Destination Weddings 101:
All of your most common questions answered!
The Destination Wedding Process:
The average couple likes to give their guests a minimum of 6 - 9 months notice of their destination wedding. 12 months notice is most ideal. Potentially the most stressful part of the whole wedding is trying to find that perfect location and setting a budget. This can take hours and hours to do. However, that is what I’m here for - I literally spend hours doing all of the searching and researching for you.
To start off, I will need some information from you:
The next part is getting in contact with the wedding planner at the resort to confirm the dates you are wanting your wedding is available. Each resort that offers weddings has a wedding planner that you will be in contact with through e-mail. Or, if you chose one of my upgraded destination wedding packages, I will do this on your behalf.
Reservations & Payment:
Once you have chosen your resort we do a deposit for you and your fiancee. The deposit average is $200 - $250 per person. When a couple puts down their deposit this usually holds 30 seats on the plane and 15 rooms at the resort and holds the group pricing we were given. Each supplier has a different time frame they will hold spots for your guests to make their deposit, but the average time is between 60 - 90 days. The deposit amount is non-refundable but is taken off your final balance. Final payment is due 45 - 60 days before departure, unless we are taking part in a reduced rate, or Early Booking Bonus.
After all final payments are in I will submit all your and your guests information to the airline and to the resort for you.
Pricing:
This all depends on the time of year, location, departure cities, number of guests, and resort preference. A good ballpark is around $1600 and go up from there. This is based on a 4* all-inclusive package that includes flight, hotel, roundtrip airport transfers, meals and drinks at the hotel. Please be aware this is a very loose estimate and prices will vary based on my factors above. The best way to ensure your guests can afford to attend your destination wedding is to give them ample time to save up. Sending out save the dates before official invitations are a great way to do this!
Marriage Requirements:
Each country has their own requirements for marriage. It's best to research these requirements before locking in a destination to make sure that this is something you are able to do. For example, some areas like Mexico require you to be in their country for a set number of days before tying the knot. If this is not feasible, something called a symbolic ceremony is always a very good (and very popular) option.
What's the difference: Symbolic vs Legal/Civic Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony is just what is sounds like! Two people coming together to unite their lives. It's exactly like a regular ceremony complete with exchanging of vows and rings. The main difference is it is not legally binding so there will be no signing of documents in front of your guests. Couples will either complete the signing of the papers before or after their symbolic ceremony.
A legal ceremony includes everything from a symbolic ceremony but also has the signing of legal documents. Of course, there is a lot more paperwork and other details to take into consideration when becoming legally married in a different country. There will be extra costs involved and the timeframe is more delicate.
Who is best suited for a Destination Wedding?
I always say the best destination couples are those who are able to sit back and let someone else take the reins. If the thought of someone else going over all the little details of your big day makes you cringe, a destination wedding probably isn't for you!
Do you have more questions? Send me an email and I'd be happy to chat with you!
The average couple likes to give their guests a minimum of 6 - 9 months notice of their destination wedding. 12 months notice is most ideal. Potentially the most stressful part of the whole wedding is trying to find that perfect location and setting a budget. This can take hours and hours to do. However, that is what I’m here for - I literally spend hours doing all of the searching and researching for you.
To start off, I will need some information from you:
- Preferred location
- Ideal dates
- Budget & guest spending
The next part is getting in contact with the wedding planner at the resort to confirm the dates you are wanting your wedding is available. Each resort that offers weddings has a wedding planner that you will be in contact with through e-mail. Or, if you chose one of my upgraded destination wedding packages, I will do this on your behalf.
Reservations & Payment:
Once you have chosen your resort we do a deposit for you and your fiancee. The deposit average is $200 - $250 per person. When a couple puts down their deposit this usually holds 30 seats on the plane and 15 rooms at the resort and holds the group pricing we were given. Each supplier has a different time frame they will hold spots for your guests to make their deposit, but the average time is between 60 - 90 days. The deposit amount is non-refundable but is taken off your final balance. Final payment is due 45 - 60 days before departure, unless we are taking part in a reduced rate, or Early Booking Bonus.
After all final payments are in I will submit all your and your guests information to the airline and to the resort for you.
Pricing:
This all depends on the time of year, location, departure cities, number of guests, and resort preference. A good ballpark is around $1600 and go up from there. This is based on a 4* all-inclusive package that includes flight, hotel, roundtrip airport transfers, meals and drinks at the hotel. Please be aware this is a very loose estimate and prices will vary based on my factors above. The best way to ensure your guests can afford to attend your destination wedding is to give them ample time to save up. Sending out save the dates before official invitations are a great way to do this!
Marriage Requirements:
Each country has their own requirements for marriage. It's best to research these requirements before locking in a destination to make sure that this is something you are able to do. For example, some areas like Mexico require you to be in their country for a set number of days before tying the knot. If this is not feasible, something called a symbolic ceremony is always a very good (and very popular) option.
What's the difference: Symbolic vs Legal/Civic Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony is just what is sounds like! Two people coming together to unite their lives. It's exactly like a regular ceremony complete with exchanging of vows and rings. The main difference is it is not legally binding so there will be no signing of documents in front of your guests. Couples will either complete the signing of the papers before or after their symbolic ceremony.
A legal ceremony includes everything from a symbolic ceremony but also has the signing of legal documents. Of course, there is a lot more paperwork and other details to take into consideration when becoming legally married in a different country. There will be extra costs involved and the timeframe is more delicate.
Who is best suited for a Destination Wedding?
I always say the best destination couples are those who are able to sit back and let someone else take the reins. If the thought of someone else going over all the little details of your big day makes you cringe, a destination wedding probably isn't for you!
Do you have more questions? Send me an email and I'd be happy to chat with you!