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! 

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. 

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

Congratulations, Whitley & Steven!!!

So… the one thing that will solve all your destination wedding woes, you ask? Why, it’s enlisting help from us – the destination wedding pros! Not sure why you should use a pro? Keep reading to find out!
 
One on One Attention
We have planned hundreds of destination weddings for couples all over the United States and are recognized not just as travel agents, but travel advisors. We advocate for you, guide you and overall have your back and make sure you’re taken care of. 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 personalize our services to every couple – every wedding is unique.
 
On-Location Experience
As destination wedding specialists, we are on location at the resorts we recommend several times each year to ensure our couples get the best experience possible. Because of this, have connections with some of the top tourism companies in the world – which means you’ll get the best pricing, emergency support, and value-added amenities you can’t just find online.
 
We Are Wedding Experts
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. Would you rather have a family practitioner or a cardiologist to do open heart surgery? Cardiologist, of course! Don’t leave your wedding to just any travel agent. Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of knowledge and planning, something only a true romance travel expert can help you with. We’ll help you with finding the perfect destination, venue, and travel arrangements, and even hook you up with the onsite wedding planner to help you with all the other details!
 
Feeling relieved yet? Awesome, now let’s get started! Simply click here to fill out an inquiry form and a destination wedding specialist will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true!

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!!! 

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!

Group Excursion
A really unique way we’ve seen couples thank their wedding guests is to set up a group excursion. Not only is this a great option to get everyone together, but it’s an experience your guests will remember forever! Popular excursions include snorkeling, archeological tours, rum or tequila tastings, sunset catamarans, and more.
 
Swag Bag
Swag bags are another popular way for destination wedding couples to thank their guests because, well – it’s fun! Who doesn’t like opening up a little bag of goodies that was created just for them? We’ve seen swag bags filled with things like snacks, local wines or liquors, beach gear, hangover remedies and more.

Spend Time Together
If you prefer to thank you guests with a more intimate experience, then you can always find other ways to spend time together! For example, a day on the beach with your parents and siblings, a spa day with your aunts and cousins, a resort show or concert with your besties. The possibilities are truly endless!
 
Thank You Photos
Rather than a standard thank you card, consider personalizing it! Most photographers are excited to work with you on fun poses and scenery options, so be sure to ask them for some ideas. You may even want to purchase a cute “thank you” sign to pose with, if you’re really trying to get creative!
 
Personalized Drawings
Hiring a live artist will not only entertain your guests, but thank them in the process! Consider bringing one on to impress your guests with their caricature skills – or even see if they’ll paint the beautiful landscapes that surround you. What better way to thank your guests than with a souvenir like that?!
 
Of course, this goes without saying, but a handwritten thank you note is always greatly appreciated in addition to the suggestions above. 😊 Have any questions for us? Then, be sure to contact a romance travel expert, today!

Zola
Zola is an online wedding registry, planner, and retailer-in-one. It’s an e-commerce company that allows couples to register for gifts, experiences, and cash funds, making it one of the top wedding registry sites around. It also works with over 800 brands and top retailers, which is easy for your guests to make selections from anywhere.
 
Amazon
From kitchenware and bath towels, to outdoor games and champagne glass – Amazon really has it all. In fact, Amazon also has one of the world’s largest registry selections with perks like free two-day shipping, easy returns, and more. They even offer couples up to 20% off any items left on your registry – score!
 
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond has been a favorite amongst couples for years – and we understand why! Not only do they carry everything you need for building your new home together, but they also offer free returns and exchanges, price match guarantee, and even an interactive checklist to ensure you get everything you need.
 
Williams Sonoma
The great thing about registering with Williams Sonoma, is that you can also add gifts from Pottery Barn and West Elm. Another perk includes private in-person appointments if you need a little extra guidance. Couples can also enjoy free bonus gifts when you register for products from top brands and guests purchase them.
 
Target
Who doesn’t love Target?! Not only do couples choose to register with them for their large selection of pretty much anything, but they also offer “honeyfunds” that they can use toward newlywed experiences. Target also provides gift ideas of their own exclusive brands, with pre-selected themes and more.
 
