TravelTST’s Experts

Have you considered a destination wedding? Here are 6 points that you might want to consider.

1. Destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts might be better because of the choices available to you. A local reception venue will generally have a banquet room for your wedding and maybe a nice garden. All-inclusive resorts can provide a bride and groom with more options and give you multiple wedding ceremony and reception locations to choose from. That might include a banquet room, chapel, beach, garden, or a balcony, etc.

2. Having your guests combine the wedding with a holiday makes for an extra memorable wedding. If you meet a resort’s requirements for a standard wedding, you will automatically be provided with a small number of guest passes. More guest passes are available as an upgrade. Also not only can you invite guests to your big day, but they don’t have to stay at the same resort. This is great option since many combine wedding and honeymoon into one vacation.

3. It might be easier to plan an all-inclusive destination wedding. When you book a stay at an all-inclusive resort, your stay might include your room or suite, airfare, food, snacks, drinks, tips, some onsite entertainment, and airport transfers. In the best cases, one booking can take care of much of your wedding plans and pay for most of your wedding and honeymoon. There are still wedding event costs (decorations, entertainment, etc.) It’s a great idea to get a wedding planner and may resorts have them on staff. You might qualify for a free basic wedding ceremony and upgrades are available to make your dream day memorable.

4. Wedding decorations are arranged with your all-inclusive resort. Wedding flowers are a must. Many all-inclusive resorts offer a standard wedding ceremony if minimum stay requirements are met. Then there are options to add extras like wedding decorations, wedding flowers, entertainment, wedding photography, etc.

5. Your hair and makeup can be done at a salon at your all-inclusive resort. Generally you will need to pay an extra fee. Get your Travel agent or your wedding planner to determine the fee ahead of time. Of course most resorts are home to spas and have the right facilities available.

6. Keeping your wedding dress protected is a concern, especially with airline travel to your destination. Once your luggage has arrived, your wedding dress will be safely hung in your all-inclusive vacation room. However, your wedding dress might end up at the wrong destination or suffer damage in your checked luggage. Some take their wedding dress as carry on… this is more problematic with security rules. It’s worth exploring shipping (Fedex, UPS, etc.) the dress to your destination. Ask your travel expert.

Bonus Number 7: Destination weddings can be much cheaper than getting wed at home. Plus you can have a 2nd reception back home, for the people who couldn’t make it. It’s great to show a video of your beautiful tropical wedding!