How to Have the Best Destination Wedding – A 6 Step Guide

You can just picture it now. Lying on the beach listening to the waves with a drink in your hand. The sun is shining down on you, all your closest friends and family are nearby, and you’re only a couple days away from marrying your future husband. You’re thinking of getting a massage later… or maybe you’ll decide on the facial? Either way, you know it’s going to be the perfect before-dinner treat. This is going to be the prefect destination wedding trip.

There are many amazing reasons to choose a destination wedding. But, although it seems like a breeze and nothing but relaxation, you’ll quickly find yourself stressed and overwhelmed if you don’t know what to expect or don’t properly plan ahead. Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of resources out there to help with destination wedding specific planning. It can be very different from a traditional wedding, and although it can be a lot less planning and money, can still be stressful at times.

That’s where I can help.  This post goes over the most important aspects of a destination wedding – specifically at all-inclusive resorts in the Mexico and Caribbean region. Checking the following items off your to-do list will give you a huge advantage and help guide you to plan the perfect destination wedding you’re envisioning.

Powered by RedCircle

1. Decide on a Budget Early

I know this can already seem hard to figure out. The reason it’s one of the top to-do’s is because you’ll soon realize the hidden costs in everything a destination wedding entails. Yes, pricing can be listed on the resort website, but a lot of resorts have add-on costs for things you may not realize. This can quickly turn your perfect destination wedding into a not-so-perfect one.

For example, the website might list 3 tiers of wedding packages, and you may be thinking you’re getting everything you need by going with the most expensive one. You book it, and then the resort sends you an 8 page list of add-ons they’re asking if you’d like to include (I may be, unfortunately, speaking from experience on this one). Do you want anyone else to have a bouquet or boutonniere besides you and your husband? That may be extra. Sure, you get a dinner reception, but the sound system, DJ, or dance floor might all be added charges and those charges can add up quickly. Keep this in mind when deciding on your budget.

The biggest items to decide your budget around are the following:

• Resort accommodations + travel (this is usually broken down by your travel agent, so don’t worry about the costs you’ll see directly from the resort)
• Resort wedding package or a-la carte cost
• Wedding dress
• Groom’s attire
• Photos (if this is not included in your wedding package, or if you’d like to hire an additional photographer/videographer)
• Stationary (invites, thank-you’s, stamps, envelopes)
• Wedding favors (gifts for your wedding party, parents, grandparents, gift bags, etc.)

There should also be a miscellaneous category for smaller things you can’t think of right now, but will add up if you aren’t setting aside additional funds.

Don’t miss out on our post, “Your Destination Wedding Budget – 16 Must Have Budget Items” to make sure you aren’t missing anything.

2. Pick the Right Travel Agent

Once you start looking at resorts you’ll quickly realize how many there are and you’ll have no idea how to go about picking the right one. Sure, all the pictures are great and it looks really nice, but we all know looks can be deceiving on the internet.

That’s where a travel agent comes in. They’re experts in helping plan for the best destination wedding possible. They’ve not only visited a ton of resorts, they’ve also referred other future brides to those preferred resorts and know how well everything went. They know how easy it is to work with those resorts and usually have discounted rates with them so it’s more affordable for everyone.

They’re also great for helping your friends and family coordinate their travel plans. If they don’t feel comfortable booking their own trip or have questions that you don’t want to be constantly bombarded with that’s where your travel agent will come in. You can give all your guests your travel agent’s information and they simply take care of the rest from there.

Here are a few things to consider when picking the right travel agent:

• They listen to what you’re looking for out of the resort (more on this below)
• They aren’t a close friend or family member that you’re doing a favor for, unless you trust that they will be fair if any issues arise
• They’re responsive. You’ll find out within your first few interactions if they get back to you in a timely manner or not.

Interested in hiring me as a travel agent? Just head to my Let’s Get Started page to book a time to chat!

3. Pick the Right Resort

As mentioned above, there are so many resorts out there that it can be overwhelming and frustrating to know where to start picking one. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Family friendly, adults only, or couples only
  • This is pretty self-explanatory. Do you plan to have kids at your wedding? If so, family friendly is the obvious choice. Adults only resorts tend to be more relaxed and a little more expensive, but a lot of couples choose this option if they know or don’t want any kids on their wedding trip. Couples only resorts are not only for adults 18+, but also do not allow single guests. If you plan on having a small wedding with only couples this may be the best option, but keep in mind it’s usually the most expensive per guest as well.
• What’s included in the wedding package
  • I went over this a little bit already, but considering what’s included in your wedding package may influence your decision. It may offer free nights, a spa package, or an excursion for the couple.
• Focused on relaxation or a lot of activities throughout the day/night
  • Are you envisioning everyone chilling poolside or lounging by the beach? Or singing along to the DJ at the swim up bar and going to the resort club after dinner at night? Maybe a little of both. Most resorts make it obviously on their website what side they cater to more.

Some couples will even fly down for a short trip to see the resort before 100% deciding on it. I know a lot of couples can’t afford that option, but if you can it’s a great way to ensure the resort aligns with your vision of your perfect destination wedding. That’s where it’s nice to lean on your travel agent for their knowledge and experience.

4. Plan in Advance

This may seem obvious but hear me out. I don’t just mean that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute and stress yourself out. I mean figure out a timeline for when you should have things completed by and stick to it as close as possible. The more things you have crossed off your to-do list and planned for, the less stressed you’ll be in case you run into any problems or hiccups. The more you plan any and every detail you can think of the less of a chance there is to have any surprise problems, and the closer you are to having the best destination wedding possible.

Check out our Destination Wedding Checklist to help get you started.

Did you know we also have a Destination Wedding Planner? Check it out on Amazon.

5. Remember the Day is About You and Your Husband

Sometimes it’s inevitable to face drama when planning a wedding. Your mom or future mother-in-law want you to invite people you weren’t planning to. Or maybe your bridesmaid said she won’t come unless you help her pay for her trip.

You can’t please everyone. And you shouldn’t have to. The only people you should be worried about pleasing are yourself and your future husband. It’s going to be the biggest day you share together so far, and the focus should be on nothing else but exactly what you and your fiancé want.

If you’re getting any push back or negativity regarding your destination wedding make sure to read our post, “How to Deal With Difficult Friends and Family Members Regarding Your Wedding” for tips on how to deal and reassurance that you’re making the best choice for you and your future husband.

6. Have Fun!

It can be so easy to get wrapped up in the stress of planning your big day that you forget to stop and enjoy the moment. Try to remember why this day means so much to you and enjoy every second of it.

Some couples will even make sure a 20 minute session with just their spouse on their wedding day is fit in on the schedule. Getting away to just celebrate with each other for that small amount of time can easily wipe away any stress either of you were having prior to that moment. Soak in every second of your beautiful day rain or shine.

I hope these crucial 6 steps get you well on your way to planning the best destination wedding possible. Make sure to comment below or contact me here with any questions!