Destination weddings are not cheap, but by combining the costs of your wedding and honeymoon you will come out ahead, financially, and create lasting memories.
Destination Wedding Options
Eloping: Granted, a romantic wedding at a couples-only resort is a bit selfish, but ultimately your wedding day is about you, so focus on what will, in the end, please the two of you.
Family fun: Most resorts that offer wedding packages will accommodate wedding guests, so the bride and groom can get away from it all, and still get married in front of their loved ones.
All-inclusive Resorts
When it comes to destination weddings, Sandals rules supreme. The all-inclusive couples-only resort (and their family-friendly sister, Beaches) prides itself on hassle-free weddings.
As soon as the trip is booked, the bride and groom are assigned a wedding planner, who takes care of all the details: the marriage license, food, photos, flowers, even the officiant! All the bride and groom have to do is show up!
Things to Keep in Mind
- Do your homework: research the destination and the resort before making your final choice. Give some thought to what you will need to bring with you.
- Ask questions: your off-site wedding planner may not immediately mention all available options.
- Be specific: it's your wedding, make sure to describe what you want, and see if it's available at your chosen resort.
- Don't settle: find out about possible upgrades to the package you have chosen.
- Food: most resorts offer a variety of restaurants, but "gourmet" means different things to different people.
- Music: there will be music on hand but if you have specific songs in mind, bring the CD with you.
- Photos: don't get conned into buying pricey photo packages. You can often order extra photos upon arrival, or after the wedding. Just make sure to have a photographer present.
- Flowers: while the options may not be as numerous as you would like, be sure to ask about flowers that are available, beyond those included with your package.
- Cake: find out icing, flavours, and toppers. Don't be afraid to bring your own.
- Formalwear: obtain the groom's formalwear in advance to ensure optimal fit, and ask about long-term rental options.
- Gowns: many designers offer gowns in fabrics that travel well. Remember that beach weddings allow a lot more creativity than traditional weddings.
- Shoes: be sure to bring beach-friendly footwear.
- Hair and make-up: bring your own colours, but take advantage of salon services available at the resort.
- Nails: book your mani-pedi for the day before the wedding. Sand and wet nails don't mix.
- Arrival: get to the resort a day or two early, to check out possible wedding locations and get familiar with the resort.
- Extra help: bridal attendants can help you get dressed and assist with last-minute details.
- Be flexible: if you need to be in control of every minute detail, a destination wedding may not be the right thing for you.
- Enjoy: it's your wedding, and it's all about you. Make every moment count and as the saying goes, don't sweat the small stuff!
Source
For more information, visit the Sandals website.
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