Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Dreaming of a destination wedding? Make your wedding dreams come true with these 3 destination wedding planning tips.

destination wedding in Mexico

1. Find a destination wedding planning specialist to work with

They will make recommendations based on what you picture for your wedding. Can offer private location options if you prefer somewhere more intimate. They know the resorts and have experience working with the wedding departments. Trying to plan a wedding in another country is difficult when you do not know who to contact. Your destination wedding specialist will work on your behalf to secure a group room block for your wedding. A destination wedding specialist will work with you and your guests on all of the travel arrangements and help you plan activities for everyone to enjoy at your wedding destination.

destination wedding in Mexico

2. Not all resorts are created equal

There are many resorts available, but not all of them are right for your wedding. Your destination wedding specialist will help you choose based on the location, your budget, the number of guests, and the type of setting you picture for your wedding day. Some important things to consider; will children be attending, and do you want an all-inclusive resort.

destination wedding in Mexico

3. Set a realistic budget

The average cost of a destination wedding in Mexico for example is roughly $7,000 for 30 guests. This is just the wedding package cost; you need to factor in your travel and accommodations. You also need to decide if you will help pay for any of your guest’s travel costs. Resort wedding packages available vary from resort to resort; some include additional extras such as photography. Know the cost upfront of all the additional options available, especially the ones you want to add.

For more information, additional destination wedding planning tips, or to start planning, reach out to me here

An Adventurous Elopement in Costa Rica

A story of love, patience, and hope. Sarah & Rick had planned for their symbolic adventurous elopement in Costa Rica for April of 2020. Like many other couples, their plans changed. When it was clear that travel to Costa Rica would not be possible, their plans were postponed until August of 2020. August was quickly approaching, and their home state of Kentucky was not on the list of states that could visit Costa Rica when traveling resumed. Once again, they had to postpone their plans and were hopeful that their wedding would take place in April of 2021.

adventurous elopement in Costa Rica
Love At Sunset ©Wedding Day Story

I am happy to report that they celebrated their symbolic wedding this past April. Their intimate elopement took place in Guanacaste, at the Riu Palace Costa Rica. Their ceremony was on the beautiful resort beach of Matapalo. This fun and adventurous couple personalized their wedding with a sand ceremony. Their wedding day photography was provided by the resort’s preferred photography service, Wedding Day Story. Their photographer Brian Palacio, captured beautiful photos of the happy couple.

Sand Ceremony ©Wedding Day Story

Sarah had found her wedding dress in 2019. It fit her perfectly, and she knew she had found the one. Sarah remarked after their elopement that she got to wear her wedding dress more than many other brides. She surprised Rick with a professional photo session at home, in 2019. They had a reception with their family and friends in April of 2021 prior to leaving for Costa Rica, and of course, she wore her beautiful dress again for their adventurous elopement in Costa Rica.

adventurous elopement in costa rica
Rugged & Wild Costa Rica ©Wedding Day Story

The resort is in the perfect location for an adventurous elopement. Sarah & Rick, along with Sarah’s parents enjoyed a day of adventure to the Arenal rainforest & hot springs. Sarah & Rick had some private adventures on their own. A zip line exploration and a tour to the Arenal Volcano. Following their ceremony, Sarah remarked, “We had a private dinner with a cake that was so good I almost passed out eating it.”

adventurous elopement in Costa Rica
©Wedding Day Story

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