20 Pieces of Advice from Leading Destination Wedding Experts

Planning a destination wedding has its own set of challenges and can leave many brides feeling overwhelmed with the process. Why not lean on expert’s advice to help make the planning process as smooth as possible? Below are some of the most important pieces of advice from leading vendors in the destination wedding field.

First of all, what do we mean by experts? Everyone included in this post has had a direct impact in planning, coordinating, or producing a destination wedding. Whether that’s a wedding planner, photographer, videographer, florist, or something similar, every one of these vendors has helped make thousands of destination weddings successful.

We’ve grouped the advice based on service, so if you’re looking specifically for photography or decor advice you can look at those specific categories. If you aren’t looking for something in particular we recommend reading each expert’s advice to make sure you get the most out of your destination wedding as possible. Here’s what they have to say.

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Category: Photography

Vendor: Monica Lopez Photography

Location: Cancun and Riviera Maya

“One of the most important things as a photographer is to have a good timeline taking in consideration the sunset time during the wedding day. Why? The best light for photos happens during the “golden hour.” This is when the light is not strong, but softer, and you get some beautiful golden tones –  in the tropics, this is also the time when the weather starts to get fresher  – so you and your guests will be more comfortable during photos – no squinting eyes, no sweating, just a win/win situation.

You can google “sunset time + location + your wedding month” and check when the sunset is. I recommend planning your ceremony 2 hours before the sun sets – allowing for ceremony, family portraits and romantic portraits before the sun goes away.

If you want more than 1 hour for your romantic photos, just move earlier your ceremony time. If you are ever in need of help to plan your timeline, ask your vendors! We are the experts and will help make your vision come true.”

Monica Lopez Photography: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Dean Sanderson

Location: Cancun, Riviera Maya, & Tulum

“Time your wedding ceremony so that it is 2 hours before sunset. Anything more than 3 hours before sunset, and it could be scorching for you and your guests. Anything less than 2 hours before sunset and you will be rushed to get your photographs finished before the reception. For the perfect ceremony, plan your wedding 2 or 2.5 hours before sunset. 

Here in Cancun and Riviera Maya, 90% of the time, there is a beautiful breeze coming off the ocean in the late afternoon. It’s lovely and what allows you to be on the beach in full clothing, but if you wear your hair down, it will blow it around and likely into your face during your wedding ceremony. So please choose a hairstyle where your hair is up or under control.”

Dean Sanderson: Instagram

Vendor: GGG Photo

Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

“Allow extra time for everything.

As professional wedding photographers in one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world for more than 10 years, we have seen it all. We have done literally hundreds of weddings in the Caribbean but also worldwide and the common denominator for all these weddings have been TIME.

Getting married at sunset on a Caribbean beach sounds romantic and overall perfect, but actually the truth is that after the ceremony is over there are a number of pictures to do (family, newlyweds, etc.) that brides and grooms will love to have the real full colors of the turquoise waters, the green palm trees, white sands, etc. However, it is not possible to get those results if the sun comes down and there is no more natural light.

Normally, a wedding done in an “All-Inclusive Resort” is a short day of back-to-back small events. Getting ready, just a few minutes before the ceremony. The ceremony itself doesn’t last for more than 15-20 minutes and sooner than later the reception and dinner are waiting for the bride and groom to show up. This is the way of the “wedding factories” as we call them, that can have several celebrations in one single day. So, it’s really important to consider a WDV (Wedding-Dedicated Venue). They will do everything around the couple’s schedule and their attention to detail is fantastic. They provide transportation to the couple and all their guests to and from their resort. And the prices are most of the time way smaller than the all-inclusives.

We believe that a wedding day is to be enjoyed, one should be relaxed in the company of loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime. Amazing pictures are not the result of multiple strikes of luck being at the right place, at the right time. One should plan ahead and have at least one meeting with the vendors, photo, video, hair & make-up artists, DJs, etc. Especially the wedding coordinator that should capture your vision making sure the most important thing is to have things done YOUR way.

For each day of the year, depending on the location in the globe, there is a perfect time for each part of the wedding day. Brides and Grooms should allocate at least 2 hours for the “getting ready” part before the ceremony and after that’s over they must have at least 45 minutes to 1 hour for group shots, depending on how many guests they bring. The photo session for the newlyweds on the surroundings of the venue should be at least 1 hour, allowing the photographers to be able to create unique situations and awesome pictures. Again, the great pictures take preparation.
In the case the services hired include both photo and video the time for this session should be increased. This will give the photo and video team actual time to divide between them to perform in the best way.

In the reception, dinner and/or party, this rule is still valid. There are a number of things to be done (entrances, dances, speeches, cutting of the cake, games, party, etc.) and a strong timeline is a must.

Extra tip: besides the wedding planner, a Master of Ceremonies (MC) is of great help to make sure everything is on schedule.”