Crate & Barrel
Create & Barrel is another wonderful wedding registry option. Not only will you fall in love with their top brands, but they also offer group gifting where your friends and family can go in on a gift together. In addition, Crate & Barrel provides perks like 15% off any gifts that are left on your registry, as well as free shipping and help from real experts.
 
As always, we’re here to assist you with any of your destination wedding needs. Message us here to get in touch with any questions!

​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. 

​Enjoy Yourself
We hope this goes without saying… but remember to relax and have fun! Obviously planning a wedding can be stressful and tiring, but the day of should be enjoyable and nothing less than perfect. Don’t let the little things get to you so it’s written all over your face during your photo shoot. After all, candid photos really are the best photos – so be sure to let go and enjoy every second of it!
 
Be Transparent
Communicate with your photographer ahead of time about what you’re hoping to capture on your wedding day. Do you know your man will cry the first time he sees you? Then, make sure your photographer is all over it. Have a special dance you want to share with your bestie? Then, tell your photographer to take those shots. We also suggest doing a little research ahead of time to get some fun ideas on poses, unique angles, etc. Your photographer should also have some fabulous ideas, so be sure to ask!
 
Find the Best Time
Golden hour happens to be a favorite time to shoot among photographers – and we can’t disagree! The sky is so dreamy and romantic, while the ocean pops against the golden sand. Sunset is another fabulous time to shoot because many beach-goers have gone in for the day, leaving tons of space and privacy for those gorgeous silhouette pictures. Discuss with your photographer what timeline they recommend based on the destination and season you’re getting married in as well!
 
Determine Photo “Musts”
This is super important and can be forgotten if not planned out ahead of time! Be sure you write down your photo “musts” and give it to your photographer to ensure all the important pictures are taken on your wedding day. Note the photos you definitely need, like photos of the bride and her siblings and the groom with his parents, college buddies, etc. You also might want to discuss a timeline with your photographer, so people are flowing in and out of photos with ease.
 
Trash the Dress!
While the thought of it might make you cringe, taking a splash in the ocean with your new husband or wife has become a huge trend for destination weddings. There’s just something about being all dressed up and running into the ocean that feels so liberating and free – something that is truly remarkable when captured on camera. Don’t be afraid to let your hair down at the end of the night and just be in the moment with your partner.
 
We hope you keep these tips in mind when your big photoshoot rolls around – and don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our destination wedding specialists for more assistance when you start planning!

Offering travelers the VIP treatment from the moment after stepping off the plane, Club Mobay is an absolute must the next time you visit Jamaica!
 
So what is Club MoBay?
Located at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, Club MoBay is a VIP arrival and departure lounge that offers travelers a wide-range of comforts, conveniences, and personalized services. Here’s why you’ll love it:
 
Skip Long Lines
The last thing you want to do after a long flight is wait in an immigration line for over an hour in a crowded airport. When you book Club MoBay, you’ll be greeted by your very own personal escort who will guide you through the airport and straight to the lounge. Talk about easy!
 
The Fabulous Service
Aside from your personal escort, Club MoBay’s staff welcomes you with open arms the minute you walk through its doors. Known for their “no problem” mentality and carefree personalities, the people in Jamaica are sure to make you relaxed the moment you arrive.
 
The Food & Drink
Hungry after your long flight? Club MoBay’s got you covered! Offering a wide variety of snacks and beverages, guests can order everything from fresh fruits and pastries, to sandwiches, sushi, and Jamaican patties. You’ll even receive complimentary refreshments, from soft drinks and coffee, to specialty alcoholic beverages.
 
Kid-Friendly & Adult Only Spaces
Club MoBay is great for families! In fact, the kiddos can hang out in a sound-controlled kids’ playroom, where cartoons and toys are always in abundance. Looking for some quiet time with just the adults? Then, check out the adult-only lounge, where you’ll find a set of three rooms to relax and unwind in peace.
 
Great Facilities
Need to freshen up after traveling all day? You’ll be happy to hear about the Club’s shower facilities or spacious restrooms – some of the cleanest you’ll find in any airport! Club MoBay is also air-conditioned, something you’ll be thankful for when you touch down in Jamaica.
 
