​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!

​Popular Destination Wedding Locations
 
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.

​Planning a destination wedding is surely a very exciting and memorable experience. But as thoughts of organizing travel for 50 guests, planning from hundreds (or thousands!) of miles away and potential language barriers creep in, it can quickly become very overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged! We’ve broken down the initial planning process into these 3 steps to help ensure that your destination wedding goes smoothly and is everything you've dreamed of and more.  Keep reading to see how easy it can be!

We know, the thought of planning a destination wedding can definitely be a daunting task, but by breaking the initial planning down into these 3 steps and working with the right travel agent (we can’t stress this enough!) you can have a stress-free and unforgettable event. Just see what we can do!
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We’d love to be the agency to help you through this process. We’ve been planning destination weddings since 1998, and it is all we do. No cruises, no Disney, no family vacations to distract us from focusing on your wedding day. And since our services to you are FREE (yep, you heard that right!) why not give us some time to show you how we can help. You don’t need to do this alone.

​Beach weddings are a popular choice for couples looking to exchange vows in a relaxed and intimate, tropical setting. While beach weddings are a lot of fun, choosing the perfect dress can be a bit of a challenge. With a little bit of patience and some careful consideration, however, it is possible to find the perfect beach wedding dress that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Dresses above are by Randy Fenoli Bridal. Check out his Beautiful Beginnings collection!

​When choosing a beach wedding dress, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, think about the location and weather. Tropical beaches are hot and humid, so you'll want to look for a dress that is lightweight and flowy to keep you cool and comfortable. You'll also want to keep it simple – a beach wedding is typically a more laid-back and casual affair, so you don't necessarily need to go overboard with a super formal or elaborate dress (unless you want to!) Instead, look for something that is elegant but understated. Finally, don't be afraid to show a little bit of skin – the beach is the perfect setting to show off a strapless neckline or a high-low hemline, just be mindful of any cultural or religious sensitivities.

The dresses above are by Pnina Tornai Bridal.

​There are a few different styles to consider when it comes to beach wedding dresses. Bohemian style dresses are perfect for a laid-back, boho-chic wedding. Look for dresses with flowy, ethereal fabrics and unique details like lace or embroidery. If you're looking for something a bit more formal, a Grecian-inspired beach wedding dress might be the way to go. These dresses typically feature classic, draped fabrics and clean lines. If you want to show off your legs, a short beach wedding dress is a great option. Look for dresses with fun, flirty details like appliques or lace.

​When it comes to accessorizing your beach wedding dress, less is often more. You don't want to overdo it with accessories, especially in a beach setting. A simple pair of earrings or a delicate bracelet is all you need to complete your look. Consider your footwear as well – a pair of high heels may not be practical on the beach, so consider opting for a pair of flat sandals or even going barefoot. Don't forget the veil either – a beach wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear a veil, and there are plenty of options that are lightweight and won't weigh you down in the heat.

​Don’t worry! Choosing the perfect beach wedding dress will be an exciting and fun part of planning your destination wedding. With a little bit of patience and support from your bride tribe, you can find a dress that is both comfortable and beautiful. Keep these tips in mind as you start your search and you'll be sure to find the perfect beach wedding dress for your special day.

Dreaming of a destination wedding? Let the expert planners at Romance Travel Group help you through the process, from finding the perfect resort, to helping with guests travel reservations and more. We plan destination weddings! Let us show you how stress free and easy wedding planning can be.

​Wondering what the difference is between these experts, and who you really need and why? You’re not alone. Keep reading to learn who you need on your side as you plan your destination wedding in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Wedding Coordinator

A wedding coordinator is a resort employee responsible for creating and managing all aspects of the wedding events taking place at the resort. Your wedding coordinator will help you schedule venues, entertainment and vendors. There is no cost for the services provided by wedding coordinators.

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner is an independent professional hired to organize your wedding, create the aesthetics and atmosphere for your day, and manage all vendors. A planner usually works with the resort wedding coordinator on your behalf. They are a liaison between the couple and the resort. Wedding planners can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your wedding.

