fly for 9 hours and can only stay for 3 nights. Likewise, the more exotic islands can often require multiple airline connections to get there. Assume all guests will need a passport. The top destinations are Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, but really, the possibilities are endless. Ceremony Type There are two types of ceremonies for destination weddings; legal and symbolic. Some locations are better than others for legal ceremonies. For a legal ceremony, you’ll need to follow all of the laws of the country you are traveling to. If you absolutely must have a legal ceremony, we recommend avoiding the Dominican Republic and Aruba. To have a symbolic ceremony, you would be legally married at home by your clergy or courthouse before you travel. At your destination wedding, you will celebrate your union as if it were your actual wedding with flowers, music, vows and other ceremony details. Your guests will not know the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony. Approximately 80% of all destination weddings are symbolic. It is so much easier! Resort Do you envision something small and intimate, or something loaded with activities and energy? We highly recommend all-inclusive resorts that include meals and drinks. This makes it so much easier for your guests to budget for their trip. And, many all-inclusive resorts include a semi-private reception with their wedding packages, which saves you money. Perhaps money that could be spent on a nice upgrade to the honeymoon suite! Are you beach people, or pool people? Are you foodies? Are you super casual, or more refined? Adults Only, or Family Friendly If all of your guests are 18+, do adults only! The adult only resorts offer an elevated atmosphere and experience for your wedding day. Some resorts have an adults only “section” while the rest of the resort is family friendly. These often make a great compromise for wedding groups. Budget Consider how much you're comfortable having your guests pay for a 3-night vacation. Typically, budgets start at approximately $1000 per person for a 3 night, all-inclusive vacation including air, hotel, transfers, meals, drinks, tips and taxes. Remember though, you get what you pay for. Of course, the absolute best way to find the perfect destination wedding resort is to enlist the professional guidance of a destination wedding travel specialist like the ones at Romance Travel Group. The RTG specialist will listen to your wants and needs and provide you with a list of hand-chosen resorts that fit your style. Because our specialists travel to the destinations several times a year, they know the ins and outs of each resort better than anyone else, and can accurately compare the pros and cons of each with you. Why not give us a try? You'll be so happy you did! Call us at 507-237-6133 or email us at [email protected]. Hope to hear from you! We can’t imagine a bigger bridal nightmare than a missing or damaged wedding gown. Here’s our best tips for traveling with your dress, so it arrives to your destination in mint condition: 1. Keep it on you
Although some brides are fond on the idea of shipping their dress to their wedding location, no amount of insurance could take the place of your gown should it arrive damaged, or worse –missing! We recommend you carry the dress along with you, as it’s far too important to entrust to anyone else. 2. Check your airline It’s highly suggested to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask for specific carry-on requirements and restrictions. One tip we’d like to point out is to NEVER pack your wedding gown in your checked bags. The risk of it getting damaged or lost is too much of a gamble. 3. Befriend your flight attendant Okay, okay – so technically, no one should get special treatment on a flight (unless your first-class, of course). But let’s be honest, most people have a soft spot for brides, so use it to your advantage! Politely ask the flight attendants if they’d mind stowing your dress away in a first-class closet. If that option doesn’t work, consider laying your gown flat on top of your bags in the overhead compartments nearby. 4. The WallyBag Have you heard about the wonderful ? This 66-inch portable carrier has become increasingly popular among destination brides. Not only does it come in a variety of sizes to accommodate how much dress you have, but it also has various pockets to store a few accessories, or even your veil. The WallyBag folds up 3-ways, and is secured with side-release buckles – perfectly compact to store in the overhead compartments with your other luggage. 5. Use the extra hands With all the airline restrictions these days, you might realize your carry-on bag just doesn’t cut it. Perhaps you’ll want to ask your fiancé or maid-of-honor to pack your garment or accessory bag as their carry-on to free up some space. You’ll also want to make sure your jewelry is on you at all time... you’d hate to lose your precious wedding bling, right? Be sure to follow these tips to ensure your destination wedding travels are as effortless and stress-free as possible (and also pin this article for later 😉). For any questions, please contact us at [email protected], or read the full-article here. From planning your destination wedding, all the way to your honeymoon, our FREE Romance Travel Guide covers it all. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside: Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
