Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life. And choosing the right travel agent to help plan your destination wedding is one of the most important decisions you'll make. An experienced travel agent is invaluable... they know the destinations, resorts, and the entire process to ensure everything runs smoothly. They have relationships with resort wedding teams, which means emails and phone calls are answered quickly. They can negotiate, spot potential problems, and handle emergencies, ensuring your big day goes off without a hitch. But, how do you find one, and how do you know they'll be good? Read on.

Before scheduling a consultation with a potential travel agent, do your homework. A little bit of easy detective work will help you narrow down your list of agents to interview quickly. Hop on their website and social media and poke around. Here are a few things to look for:

1. Read Reviews
​Reviews should be plenty and overwhelmingly positive. If you come across a negative review, don’t worry. Instead of emphasizing the review itself, consider how the agent responded to it.  A professional and fair response indicates that the agent values customer satisfaction and handles issues responsibly. Wedding agents work with hundreds if not thousands of wedding guests per year. The truth is, not all of those wedding guests are happy about the wedding or thrilled about needing to spend money on a trip that they have no control over. Sometimes, no matter how good an agent is, a guest is just not happy. Reviews are always two-sided, so look for trends in the overall feedback.

2. Check for Professionalism
A legitimate agent will have a professional online presence, including a business email address (a Gmail or Yahoo email is just plain unacceptable). Make sure to verify that the agent has a proper business setup, including necessary licenses and E&O insurance, ensuring they operate legally and ethically. Do they display a Seller of Travel number or affiliations on their website? Their social media should showcase client experiences and destination weddings. Be wary of agents who are trying to recruit other agents.

Speaking of recruiting... there are a number of travel MLM schemes to avoid.  In the travel industry, it's crucial to distinguish between real professionals and MLM agents. MLM agents often lack formal training and experience and rely heavily on recruiting new agents rather than focusing on client service.  This "recruiting" it a red flag that can often easily be spotted on social media and websites. 

3. Look for Accolades
Look for resort and industry-affiliated certifications, awards, and accolades, including The Knot Best of Weddings, Wedding Wire’s Couple Choice. Almost all destinations and resorts recognize their top-producing agents, who in turn will proudly display their achievements as confirmation of their expertise and success. These recognitions indicate that the agent has been vetted and is respected in the industry.

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential agents to two or three, you're ready to set up a time to speak with them. When interviewing potential travel agents, consider asking the following questions. 

Regarding Their Experience and Specialization:

1. "How many destination weddings have you planned?"
Experience is important for stress-free wedding planning. To be fair, we understand that everyone needs to start somewhere, but do you really want your wedding to be their first? An agent with extensive training, knowledge, and industry connections can navigate challenges effectively and has the expertise to handle unique situations, ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly.

2. "Do you specialize in destination weddings, or do you handle other types of travel as well?"
Lean towards agents that ONLY plan destination weddings. Think of it this way… if you have a heart condition, would you prefer a general practitioner or a cardiologist? You would want the specialist, of course! A wedding-specific agent is honed in on the wedding industry, the resorts, the process, and most importantly, your expectations. They live and breathe wedding travel and are far more invested in the process.

Regarding Their Process and Services:

3. "What is your destination wedding process?"
An experienced travel agent will have a well-defined process with checks and balances to manage all aspects of a destination wedding. This process should cover everything from securing the room block and ensuring the most perks and freebies from the resort to confirming the date and venue and communicating with guests. The agent should have a thorough understanding of all the moving parts involved and be able to communicate clearly how they will handle each step. This includes managing contracts, coordinating with the resort’s wedding team, and providing ongoing support to you and your guests. A detailed process ensures that nothing is overlooked and that you can relax knowing that all the logistics are in capable hands.

4. "What services are included when I hire you?" 
A destination wedding involves more than just booking a trip. You'll need assistance with guest management, creating a wedding website, sending save-the-dates, updating the rooming list and providing 24-hour support for your guests. For the most seamless experience, hire an agent that is capable of managing and providing these services for you. The more help you can get, the better!  

