Destination Wedding Planning Guide
Destination weddings are all the rage these days, with couples choosing to tie the knot in far-flung locations including Mexico, Hawaii, Jamaica and more. But given that most of these dream weddings are often held at resorts you’re probably not familiar with, it can be tricky to narrow down which one is best suited to your needs and style. That’s where we come in! After months of research, we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorite resorts that cater specifically to destination wedding couples. Enjoy these amazing destination wedding resorts that could be perfect for YOUR destination wedding.
Destination Wedding Planning Guide - Resort
El Dorado Casitas Royale
Surrounded by lush jungles and white sandy beaches, El Dorado Casitas Royale is the perfect place for a dream wedding in Mexico. The resort offers packages that include an on-site wedding planner, flowers, music, and more — all you have to do is show up! After your big day, couples can enjoy their honeymoon at one of the resort's many private plunge pools or swim-up suites.
And for couples looking for a one-of-a-kind exclusive wedding experience for your adult-only wedding, consider the Private Enclave Wedding Experience. This wedding package is your chance to reserve an entire private section of the resort, inclusive of your own private enclave with a private pool exclusive to your group, personalized butler service, private events including a Mexican Beach Fiesta with Live Mexican Trio, plus luxury accommodations and so much more.
At the end of your wedding celebration, you’ll be whisked away to an overwater bungalow or beachfront villa for your honeymoon.
The Grand Velas, Riviera Maya
There are many reasons to host your wedding at a luxurious hotel and spa resort such as the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. This exquisite all-inclusive hideaway is located in the magical Mexican Riviera Maya, which is known for its picturesque beaches and abundant wildlife. The resort just steps away from world-class beaches and an abundance of fun activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, aqua aerobics, and tons of amazing excursions.
From the Pinterest-worthy grand ballrooms to the exquisite outdoor venues, and the world-class service to the executive chefs, Grand Velas has you covered. With a gorgeous wedding chapel that seats up to 150 guests, an ocean terrace that is the perfect setting for an intimate reception, and an oceanfront wedding deck that offers stunning views, this destination wedding resort is truly jaw-dropping.
They only do a handful of weddings per year, ensuring that you receive the attention and help you deserve. Your big day should be as unique as your relationship, so let’s find your ideal setting at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall Jamaica
When you think about the most romantic destinations for a wedding, we invite you to consider the magical island of Jamaica. And after your dreamy wedding experience at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall Jamaica, you’ll be glad you did. This newly designed resort offers numerous amenities catering to the needs of those celebrating their special day.
Weddings are a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves to be planned with care and style. If you want your wedding to be perfect, do what the stars are doing and book at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall Jamaica. Another benefit to hosting your destination wedding in Jamaica is that legal weddings are easy and inexpensive.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos is the ultimate luxury vacation for guests of all ages. Featuring fine dining, premium drinks, butler service, large suites to accommodate bigger families, a waterpark, and unlimited water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Why get married at Beaches Turks & Caicos? Why not? Because all eyes are on you and every memory counts, you need a venue where every moment of your wedding will be perfect. Choosing Beaches Turks & Caicos means never having to worry about anything going wrong because they’ve got everything covered for you. Plus, there aren’t many venues that offer award-winning services, stunning settings, and fresh Caribbean air — all in one place. The luxury resort and all-inclusive nature ensure that no detail is left unattended — making your wedding unforgettable.
These are just a few of the amazing places to consider for your dream destination wedding in The Caribbean and Mexico. The best thing about a destination wedding is that you get to say “I Do” in a bucket list location of your choice. Options like these resorts above are great ideas for a couple that wants to do something different, and at the very least throw the type of wedding you and all your family & friends will NEVER forget.
Still trying to decide if a destination wedding is for you, here’s a few more ideas to consider.
Average Cost Of Small Destination Wedding
The cost of a small destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, the resort's amenities, the number of guests, and the specific package or services you choose. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars for a destination wedding.
Here are some general factors that can impact the cost:
Location: Popular tourist destinations or high-demand locations may have higher costs.
Resort Quality: The level of luxury and services provided by the all-inclusive resort will influence the overall cost.
Number of Guests: The more guests you have, the higher the cost for accommodation, meals, and other services.
Wedding Package: Many resorts offer wedding packages that include various services such as ceremony setup, flowers, photography, and more. The cost will depend on the inclusions of the package.
Additional Services: If you want extra services like a private reception, live entertainment, or special decorations, these will add to the overall cost.
Season and Day of the Week: Prices can vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week. High-demand seasons and weekends may be more expensive.
When To Send Invites For Destination Wedding
For a destination wedding, it's crucial to send out invitations well in advance to give your guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements. Send save-the-date cards as early as possible, preferably 10-12 months. This preliminary notice allows guests to mark the date on their calendars and start making travel plans. Include essential details like the location, date, and a wedding website or travel agent information with directions on how to secure their rooms. Follow up the save-the-dates with formal invitations 3 to 6 months before the wedding. This gives guests more specific details about the event, such as the full itinerary, accommodations, and any additional activities planned.
Alongside the formal invitations, provide information on travel options, recommended accommodations, and any group rates or discounts you may have arranged with hotels. Include details on transportation to and from the venue if necessary. Additionally, consider the destination's peak travel seasons and any local events that might affect availability and pricing for accommodations. Providing comprehensive information early on will help your guests plan and ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved. Psst….. let me let you in on a little secret…your travel agent, aka:
TH Travel Designs will help you with all of this. :)
Planning a destination wedding can be a big undertaking, especially when it comes to discovering the perfect resort where you intend to get married. After all, bringing your wedding vision to life will depend a lot on the resort you choose. The right resort can make your dreams of a spectacular wedding come true.
Don’t forget you’re not alone in your destination wedding planning. If you would like to talk to someone about your destination wedding resort options, then feel free to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me so that you CAN have the wedding you have always dreamed of.