GGG Photo: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Memory Box Photography

Location: Tulum

“Be sure to plan ahead and make time so you can enjoy your day. There is not a worst feeling that being in a rush. We advice to have 1 1/2 to 2 hours of getting ready and first look so you can have your time to enjoy these first moments of the day and take some nice pictures before the ceremony. Be sure there is good communication between your planner and photographer to make the best of the day and be able to create awesome pictures together.”

Memory Box Photography: Instagram

Vendor: Jasmin & Matt Photography

Location: Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya (also servicing Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Cozumel, & Holbox)

“We strongly recommend you consider the climate/temperature difference from where you live vs. where you’re getting married so you can style yourselves appropriately. Be mindful if you’re getting married on the beach, as there will likely be a sea breeze accompanying the location. You’ll want to think carefully about how you style your hair so it’s a style you love that’s also manageable with the wind.

Oftentimes, there will be a more forgiving side to stand on, where the wind will be on your face, rather than on your back. Choose this location for the bride for the best photos with the least amount of distractions. The same advice applies to veils for destination weddings. They can be great for creative photos and bridal portraits, but can cause a fuss during the ceremony. Once more, the breeze on your face will help keep your veil flowing gently behind you.

BONUS TIP: If your veil or hair has some fly away moments, don’t be shy to adjust yourself as needed. Your photographers, your guests, and most importantly, your fiancé, will understand as we all want to see the tears in your eyes and the smile on your face.”

Jasmin & Matt Photography: Instagram & Facebook

Category: Floral Services

Vendor: Flora Amor

Location: Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico (also serving Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, & Sayulita areas)

“Ensure photos are a part of the communication and design process! One person’s version of romantic boho may be completely different than another. With photos you can be clear about color, flower type, and have a visual for what you mean when you use descriptions like boho, whimsy, classic, or romantic.”

Flora Amor: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Florenta Flower Design By Lola Del Campo

Location: Los Cabos

“Go with season flowers, this will save you lots of money.  Think of the overall look of the event and not to a specific flower. Always hire a wedding planner, so you, your fiancé, and your family can really relax and enjoy the day.”

Lola Del Campo: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Cherry Blossom

Location: Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun & Riviera Maya

“When talking about flowers, we will always suggest the ones that work the best with our tropical weather. There are gorgeous blooms that would not make it in our warm Caribbean land.  The second advice is to take a minute to enjoy your flowers, to look over all the wedding, and be proud of your hard work and detailed planning of your big day. It is just a few hours to enjoy months of planning, you totally deserve to enjoy this moment together.”

Cherry Blossom: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Liz Alarcon Floral Designer

Location: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen & Tulum

“If you don’t have an idea for your wedding inspiration (and you feel that this prevents you from moving forward with the preparations), don’t break your head and lose hours in Pinterest.

Take some time to talk with your floral designer. I am sure that after knowing which flower is the most suitable by season, color palette, and styling, you will find the inspiration you were looking for and design the wedding of your dreams.”

Liz Alarcon Floral Designer: Instagram & Facebook

Category: Wedding Planning & Design

Vendor: Akiin Beach Tulum

Location: Tulum

“ENJOY & SHINE & BE HAPPY!!  Don’t lose focus on why you are getting married, trust your wedding planner and team. Don’t worry for nothing. Sing, dance, have a good time, don’t drink too much, hydrate yourself, don’t forget to kiss the love of your life a lot, and thank your family and friends for sharing those magical moments!”

Akiin Beach Tulum: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Cabo in Love

Location: Los Cabos

“We understand that planning a destination wedding from abroad can be overwhelming and stressful, not to mention that you might be unfamiliar with the different options for wedding vendors. Our motto is: Getting things done!”

Cabo in Love: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Jennifer C. Wedding & Event Agency

Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

“My first recommendations: work with an expert travel agent in wedding groups who can offer the hotel and air tickets according to your needs and can handle the reservations of your guests, already you begin to delegate obligations.

Immediately hire a destination wedding planner based on the country where you want to have the wedding. She can give you the best recommendations. Since they’re native to the country and are updated with everything that may arise in the planning process with the laws of the country, especially in these times of a pandemic. Then rules are changed depending on whether the situation improves or not.

Having the budget established helps us to have the right supplier for your wedding.”

FYI: We’ve put Jennifer C. Wedding & Event Agency in the wedding and event planning category, but she offers so many other services as well. When asked specifically which service she’s in she replied with, “We can manage everything the wedding needs – wedding décor, guest accommodation, transportation, video services, beauty stylists, makeup services, live entertainment, and more. We are the genie, here to fulfill your every wedding wish. We make everything personalized. Depending on the type of decoration and the general vision of the wedding we make a quote.”

Jennifer C. Wedding & Event Agency: Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter

Vendor: Weddings on the Beach

Location: Riviera Maya

“Organizing a destination wedding can be a breeze or a nightmare depending on the team of experts you select. Take your time making sure the vendors you choose have the experience needed organizing events in the area and make sure they can offer the quality you are expecting so price equals value.”