Congrats! You’re getting married! Now, let the fun begin! But first, let’s figure out what kind of bride you are. Start by asking yourself questions like, “do I want a traditional, local wedding?” or, “do I want a simple, yet elegant destination wedding?” If you’re having trouble deciding, no worries! We’ve broken it down for you in our FREE Romance Travel Guide. How Much Does a Wedding Cost? Did you know that the average traditional wedding costs around $31,000? Yep, it’s true – and this is excluding the price tag on your honeymoon. We’re excited to share that a destination wedding can be surprisingly affordable! Just download our FREE guide to find out the average cost for a tropical, week-long wedding celebration. How to Plan a Destination Wedding Great! You’re sold on a destination wedding, but “where do I start?” is the real question. Well, say no more! We’ve helped hundreds of brides from all over the United States plan their dream wedding and know exactly what you should do (and should not do) to ensure your day turns out, well, perfect! Be sure to take a look at our planning steps and preparation timeline in our FREE guide. Where to Have a Destination Wedding Did you know that 24% of American weddings are destination weddings? That’s nearly 500,000 destination weddings a year, and that number is expected to keep growing. Curious which destinations are the most popular (hint: Mexico is our #1 choice for value and incredible experiences!) among couples? Then, you’ll want to check out the full list in our Romance Travel Guide! Destination Wedding FAQs You asked, we answered. Find all our most frequently asked questions that we’ve collected over the years laid out for you in our FREE guide. Destination Wedding Tips From creating your “Save-the-Dates” and guest list, all the way to traveling overseas with your wedding dress, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help you throughout the entire experience! Added Bonus: Honeymoon Guide As an added bonus, we’ve included an entire list of ultimate honeymoons that are sure to suit any couple’s style. Because your honeymoon is the cherry-on-top of a perfect destination wedding, after all! Ready to access our entire Romance Travel Guide? Then click here to download your FREE copy today! For more information, contact us at [email protected], or fill out this form to start planning your destination wedding now! How To Choose a Resort? We know how exciting it is to gaze down at the new bling on your finger and float away in dreams of your wedding day. You can already picture it in your mind. It’s your vision, and you just want it to be perfect for everyone. You know what? We do, too!
So often we see questions from brides-to-be posted on destination wedding planning forums and groups about choosing a resort and destination. Then, on que, all of the other brides-to-be reply with the name of the resort THEY chose. We love that everyone is sharing and trying to help, but in all honesty, does this really help? Let us explain… Bride Jenna has been dreaming of a romantic, intimate, sophisticated destination wedding experience and has chosen a resort like El Dorado Maroma. Bride Kara has 2 children and wants to incorporate a vacation and family activities in addition to the wedding, so she has chosen a resort like The Grand at Moon Palace. Both are lovely resorts, but would Jenna be happy at The Grand? Can Kara’s kids even stay at El Dorado? Is Jenna’s El Dorado recommendation helpful to Kara? See what we mean? Let us ask you… Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one person, someone who has been to ALL the destinations and ALL the resorts, that could listen to your lists of wants and needs and hand-pick resorts that fit YOUR vision? Ah, but there is! The first step to planning a destination wedding, the step that will save you time, confusion and stress, is to enlist the guidance and expertise of the destination wedding pros at Romance Travel Group. We will, at no cost to you:
Getting started is easy. Visit our website and answer a few quick questions to schedule the first call with one of our experts. Step 1… done! Need a little reassurance? Here’s what bride Chelci and bride Marci had to say about their experience with Romance Travel Group. Also check out an interview with our founder, Shelli Nornes. We truly love what we do. Planning destination weddings is our passion. We can’t wait to hear from you!
The rumors are true! Having a destination wedding costs less and is easier to plan then a traditional wedding at home. The average cost of a wedding in the States has climbed to over $32,000. By comparison, the couples who plan their destination weddings with us are spending a fraction of that, often coming in under $10,000 total for a 3-night/4-day event. So how do we do it? Here are 7 ways to keep the budget in check without sacrificing any of the fun, frills and experience of your destination wedding.