Destination Wedding Travel Agent

Let’s face it. For many, images of the old school travel agency of My Big Fat Greek Wedding come to mind when the words “travel agent” are tossed around. For years, agents have tried to break away from this dated title and instead use labels such as travel advisor, architect, engineer and designer. But at the end of the day, all are true. With today’s online technology, just about anyone can book a trip. But planning a destination wedding thousands of miles from home in a foreign country for 20-200 guests is way, WAY more complicated than just booking a trip. An experienced destination wedding travel agent is worth her weight in gold when it comes to keeping you organized, guests informed and everything moving seamlessly and smoothly. Your agent should:

• Show you specific resorts that fit your wants, needs and budget and help you choose the best option
• Ensure your wedding date is secured and connect you with the wedding team at the resort
• Confirm group rates, group amenities and manage your room block and deadlines
• Provide guests with details, answers and pre and during travel assistance
• Be your go-to, liaison and confidant every step of the way

Finding and hiring a destination wedding travel agent should be the first step in your planning process. Before diving into resort options, choosing a wedding date or even picking a destination, do yourself a huge favor and spend some time talking to a few potential destination wedding travel agents. As with any professional, you may need to pay a deposit or a retainer to secure their services. You may even be asked to pay for their advice and expertise. Would you expect anything less from an expert?

So what about the wedding coordinator and planner?

You definitely will want the assistance of the resort’s wedding coordinator. She knows the ins and outs of the resort itself and is able to bring your wedding vision into reality. We suggest finding several inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this!) to share with her, along with your budget. She will help you create the vibe you’re going for and offer suggestions and tips along the way.

For most destination weddings, a wedding planner is not necessary. Your travel expert and wedding coordinator should be able to handle everything for you. However, if you are planning a very large or lavish wedding with a lot of details and events to manage, a wedding planner is a good investment. As the saying goes, it sometimes takes a village!

The expert wedding travel agents at Romance Travel Group do one thing and we do it well… we plan destination weddings! After nearly 25 years, our expertise, connections, processes and experience are unrivalled. We are consistently named “best” and “top” agency in the wedding and travel industry. One peek at the hundreds of 5-star reviews is proof of the attention and care that goes into each wedding we take on. We know it is a big step, but we promise that your nerves will turn to excitement after just one 30-minute call with our team. What are you waiting for? Sign up to talk to one of our wedding experts today. ​

With a stunning beach, modern rooms, and picturesque venues, Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is THE resort for destination wedding groups that want to blend together an adult’s only experience yet accommodate families of all ages as well. 

​Located about 25 minutes north of the Cancun airport, this oasis is nestled along a white sand, natural beach amongst postcard worthy teal water, with views of Isla Mujeres along the coastline. The subtle and simple décor throughout this property incorporates local flair mixed with modern yet tropical touches that makes you instantly feel immersed on a tropical escape. 

​Rooms - Spacious and modern rooms incorporate regional décor with fresh, simple, and airy aesthetics throughout. Offering two sections, the upgraded Elegance Club rooms are for guests 18+ and offer Butler service, a private Club lounge, various pools and swim up bars, as well as a private beach area…the ultimate elevated experience. The family section showcases the same design and furnishings, but the sections are separated by a natural fence and uniquely braided wristbands. Bonus - all wristbands double as a room key fob so no worrying about forgetting your key card in the room or finding a place to stash it while at the pool! 

​Staff - Ready at the drop of a hat and always with a smile, the bellmen eagerly await arrivals in the spacious lobby, the dedicated waitstaff at the restaurants and bars are continually ready to serve your next request, and the butlers within the Elegance Club will move one step ahead of you, offering what you don’t even realize you need! The pool and resort entertainment team is the ultimate hype squad - weekly foam parties, daily pool relays, beachside yoga are just a few offerings guests can participate in. However, if lounging is more of your style, there are plenty of loungers scattered amongst the pool or beach as well to take in the breathtaking backdrops. No matter where you are relaxing throughout the resort, guests are sure to feel the genuine, warm, and attentive hospitality.
 
Food/Bars - Offering various types of cuisines throughout the day and night, there is something for every guest at all turns. Each restaurant embraces the style of cuisine with refined furnishings and updated variations on traditional fare. The nightly buffet is an easy choice when you can’t narrow down a craving (everything from an extensive nacho bar to sushi and make-your-own miso soup but be sure to not miss a classic margarita at El Mariachi Loco while sitting on their terrace overlooking the nightly entertainment in the plaza. 

​Weddings - With the wedding team on site, your day is sure to go off without a hitch. The planning process includes a detailed wedding form that outlines every element you envision for your big day! The team here follows your direction and vision rather than bringing design ideas to choose from. Everything they set up and design for your day is taken directly from the form - it is an essential guide to be filled out between you and the team each time you talk as it will dictate your dream day, with no aspect to be missed. Each wedding is sure to be unique and tailored to the couple, offering unique WOW factors such as water drums, cigar rolling, a mariachi band or a specialized Circus or Impersonator show. Multiple ceremony venues include a unique garden gazebo that commands center stage with its unique 360° circular setup; the idyllic beach which also offers a second gazebo venue with a boardwalk, providing a the best of both worlds for couples who want the beach wedding without actually being in the sand; Lastly, the ultimate view is at the Sky Terrace with your guests sitting amongst a pool providing never-ending views of the crystal blue sea and powder sand behind you as you say “I do.” Coming soon: a pier is set to be built that will be the quintessential venue for a destination wedding.  