Onsite Spa
Yep, you read that right. Club MoBay has an onsite spa in the departure lounge where you can get a chair massage or manicure and pedicure. This allows you to savor the final hours of vacation while reducing any tension or anxiety you have prior to traveling.
 
Heading to Jamaica? Then, be sure to ask us how to book your Club MoBay slot today! For recommendations on where to stay in Jamaica, click here to get in touch. 

If you thought a crowded aircraft was bad – just wait until you get into a shared transfer. Here are 6 reasons to take advantage of a private transfer the next time you’re traveling:

No Waiting
Wouldn’t it be great if after hours of flying, you could just hop into a vehicle and drive straight to your hotel without the hassle? Well, with a private transfer, you can. No need to wait in line for what may seem like forever for everyone to load into the bus. With a private transfer, the focus is on you. So, when you’re ready to go, you’ll go.
 
Non-Stop Drive
A private transfer allows you to head straight to the hotel with no interruptions. And unlike a shared transfer, a private ride doesn’t make three stops along the way and waste your precious vacation time. Trust us – we know every minute counts!
 
Easy Check-In
We know the last thing you want to do after traveling all day is wait in yet another line with all of your luggage. A private transfer allows you to arrive on your own time – not in a large crowd where everyone is trying to check into their rooms at once.
 
Easy Check-Out
Just like check-in, checking out of your hotel should run just as smoothly. This is because you’re running on your own schedule and no one else’s. It also makes the process more enjoyable and stress-free since you’ll receive undivided attention from the driver.
 
Personal Attention
With a private transfer, you’ll actually feel important at the airport because there’s someone waiting for you and excited to take care of you the moment you arrive. Afterall, who doesn’t like being a little spoiled from time-to-time?
 
Great Experience
On top of all the great reasons we just mentioned, having a private transfer really is the perfect way to start and end a vacation. Not only is it nice to know your transportation is taken care of, but it gives you peace of mind in knowing someone is there to guide you so you can get the most out of your vacation.
 
We hope you consider taking a private transfer the next time you vacation! Need more info? Then, shoot us a note at hello@romancetravelgroup.com for some recommendations. 

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 hello@romancetravelgroup.com so we can connect you with the right people! 

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. 
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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! 

The Resort
The resort you select can truly make or break a destination wedding. It essentially sets the tone for your special day and impacts not only your experience, but your guests’ experience, as well. Be sure to work carefully with your destination wedding specialist to ensure you’re accommodating everyone in your party, so your wedding day turns out as perfect as you imagined. Here are some of our favorite adult-only and family-friendly destination wedding properties to help get you started.
 
Private Transfers
There’s nothing we dislike more than a rowdy 2-hour transfer to the resort after a full day of traveling. We work with several transfer companies that cater to wedding groups all the time, so you and your wedding party can relax and unwind together in peace. This will give your group some down time before the wedding festivities begin!  
 
Quality Time
What’s so unique and special about a destination wedding is that the celebration goes on for a few days or more, if you’re lucky! This gives you and your loved ones plenty of opportunities to spend some quality time together in paradise. The best part? Most resorts have special activities already lined up for the wedding group, so you can bond over new experiences that will create the best memories. Be sure to set aside extra time for this one!
 
Photography & Videography
If there’s one thing not to skimp on for your wedding, it’s your photos and video. We always recommend our brides and grooms invest in a good, quality photographer and videographer to ensure all your memories throughout the day are captured. This is the best day of your life, after all! We have plenty of recommendations for some pretty incredible destination wedding photo and video professionals, here.  
 
Your Honeymoon  
Ah, the honeymoon. Can’t forget about that! Some couples think because they are going away for their destination wedding, that it counts as their honeymoon…but we beg to differ! After all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding (and hanging with the family), nothing beats breaking away from it all to get some alone time with your sweetie. We have dozens of honeymoon ideas for you, not to mention numerous honeymoon offers that come as an added perk when you book your wedding with a particular property. Be sure to take advantage of all the wedding festivities, you deserve it, girl! 
 
We hope you’ll consider some of these tips when you start to plan your destination wedding –trust us, you won’t regret it! For more information from the experts, be sure to shoot us a note at hello@romancetravelgroup.com today!