​Choosing the right travel agent for your destination wedding is not just about finding someone to book your travel arrangements; it's about entrusting a professional to handle one of the most important events in your life. As you embark on this journey, remember that not all travel agents are created equal. Take the time to research, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts.

If you're ready to start planning your dream destination wedding with a seasoned professional, Romance Travel Group is here to help. With years of experience and a passion for creating unforgettable wedding experiences, we have the expertise and connections you need. Let's work together to turn your dream wedding into a reality.  Schedule your free consultation (and ask us all the questions!) and take the first step towards your perfect destination wedding.

Why Use Our Destination Wedding Cost Calculator?

Transparency & Trust: We believe in complete transparency. No hidden costs, no vague estimates. Our calculator gives you a detailed breakdown, ensuring that you’re well-informed from the very beginning.
 
Tailored to You: Whether you're dreaming of a lavish ceremony or an intimate elopement, our calculator factors in your specific needs, wants, and constraints.
 
Knowledge is Power: Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your big day, and this tool will arm you with insights that can make a significant difference in your planning process.
 
How Does It Work? It's simple!

1. Choose your budget for each wedding component. Don't need a vendor? Just eliminate it!
2. Select how many guests will be booking into your room block. This helps us calculate your cash back.  (Cash back?!? Yes! Ask us about how to earn the most cash back!)
3. Get an immediate, itemized estimate of your wedding costs, including a grand total.

 
Take the Next Step with Us!

We don't just stop at giving you an estimate. Our team of dedicated destination wedding travel experts is here to turn this estimate into a reality. With insider knowledge, destination partnerships, and a passion for perfection, we do everything we can to provide you with a seamless destination wedding planning experience. Just look at our reviews!
 
Destination weddings are about making memories, and our aim is to ensure that those memories are filled with joy, love, and absolute peace of mind. Use our Destination Wedding Cost Calculator today and take the first step towards the wedding of your dreams.
 
Remember, every dream wedding begins with a plan, and every plan starts with understanding your budget. Let us help you realize your vision.
 
Happy Planning & Cheers to Forever!
​
Romance Travel Group
Your Trusted Destination Wedding Travel Agency
 
P.S. Got questions? Feel free to reach out to us anytime. We're here to make your wedding journey as beautiful as the wedding itself!

If you have started to think about planning your destination wedding, there is a good chance that you’re stuck on finding the perfect resort. You’ve probably started looking, found a few resorts that you like, but then suddenly everything starts to blur and look the same. As travel professionals, we know exactly how to start narrowing down the possibilities to discover resorts that are perfect for what our couples need for their wedding. Here are some key points to consider:

​Location
Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic top the list of wedding destinations, given the abundance of all-inclusive resorts and flights. More resorts and flights usually create a better value. The more exotic destinations can definitely be alluring, however, the longer flights and increased costs are factors to consider.
 
Group Size
The number of guests greatly influences your resort choice. A small 20-guest wedding has much different needs than a large 100-guest wedding. Larger groups should look for resorts offering a great group amenity package, which typically include reception, cocktail party and other financial incentives. More guests means more expenses, so seeking out resorts that cater to larger groups will really help with your wedding budget.
 
Guest List
Are you inviting anyone under the age of 18? If so, you'll need a family-friendly resort. Adult-only resorts require all guests to be over the age of 18.
 
Guest Budget
Budgets matter, too! Quality all-inclusive resorts generally charge $200-$280 per person per night. Your wedding date can significantly affect this cost. If guest budget is high on your priority list, consider an off-season wedding date.

Making the Final Decision
 
In the end, location, group size, guests, and budget are all crucial in choosing the right resort. Weigh each factor carefully, keep an open mind, and trust your instincts. After all, it's your special day!
 
Remember, a destination wedding isn't just a ceremony... it's an experience, for both you and your guests. Choosing the right resort plays a key role in creating unforgettable memories.
 
