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Destination Wedding Q&A

Is a destination wedding right for us? What is involved with the planning process?

We have found that alot of couples wonder where to begin in planning a destination wedding and consider it overwhelming. No need to worry any longer, this page should help answer some of your questions as well as put your mind to ease in the wedding planning process. You will save time, stress and cash in the process! If you see some topics that you feel need to be added to our list please feel free to submit it by emailing info@destinationweddingreviews.com.

A destination wedding is a special place that you travel to for your wedding ceremony. It can include guests or just a private ceremony for the two of you. Its your wedding experience so you can create it just the way you have envisioned it. Some fun destination wedding spots are Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Colorado. Today 15% of all weddings are now considered destination weddings.

What is a Destination Wedding and what are the advantages of having a destination wedding?

When a couple decides to exchange their wedding vows in a romantic location that is very special to them and the couple and their guests will have to travel to that destination. It could be one that the couple has traveled to together or one that they have always dreamed about. It might be just the couple in a private ceremony exchanging their wedding vows, or might include a group of friends and family to join in the festivities. It's also a great reason for friends and family to get together for an extended period of time in an exotic location for a reunion, it's a great big vacation for everyone. Also a wonderful way for your close friends and family to meet, it's getting to know everyone over 3-4 days versus 6 hours in a reception hall. Its building memories that will last a lifetime and what better place to start than your very own wedding. A destination wedding is perfect if you want to escape the expense and stress of planning a traditional wedding with a long guest list for the ceremony and large reception.

Who are the Wedding Coordinators and what do they do?

The wedding coordinators are local affiliates of your hotel whom are in charge of booking your wedding date, assisting you before, during and after your wedding.

Where are some great destination wedding locations?

There are some fabulous tropical island destinations to consider; Mexico, Caribbean (Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua, St Thomas, Turks & Caicos, St Johns) Bahamas, Fiji, Costa Rica, and Belize. Some destinations that are a little more adventurous and great for exploring would be Italy, Spain, Thailand, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Some local US favorites would be Disney World, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Colorado. Its your wedding experience so you can create it just the way you have envisioned it.

How soon should I start the destination wedding process?

The sooner the better so you can reserve the resort, date and time that you want. Typically weddings are booked 6-15 months prior to your wedding date. This is to allow the guests to properly budget and plan for the trip, and to make sure that they are able to obtain reservations.

When is a good time to have my wedding?

That will be determined by the destination that you choose, the weather at the destination and the rates at the resorts. IE Hurricane season in the Caribbean is from June-November, however the resorts offer the best rates during that time, so it is up to you what is most important. Typically great months for weddings in Mexico, and the Caribbean for both weather and rates would be in April(after Easter) and May. Your professional travel consultant can also give you more information on destinations, weather and rates.

How do I start the destination wedding process?

First of all decide which destination is most appealing to you (tropical, mountains, city) or the type of activities that you want to enjoy at the destination. It could be a special place that you both have visited before or it could be a destination that you both have dreamed of traveling to. How do you envision your ceremony? A professional travel consultant can also help you narrow down your choices to choose the destination that is right for you(and your guests)!

Or you can check out your bookstore's travel section, browse through resort and tourist-board web sites, visit destination-wedding chat rooms. Be sure to discuss factors that are issues for you, including budget, religious needs, residency requirements, and distance.

Below are some questions that you might want to answer that will also help you determine which destinations/resorts that will work out best for you and your guests.

• How many guests will be attending your destination wedding?
• Are there going to be children attending the ceremony? What are their ages?
• What type of ceremony do you envision? Is it in a chapel, on the beach, underwater scuba ceremony, in a castle, skiing down a mountain etc.
• What type of wedding ceremony do you want? Religious, civil or “renewal of vows”
• What type of accommodations do you want you or your guests to stay in? A luxury resort, condominimums, all-inclusive resort, villas, castle etc. Do you want all your guests to stay at the same resort that you are staying? Or are you going to offer alternatives?
• What time of year are you planning on getting married as that will determine which destination is best suited based upon weather and pricing?
• What is your pre-determined budget for your wedding/honeymoon? Please consider airline tickets, accommodations, transportation, meals, wedding documentation processing, ceremony fee and then the fun stuff such as wedding attire, photographer, flowers, music
• Do you want your ceremony at the resort or in a remote location?
• Would it be best to work with the on-site wedding coordinator at the resort or your personal wedding coordinator?
• Are you going to have witnesses for your wedding and when do they need to arrive?
• Will you be celebrating your honeymoon at the same destination?

What are the wedding requirements for getting married at each individual country?

Please check out our page on wedding requirements under each destination. Listed below are some questions that need to be answered before getting married in a foreign destination.

• Is the ceremony recognized as valid in the U.S.?
• What is the minimum amount of time required in the destination before being allowed to marry?
• For religious ceremonies what documents are necessary from your house of worship at home?
• If either of the parties are divorced or widowed what proof is required?
• Are blood tests required or can you bring documentation that they were done in the U.S.?
• Is there someone there to work with you who speaks fluent English?
• What costs or fees are involved?

What are the advantages of working with a travel professional to help me with my destination wedding and travel arrangements?

It is best to work with a travel professional who has visited the destinations and/or resorts or who is well versed in the destination. It is also great if the travel professional knows the on-site wedding coordinators. Your travel professional should be able to help you decide which destination will work best for your wedding group, the time of year for your wedding (unless you already have a date in mind), the resort that would be best suited for you and your guests, obtaining wedding packages from the resorts, confirming your ceremony, quoting rates at the resort, and booking all travel arrangements. It is best to feel comfortable about your travel professional and your on-site wedding coordinator. Being responsive in the beginning stages of the planning process is a good indication of how the rest of your planning process will continue. Referring your guests to work with one contact person who can handle all the travel arrangements is also less stressful for you and your guests. Ask upfront if they charge fees to handle your arrangements.

