What are the benefits to having a destination wedding?
Many couples first think about a destination wedding in terms of cost savings. However, there are some caveats to this. Certain costs will be the same (dress/tuxedo, rings, etc.). But the cost to the couple for the wedding will be less if they are willing to accept the wedding package from the resort as designed with minimal upgrades. But be aware that if you are looking for all the upgrades of a local wedding (big floral centerpieces, fancy linens, live entertainers, upgraded cake or decor…. these costs can really add up (especially as everything is charged in US dollars). Therefore, be realistic about what you are content with and get all the pricing information up front as much as possible.
Mainly it’s something different! Many couples have been to too many weddings of family and friends that looked the same and were entirely forgettable. The excitement of travel to an exotic destination, coupled with the opportunity to create lifelong memories with family and friends – is the best reason to think about a destination wedding. It also opens up a calendar of dates for your wedding (and subsequent anniversaries) as thanks to the Canadian winter, most people choose to be married in Canada between May – October. Having a destination wedding opens up the entire calendar to possible wedding dates!
How far in advance should I plan my destination wedding?
The ideal time to start the destination wedding planning process is about one year out from your preferred wedding date. This is because anything more than that time – flight schedules with the airlines have not been created and pricing is not optimal. Quotes given before tour operator rates are “in the system” may be inflated as tour operators sometimes “pad” their estimates for unforseens. On the other hand, the less time you allow for the wedding, the less choice you may have for the date, time and location of your wedding (as they only do so many weddings a day and other couples would have booked your desired spot already) and some resorts may have even sold out with other weddings and business groups. You also want to give your guests as much notice as possible. One year in advance seems to strike a good balance.
Why a destination wedding in the Caribbean and not elsewhere in the world?
Where you choose to be married is entirely your choice and there are so many beautiful & exotic places to have your destination wedding. However, the vast majority of Canadians will have their destination wedding in the Caribbean for reasons of greater convenience (more airlines servicing, more gateways), more affordable pricing for themselves and for their guests, proximity to home (reduced flight times, more flexible durations), the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, the high quality of the resorts and the relative value of their wedding packages. The alll-inclusive nature of the resorts is very attractive to Canadians.
How do I select the perfect destination for my wedding?
Well, you don’t have to do it alone! Part of our destination wedding planning service is to help you select the right resort for your budget and your wedding vision. We use our experience and knowledge (with extensive research to fill in the blanks) to give you our top picks for Caribbean destinations and specific resorts!
Can I visit the resort(s) under consideration before I book my wedding there?
Absolutely! Many resorts even offer “weekend getaway” type packages to allow the bride and groom to visit at a reduced rate before booking their wedding (then the cost of the stay is usually deducted from your wedding bill if you do book your wedding there). You would meet the wedding coordinator, see the wedding locations, taste the food and experience the activities at the resort. We can certainly arrange this for you.
Why should I send Save The Dates?
You probably already told people you are planning to have a destination wedding. When you send Save the Dates it formalizes this plan and makes it more “real” so that people start giving it serious consideration and can then give you a sense of how likely they are to attend the wedding or not. This then allows you to plan more realistically (reserving the right number of rooms under the group contract, knowing what resort wedding package would best meet your needs based on the group size, etc.)
What are my next steps?
We would love to help you plan your destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean. Get in touch with us today!