Need more help? Our team at Romance Travel Group is ready to offer personalized planning assistance for your big day.  We've been to the destinations and resorts and can expertly match you to the perfect location. Our services are free. Why not give us a try?

​Let’s face it… traditional weddings are expensive!! This is why more and more couples are choosing to have a destination wedding as a way to save money while still have a beautiful and memorable event. Not only do couples save money, but they get way more in terms of experience and memories. Keep reading to learn more!

Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are some of the most popular destinations for destination weddings. These locations offer a variety of all-inclusive resorts, making it easier for couples to plan their wedding without having to worry about every little detail. The abundance of all-inclusive resorts also makes it easier for guests to attend, since their rooms, meals, drinks and activities are all included in one upfront price.

There are several ways to save money on a destination wedding without sacrificing quality. One of the best ways is to book your wedding during the fall months, when room rates are typically lower. Another idea is to rely on the resort’s natural surroundings for your décor. Who needs tulle, chandeliers and bows when you have swaying palm trees, clear blue waters and white sand beaches? For larger wedding groups, it will be important to find a resort that offers the best group amenities to help cover the reception costs. (Hint: we know the best resorts for this! wink, wink!)

More time with guests, time in a tropical destination AND half the cost? You heard right!

Our wedding experts will help you navigate the process. Even OUR services are complimentary, so why wouldn't you want to explore the idea of a destination wedding? You and your guests will be thrilled that you did. ​

Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
From affordability and convenience, to intimate settings with your closest friends and family - the list really goes on. In fact, we've created a whole blog post dedicated to why you should pick a destination wedding. 
 
How Much Does a Wedding Cost?
Did you know that the average traditional wedding costs around $40,000 and up? Yep - you read that right. With a destination wedding, we have partnerships with gorgeous resorts around the world that will cost you a quarter of the price. Don't believe us? Just check it out for yourself. 
 
How to Plan a Destination Wedding
So, how exactly does this whole thing work, you might ask? Well, say no more! We've worked with thousands of couples on their special day and have got the whole wedding planning thing down to a science. For an idea of our process, click here!
 
Where to Have a Destination Wedding
Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic take the cake for top places to get married (in our opinion). Not sure how to decide? No worries - we'll weigh all the pros and cons with you during our initial meetings!

Interested in working with a travel agent to plan your destination wedding? Then, click below to get in touch with one of our experts!

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.

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 were wondering? We hope so! We know how overwhelming it can seem at first, but we are here to help you through it all. Fill out there short form here and we'll take it from there! Can't wait to chat soon!

​P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!

​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 airport transportation. 

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.  

The wedding usually consists of 4 events; a welcome party, the ceremony, a cocktail hour, and a dinner reception. Wedding packages typically include the ceremony location, bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, officiant, cake, chairs for about 40 guests. Packages range from $0 (you read that right!) to $15,000, but most couples all into the mid-range of $5000 - $7000. 

So, for a grand total of about $10,000, you and your fiancé can enjoy a week-long tropical wedding celebration for about a quarter of the cost of a normal wedding! For more on costs, check out our Destination Wedding Cost chart.

There's a lot to think about! Destinations, budgets, guest count, venue ideas. We cover a lot of this here. But we also suggest going with the resorts that have FREE wedding packages! In addition to your resort’s all-inclusive benefits, wedding packages can 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 much more! The best part? You can always add on specific customizations to your free package to make it your own! Almost all resorts also offer premium wedding packages for a upcharge to match your specific preferences and personality. Wanna check out some of our favorite resorts with free wedding packages? Then, click here to find out!

We suggest you ask yourself a few things as you dive into planning! Some examples include your budget range, your destination of choice, time of year, and how many guests you have to invite. Then, the next step is to find yourself a destination wedding travel agent to guide you through the process. That's us! We'll help you work through all of these questions, find and recommend the perfect resorts, personally help each guest,  and keep you on track so you have a fun and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Ready to begin? Simply click below to get started!