What will the on-site wedding coordinator help me with?

The wedding coordinator will work with you on the intimate details of your wedding such as confirming your wedding date and wedding package, reserving the minister or judge(depending on your ceremony type), meet with you upon your arrival at the resort to book your wedding location(chapel, beach, gazebo, etc), flowers, photographer, music and any other details that you want. The reception for your guests can be booked prior to your arrival.

How and when do I meet with the wedding coordinator?

The wedding coordinator will let you know when and where to meet before you arrive at the hotel. You will also receive a letter when you check in that will give you all of the directions and details.

Should I have my wedding at an all-inclusive resort?

With all-inclusive resorts growing in popularity and offering affordable wedding packages, its no wonder that Destination weddings are growing in the same popularity. Realizing how popular and affordable these special events can be, many of the "all-inclusive" resorts now include a basic wedding package for free or a discounted rate when you and your wedding party stay at their resorts. If you're not really familiar with the "all-inclusive" concept, at the better resorts it means your stay is "all-inclusive" with your accommodations, all meals (generally from at least 3 to 6 restaurants on property), all beverages (that includes everything from soft drinks, beer, wine, champagne and all other alcoholic beverages), water and land sports (waterskiing, sailing, scuba, tennis, golf,), all tips (no tipping allowed at many of these resorts), all taxes, room service, nightly entertainment are included.

What is the advantage of an all-inclusive destination wedding?

With everyone staying on property the cost of the rehearsal dinner and reception is INCLUDED(unless you want something even more extravagant than what is usually offered at these great resorts or a specific menu ) and then the cost of the honeymoon is.well, you're already there, aren't you?

How do I book a wedding date?

You should ask for a date and check for availability with the hotel coordinators. As soon as a date has been placed ON HOLD, you have a certain amount of time to confirm. In order to confirm the date, the wedding coordinators must receive written proof of the room booking  from the Tour Operator (manifest).

Should I have my honeymoon at the same destination as my wedding?

A lot of couples will choose a destination and resort that they would like to have both their wedding ceremony and their honeymoon. Cost and time will be the major factors to consider in the planning process. Sometimes couples will stay at the same destination however choose another resort for their honeymoon so they have their "alone" time as a couple. Others that have more time will fly to another destination for their honeymoon so there is that distinction of a wedding location and a romantic honeymoon location.

When do I have to pick the wedding package?

You should pick your wedding package in the same moment that you are booking your wedding date.

Can I pick the ceremony time?

The ceremony dates and times exclusively depend on the availability of the City Hall judges. Your arrival date will also determine your ceremony date.

When do we pick our flowers?

You will pick the flowers here when we have our pre-wedding meeting or briefing.

When do we pick our menu?

The wedding Coordinators will send you the menu options before your arrival. You should pick one set menu for your entire group (pick one first course, soup, main course and desert).

How can we arrange for the pictures & video?

Most resorts have their own photography people or they can recommend local vendors to help you with this. After the wedding there is usually an on site room to view the video or pictures before you choose you package.

What are "Save the date" cards and when should I send them?

“Save the date” cards announces to all your family and friends the date of your “Big Day”. You can send them out after you have booked your wedding resort and ceremony. A more formal card can be mailed a couple of months prior to your wedding date. Your “Save the Date” cards can include the location, date, time, resort or cruise, and contact information for booking procedures.

What wedding apparel should I wear for a destination wedding?

First of all consider your destination and environment, if you're going to an island, avoid a big ball gown and go with something lightweight and airy, like chiffon, charmeuse, silk organza, georgette, silk tulle, or light Chantilly lace." Also accessorize with the local flavor such as Hawaiian leis or seashells in your hair. Also make sure he wears something that mixes well with your look. Depending on the formalities of the ceremony, trade in his tux with a white dinner jacket, or, for that glam-in-the-tropics look, consider suits in breathable fabrics like linen, seersucker, or poplin, paired with a pastel or khaki tie.

How do I pack my wedding gown?

Put your wedding dress in a large garment bag and carry it on the plane with you. Flight attendants will usually let you hang it up in the closet in the front of most planes (especially if you let them know what it is!).Try using a hat box to transport your veil. You can roll the veil to help prevent wrinkles.
When you arrive at your destination, unzip the bag to let the wrinkles fall out. If necessary, schedule time with a dry cleaner.

How do I make my Beauty salon appointments?

If there is an on site beauty salon you should make your appointment immediately upon your arrival. If there is not one at the property the concierge should be able to help you find a local beauty salon.

What happens if it rains?

The resort should let you know what backup will be used the when you meet with them. The backup will be used if the day is rainy or if it looks like it will rain, the decision will be made by the Hotel. Clarify this with your resort upon your arrival.
Also, consider the strong sun. Perhaps colorful parasols for your guests will give them the shade they need and something fanciful for the wedding.

On the day of the wedding how do I get to the wedding site?

The groom should be at the wedding site at least 20 minutes before the ceremony, the bride stays in her room and the wedding coordinator will pick her up. The bridesmaids and/or any other person walking down the aisle may wait in the room with the bride. Be sure to make arrangements for the other members of the wedding like the mother of the bride. Someone should be on hand to seat them and help with the seating arrangements. Be sure to discuss this with your coordinator.