CHOOSING THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR WEDDING

 

Start with Your Vision

 

Make a list of all your possible ideas. Write down everything you envision your special day to be. Get your partner  to do the same.

Don’t worry I’ll help putting together!

 

Does it involve a garden full of flowers? A luxurious beach? A very relaxed luau? Getting married at sea? Maybe a secluded island, or a huge party with fireworks? Live band? DJ? Mariachi band?

 

Who’s there? What does it look like? What time does it take place? Are there lots of people, or only a few? Are most of your guest from US? From Canada? There are important people coming from many parts of the world?

 

Is your wedding kid-friendly? Or, are you opting for Adults Only?

 

The answers to these questions all affect what type of destination. Knowing how many guests you're expecting to invite before you go looking at venues will help save you from heartaches later.

 

It’s all about your dream. 

 

Add Your Style and Passion

 

There are several different styles and themes for your destination wedding these days. You might have seen several magazines that feature nautical brides, bohemian brides, minimalist, very immerse in the cultural of the destination?

 

This all sets the scene for your location. 

 

What are some things you like to do for fun? Does it involve surfing? Hiking? Or gambling? Snorkel or Diving? Horseback riding? History and Culture? Don’t want much activities, just to have as much as possible time with your family and friends celebrating this great moment?

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Consider Travel time & Distance

 

Many of us forget travel time & distance. Do you have friends and family coming that will have to change planes twice, catch a boat then fly over 2 countries to get to your wedding? 

 

Now, do you really think they are coming if you make them do all that? What about jet leg, costs and visa requirements?

 

If it is just an elopement or a very small wedding with people you know are ok, then it might really work, otherwise, maybe chose as part of a longer honeymoon.

 

Think if it is easy getting to your location. Maybe it’s not a 10-hour plane ride, but only 2 flights go out a week. Will that work for you and your guests?

 

BUDGET

 

No one likes this word but it is necessary.

Dream first then figure out how much that dream will cost you. The cost of a destination wedding varies a lot by location and season, so after you dream, you can decide what are the most important things for you to fit your budget.

Remember if you are traveling to a destination during peak tourism season, you will always pay more. Your budget will also change depending on the venue. For example, if you choose an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, couples find that they get a bigger cost savings as they usually have FREE packages and discounts depending on how many guests are invited. 

 

Agent tip in your budget is very strict: opt for Mexico, Punta Cana & Jamaica! They are easy to get and very budget friendly if you want a large and fancier wedding!

 

Think about the Season & Check the Weather.

 

Remember, depending on the month you choose, it could ultimately play a big role in you getting married which could affect your location. If you already have a date, you need to choose the location accordingly! If you are open with dates, then you can choose your venue first and check from the availability the best weather and travelling season costs.

 

You must also remember Hurricane Season runs differently depending on where you are and some islands are affected more than others.

 

Look at Local Marriage Requirements

 

Different countries have different requirements. Make sure to go over them with your Wedding Specialist Travel Advisor. 

Consider getting legally married in advance and just celebrate the religious or symbolic ceremony at the destination!

 

Extras

 

• Are you decided on an all-inclusive or doing everything separated?

Sometimes you can customize even more in a simpler hotel than you would be able to with an all-inclusive, however, your budget might take a beating.

 

• Are you a DIY bride/ groom? 

Some resorts do not let you store items or ship items over early because of liability reasons. This means you are hauling it with you in your luggage or giving it to a dear friend or family member. 

And some countries may charge customs even if the items are leaving the country 1 week later.

 

• What about activities/nightlife?

If you want to be on a very calm and tranquil atmosphere, Le Blanc, Sandals, Beaches, Zoetry, Secrets, Dreams might be your best bet!

 If you want to turn it up a notch and are looking for a full-fledged party, resorts like Now, Breathless and Hard Rock should keep you up all night. 

Some huge resorts like The Grand at Moon Palace have everything for every kind of guest different mood, having waterpark, huge kids club, quiet pools, sports pool, party pools, adults only pool! There you get something for everyone and with the possibility of having some guests on a stricter budget to stay in the moon palace area.

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• How did you envision your wedding weekend?

Take a look at your notes. Do you want your guests to have activities booked back-to-back, or would you just rather lounge by the pool, or head off the resort for a cultural experience? You want your perfect location to house the type of lifestyle you want to create while there.

 

The Honeymoon 

70% of brides & grooms stay put at their destination wedding location. So, if there were any special places you mentioned to one another for a honeymoon, that could potentially be the perfect wedding spot! 

 

Don’t worry if it would not work, the other 30% of people choose a wedding location and move to a different resort for the Honeymoon or even an alternate location altogether.