If you want to say “I do” to Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, we are your experts! With the established partnership we have cultivated with their teams, we are here to help you with every step towards the aisle - you just need to decide which aisle is your favorite at this gorgeous resort! 
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​P.S. If this post helped, be sure to pin it for later!

Wedding Date: March 3, 2022 ~ Resort:  The Fives Beach ~ Photographer: Timeless Photography ~ Bridal Salon: Posh

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
After doing some research around how to start planning a destination wedding in Mexico, I came across RTG in a Google search. I chose RTG after having a kick-off call with Shelli. She made me feel very comfortable with the way she explained how her company works, their process, and how they care about each unique wedding; it made me excited to want to move forward with even doing a destination wedding. She is SO friendly! 

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
My husband and I knew we didn’t want to get married in Minnesota (where we live). After exploring destination weddings in other states (Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina), I realized how complex and expensive it’d be to do a “destination” wedding elsewhere in the US. Then, someone asked if I had thought about doing it in Mexico. I was hesitant at first, but after doing some research online, I read that destination weddings at all inclusive resorts in Mexico are so much more affordable! We probably saved ourselves $10-$15k just by doing it in Mexico. 

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
I explained my budget, resort must-haves, and style I was looking for to Shelli. I was excited about all of the unique areas around the resort that would be awesome for pictures and it was family friendly which was important to us since there would be kids traveling.

What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
Planning a wedding sight unseen. But, it ended up exceeding my expectations once I saw how everything was curated and set up for each event. 

Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
The wedding coordinator was very friendly, patient, flexible, and listened to my budget concerns…helping to give me ideas and options that would fit into what I wanted to spend. The biggest challenge was getting timely responses from them. At one point, I hadn’t heard from them for 3 months and we were 1-2 months away from the wedding without having finalized all selections! Once back in touch with them, finalizing planning went well and they were really responsive. 

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
Yes! We received many compliments from our guests around how easy, communicative, and professional RTG was to book with. 

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Getting all details finalized with the wedding coordinator. It was indicated that we had to make final selections and payment 1 month before the wedding but I hadn’t heard from them in 3 months. But they ended up letting me finalize and make selections even up to the wedding day! 

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
The meeting I had with the onsite coordinator when we arrived went very well! We went over every single detail. She gave me her whats app phone number to communicate with her leading up to the wedding day which was great for last minute questions. She was a really hard worker.

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?
It was easy to travel with the dress for the most part. I did carry it on and was able to store it in the first class closet on the way down to MX, but on the way back, I had to lay it down in an overhead bin. I did get some comments at the airport on the way down! 

Tell us about your wedding – did you have a traditional wedding with a cocktail hour, dinner reception and dance? What was different about a destination wedding compared to a wedding at home?
We had a welcome reception the evening before the wedding (drinks and apps). The day of the wedding was the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception (+ DJ and dancing!). It was just easy for everyone to be in one place the day before and the day of the wedding. Easy to navigate around from event to event and it just felt more intimate! And each area around the resort that we held the events at were beautiful and unique in their own way.

What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
The reception! It was just so memorable and fun to have all of our favorite people together to celebrate with us. The music, ambiance, and staff made the evening even more special! 

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
Being able to book our guests' travel and answering any questions they had!

What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. Only advice is to be patient with the planning coordinator as you plan with them leading up to traveling. As mentioned, you may not hear from them for a while but it will ALL come together! Also, think about decor that you can bring down on your own to save $$ (they charge A LOT for decor). We brought down our own string lights, votives + candles, table numbers, and other decor.  

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
Absolutely! 100%.

When you work with a travel expert, they will literally take care of every detail for both you and your guests from the moment of booking, until you arrive home.  More specifically, you can expect them to:

1. Oversee the entire travel planning process
2. Recommend destinations and resorts that best suit your budget and preferences
3. Manage room blocks and guest questions - so you don't have to!
4. Act as your liaison for getting things done - again - so you don't have to!
5. Manages all things travel related - from research and booking, to airport transportation, and hooking you up with your onsite wedding coordinator