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filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Destination wedding travel is continuously evolving. As a Destination Wedding Travel Specialist, I stay ahead by participating in webinars, attending travel conferences both local and in destination, and joining professional travel associations. I keep updated with the latest trends, best practices, and any changes in travel regulations that may impact you and your travel needs.
One of the biggest challenges in the destination wedding travel industry is balancing your expectations and budget constraints. As an experienced Destination Wedding Specialist, I can help set realistic expectations by guiding you through the costs of a destination wedding.
This is where a Destination Wedding Specialist shines. We have extensive knowledge of popular wedding locations and can provide expert advice on which one will suit your preferences and budget. We are skilled at handling all the tricky logistics so you can focus on enjoying your big day!
Following the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many resorts now fill up quickly with destination wedding requests. So, we recommend that you make the most important decisions about your wedding - the destination and the resort, the dates, the budget, and the estimated guest count - at least 12 months in advance. Though we can always help with short-notice elopements!
These days, there are no set rules about who pays for the expenses. It can be the bride's family, the groom's family, the couple themselves, family friends and relatives, or any mix of these. What's important is deciding - very early in the planning process - who will be responsible for the major expenses such as the ceremony package.
Start with the desired ceremony date of course, and then add extra days to the trip for travel, the rehearsal dinner, and guest activities. Check the work schedules for wedding party members and key relatives (as well as your own). Also, try to avoid holidays in your chosen destination
The sky's the limit! Popular regions include Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii and the South Pacific. Many U.S. and Canadian destinations will work as well. Pick your favourite travel spot or a "bucket list" destination that appeals to both of you. Beyond the destination...think about off-site ceremony venues as well as on-site locations.
Many resorts will offer preassembled ceremony packages that include the basic components for a set price - from the officiant, seating, and decor to menu, flowers, music, photography, and the reception. Check the fine print in each package option to confirm that it includes the services you want. And, the pricing depends in some cases on guest count.
You should decide upfront what type of ceremony you wish to have: legal (you'll actually get married officially when you say your vows at the destination), symbolic (you'll get married officially before you leave home but say your vows symbolically in the destination), or religious (your ceremony will be conducted following specific religious traditions.
Give your photographer a written list of key shots you really want. Five key times for "must have" shots include "the first look", the pre-wedding preparations, the arrival of key relatives and wedding party members at the ceremony, the critical parts of the ceremony, official family and wedding party photos, sunset photo, and shots at the reception.
Your wedding guests will usually pay all-inclusive rates for their resort stays, but typically those rates do not include the reception costs (since that's a special, private event). You can add extras such as an upgraded wedding cake or an open bar as you wish.
Your wedding ceremony and reception will dominate the schedule on one day - but your guests will arrive at least a day or two in advance. So, you can help them plan (or you can coordinate in some cases) activities such as spa visits, golf rounds, off-site excursions, special meals (e.g., the rehearsal dinner) and other fun things to do before your big day happens!
Not everyone who's special to you will be able to join you in the Destination Wedding celebrations. You can offer a reception at home (after you've returned from your honeymoon) where these guests can see you and wish you well!