Go all-inclusive It is no secret that all-inclusive resorts serve up great value. When all meals, drinks, entertainment, airport shuttles and taxes are included, your guests know the total trip cost up front and can easily budget for it. This is especially true for wedding groups. Because it is all-inclusive, the cost you pay for private dinners and events is significantly reduced. Convenience is also a major factor! Travel off season The best rates are found off-season in September and October. Besides rock bottom room rates, you’ll find that resorts are running at lower occupancy levels during the off-season, leaving plenty of pool chairs open for everyone. November and December are good, too, as long as you avoid the holidays. And, because final payments for travel are often due 60-70 days before travel, you don’t have to worry about the trip interfering with Christmas. Choose the right wedding package Almost all resorts offer a complimentary wedding package. They also all offer an extravagant package that includes more than you’ll ever need. Consider starting with just the basic package, then add in little pops of customization here and there where it makes sense. Resorts won’t typically negotiate with the inclusions you don’t want, so start small, then add your personality piece by piece. Bring your own pros Have a photographer friend? A hair-stylist bff? A DJ’ing college roomie? As long as these pros are staying at the resort with you for 3 nights, they are not usually considered outside vendors and you will not have to pay extra to use them. Ask around and negotiate travel for services. Honeymoon split-stay Almost 80% of destination wedding couples still take a honeymoon. Consider a split-stay. This means you’ll stay at the wedding resort for 5-6 nights while your guests are there, but then after the wedding, we’ll help you move to a new resort where you can honeymoon for 3-4 more nights. This will save you a lot in airfare. Keep it natural What is more beautiful than the soft white sand, crystal clear blue water and a swaying palm tree? The scenery is already gorgeous, so is there really a need for all the extra fluff? Keep it simple and natural. Use a wedding travel specialist Ah, there it is. You had to know it was coming! Using a wedding travel specialist like the ones at Romance Travel Group is the best way to ensure you are considering all the options. A good travel pro will make suggestions for you and knows the resorts that offer the most amenities based on what your needs are. She is worth her weight in gold! Convinced that yes, you can do a destination wedding? We hope so! We’d love to make this a reality for you. Fill out our destination wedding questionnaire to get the conversation started. We’ll get back in touch with you soon to chat!
Planning a destination wedding is easy when you follow the right steps. Let us help you plan an unforgettable destination wedding!
1. Generations Riviera Maya
Boasting excellent cuisine, hospitality, and butler service, Generations Riviera Maya pleases just about everyone! Uncover the perfect setting for every aspect of your special day, from designer-inspired details and inclusions, to effortless planning and navigating. This is surely a wedding experience you'll never forget! 2. Hard Rock Punta Cana Generous resort credits and amenities are just a few of our favorite things about Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana! Here, you'll have access to numerous activities, including a vibrant nightclub and casino, plus legendary Hard Rock entertainment… the best way to celebrate as Mr. and Mrs. 3. Azul Beach Riviera Cancun Azul Beach Resort is a great match for couples looking for a balance between family-friendly and adults-only. Not only does it offer the perfect blend of activities, food, and service, it is also designed for all your romantic occasions. Enjoy snuggling on a canopy bed, a beachy candlelit dinner, or just take it easy in your secluded swim-up suite. Whichever you choose, Azul Beach will spoil you. 4. Royalton Riviera Cancun Experience breathtaking moments at Royalton Riviera Cancun, a true lover's paradise. Wedding packages are tailored to any taste or style, and are always customized to fit any budget. Experience a variety of options such as, a wedding concierge, a custom cake, and spa discounts with your wedding package. Additional perks include close proximity to the airport, modern rooms, and dining galore! 5. Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Why do we love this 5-star resort so much? Well, with resort credits to the spa, exciting tours and excursions, golf outings, and its laid-back style, it's very hard not to! Known for it's customization, enhancements, and cultural/religious offerings, a wedding at Moon Palace Jamaica is perfect for those couples looking for a fun, yet intimate wedding. Definitely a show-stopper! So celebrate your wedding in luxury at one of these all-inclusive resorts! Questions? Contact a romance travel specialist today at [email protected]. He popped the question and you said yes! Congratulations! Now thoughts of a tropical destination wedding are drifting through your mind. So many questions! A wedding pro can definitely handle the big stuff, like booking the wedding date and coordinating guest travel. But before you even get to that part, how do you know if a destination wedding is for you? Ask yourself these questions
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