Weddings on the Beach: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Sunset Soiree

Location: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Sayulita and surrounding areas.

“I read a quote once that said, “I want a marriage more beautiful than my wedding” and that really stuck with me. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m a designer and a planner; I love a pretty wedding with amazing decor and flowers and beautiful furnishings. But stay true to who you are in the planning process and remember why you are getting married in the first place.

All weddings don’t need to be blog worthy and have guests lists over 100 people. It’s especially true now with this pandemic happening. Smaller “Petite Soirees” (as we are coining 😉 ) might be all you really need. A few of your loved ones, some flowers, and good food and wine at a family style table making real memories. Regardless of the size and budget, we are here for you to help along the way to make it fun, honest and as non-stressful as possible.”

Sunset Soiree: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Fer Gallegos & Co.

Location: Cancún, Riviera Maya & Tulum 

“Bride: Remember that your wedding planner is your new best friend so trust her in every way. She’s going to help you with all the details, design and budget so you have to talk about everything you want and need. I’m sure that if the communication is right on your wedding it’s going to be perfect.”

Fer Gallegos & Co.: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: SunHorse Weddings

Location: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

“Before deciding on a venue/hotel, contact at least 3 independent wedding planners in that area for three reasons:

1. Get a list of the venues and hotels that work best for your group (they might know of options you didn’t know about)

2. See which one you would hire in case you decide you need one

3. Get local advice – independent planners have more general knowledge about venues, vendors, caterers & hotels/resorts than a resort specific planner so you get more options and advice then you would if you just talk to a resort.

Create a Wedding Experience for your guests with fun things to do like a local tour, a Welcome Cocktail Hour, or a boat cruise. The couple doesn’t have to pay for everything, they just need to schedule one fun activity to do every day to get their group together and have a great wedding/vacation experience.

Hire a professional wedding planner that actually lives in the town you are getting married in. They have invaluable local information that a traveling planner won’t have. And having a dedicated wedding planner in town will save you a ton of time and stress by being able to contact local vendors and do local research for you.”

SunHorse Weddings: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Fresa Weddings

Location: Mexico & Canada

“1: Plan the wedding that will make YOU happy.  I know it is hard however, I see so many of my couples being torn trying to accommodate guests & trying their best to choose the venue, hotel, food, etc. that will make the guests happy – most times sacrificing what will truly make them happy.  When our couples truly choose to take the wedding in the direction that they have always dreamed of the result is evident in all areas of the wedding planning process.  They are happy & excited through the process and the decisions they make are things that reflect them as a couple – which is what it is all about anyway!

A great example of this is something as simple as the meal selection! If what you want is a kick butt taco bar with all the fixin’s & great margaritas, but your mom wants a fancy plated meal and fine wine, try to remember that this your best day ever and I can promise you that mom and all of the other guests will thank you in the end. They will experience and enjoy the local flavours & relaxed vibe much more than they ever imagined.

2: When allocating dollars in the budget – guest experience trumps the floral! What do I mean? Well, I tell all of my couples to allocate funds to things like a mariachi bands, mixology stations for cocktail hour, or a fabulous DJ (just to name a few) before breaking the bank on those 10 foot floral garland centerpieces.  We can always find ways to get the cost of floral down by doing simple things like adding more greenery.  Guests will always remember the way they “Felt” at your wedding.  The fun they had singing along with the mariachi after your I.do’s, enjoying the best dang jalapeño margarita mixed just for them and how the DJ played the hits that kept them dancing all night long well before they remember your centerpieces! Its all about the guest experience!”

Fresa Weddings: Instagram & Facebook

Category: Decor

Vendor: D-Event

Location: Riviera Maya, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende & Mexico City

“Make sure to have local details integrated in the event to feel the experience of the new place.”

D-Event: Instagram & Facebook

Vendor: Krafted by Design

Location: Jamaica

“Do your research and find a wedding planner that will work alongside you to bring your vision to life. Make sure to also talk with your potential planner in person or on the phone to ensure you are both on the same page. Ensure that this is someone you  are confident and comfortable  working with and who has your best interest at heart to create an unforgettably awesome experience.”

Krafted by Design: Instagram & Facebook

Category: Hair & Makeup

Vendor: Salty Beauty | Destination Bridal Stylist

Location: Tulum & Riviera Maya. They also travel.

“Be sure to see picture and reviews from past brides as it’s the best tool being far away. Make sure the style of the company match with the style you are looking for for your big day.

About Hair & MUA: having a trial before is a great choice to meet each other in a more relax way. Discuss and try the look you would love for your big day to see for yourself how do you feel. Get in touch with us, we love to help and advise future brides in their planning process.”

Salty Beauty: Instagram

Thank you so much to the above vendors for your incredibly helpful insight. This destination wedding advice can be invaluable, especially to those trying to navigate their wedding with limited resources.

What did you all think? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below or contact me here!