Category: Travel Designer

8 Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding

11/3/2022

As a destination wedding couple ourselves, we may be a bit biased, but we think having a destination wedding is the best decision. While we do wish we knew what we know now, we wouldn’t have changed a thing and hope to share what we learned from our experience and now being Destination Wedding Experts with couples who are considering or having a destination wedding. Even 6 years later, our wedding is something that not only we still talk about, but our guests do too. We had such an amazing time, created memories that will last forever, and love reminiscing about that day often.

So what are the benefits of having a destination wedding?

1. Less stress
Getting married in another country at first may seem like a lot to take on - the unknown and loads of information on the internet is what makes it stressful. However, when you have the right team of vendors, your stress will wash away. Most couples say picking the destination and resort are the most stressful part of the planning process and the rest is a piece of cake. Just remember, you don’t have to do it alone. When you hire a Destination Wedding Expert, they will narrow down the top destinations and resorts with your dreams, vision, and budget in mind making it much easier for you to pick the perfect place for you. Plus, most of these resorts and your Destination Wedding Expert already have a list of trusted vendors they know will produce the world class experience you desire. All of this means you do not have to be in overdrive for the next 12-18 months and can spend more time enjoying your engagement.

2. Save time
Look…. We are pre-programmed to think it takes 12+ months to plan a wedding and this may hold true for local weddings, but this is not the case when you choose a destination wedding. The only reason destination weddings are typically planned 12+ months in advance, is to give your guests enough time to check their schedules, request time off work, arrange sitters, and have an easy payment plan to be able to attend your wedding. In reality, your actual wedding can be planned in 90 days or less. And… you free up much of your time because you won’t be looking to source vendors, no physical in-person meetings, no final venue checks, etc – everything can be done virtually and you’re planning in your seat and not your feet.

3. You’ll receive more bang for your buck
Local weddings on average in the United States cost around $27,000 and it’s over in a few hours!! Now, you’re probably wondering how much a destination wedding costs? Well, they can absolutely cost the same amount as in the states, but they can also be a fraction of the cost once you consider the perks and travel incentives you can earn from the resort and your Destination Wedding Expert based on your guest count, resort package, etc… PLUS your events are now spread over a few days versus a few hours giving you much more value.

4. It’s a vacation for you and your guests
As travel designers, the one thing we hear the most from people is they wish they took more vacations. And isn’t a wedding the perfect excuse for said vacation? Vacations tend to bring relaxation and excitement, so your guests will probably let loose more, be much happier, way less drama, and have more fun when attending your wedding.

5 Things to Consider When Picking a Destination for Your Vacation

8/30/2022

1. Consider your preferences and style
There are so many options available to you so to help narrow it down, think about the your ultimate goal for this vacation and make a list of your must-haves.
Things to think about:

Are you wanting to party, looking for adventure, or do you just want to relax?
Would you prefer it to be adults only or is family friendly okay.
Boutique hotel vs a larger resort. Boutique hotels can be quaint, intimate, and unique while your resorts typically are larger, more modern, and have lots to offer right on property.
Is the beach or pool more important for you? Are you wanting white sand beaches, turquoise water, a large pool where there's no fighting over lounge chairs?
Do you want all your food, beverage, and entertainment included all for one price?
Are you looking for a foodie experience where you'll get to try new things that make your taste buds dance?

For example: if you're looking for a more relaxed experience, a resort that offers stunning beaches, plenty of pool seating, a fabulous spa, and a variety of dining options may be best for you. However, if you'd prefer more adventure filled with excursions, then a resort with a water park on site, top adventures close by, and swimming with turtles may be a better fit

2. Think about weather & seasonality
Depending on where you want to go weather and climate could impact your travel plans. Keep in mind in the Atlantic, hurricane season runs June - November affecting destinations in the Caribbean. Rainy season is May - November in many Central American regions. The summer months (June-August) in Mexico are known to be extra hot and humid and tend to have an increase in Sargassum on the Caribbean side. While some locations may offer better rates during off-seasons you'll have to weigh out the pros and cons of Mother Nature and her unpredictability. So always make sure to check the annual weather and climate patterns for each location to see how they align with your travel dates. Your best bet to avoid weather issues is to head to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) that lie outside the hurricane belt and are known for year round sunny and enjoyable weather conditions. Of course there are no guarantees when it comes to Mother Nature, but always best to be prepared.

8 Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding

5 Things to Consider When Picking a Destination for Your Vacation

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