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

Planning Travel During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. The most active months historically are September and October. Planning for travel during hurricane season takes work, but it is possible if you know the islands that are most affected, and you are open to considering alternate destinations.

travel during hurricane season

Islands off the coast of South America are considered to be outside of the hurricane danger zone. These are the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago. I can’t predict the weather, but these are good options if you are planning to travel from mid-August through October.

travel during hurricane season

The Hawaiian islands are also prone to experiencing hurricanes the same time of the year. Not as frequent as the Caribbean, but can be highly likely. No one can predict the weather, and Mother Nature goes by her own rules.

If you are planning a special getaway during hurricane season, the services of a travel advisor are priceless. How can a travel advisor help during a major storm event?

I receive updates from my travel suppliers and destination tourist boards that the general public does not receive. If you book online, you are taking a big risk which was pointed out in a post on the Elliott Forum.

Planning travel during hurricane season and the ability to help my client’s is what a professional travel specialist does. I will be your advocate, and someone you can turn to in case of an emergency.

Popular months for honeymoon trips are September, October and November; two of these months have the most potential for an active named hurricane. If you have your heart set on a specific destination, let’s chat.

Wedding Planning During COVID

Wedding planning during COVID is not what you had in mind when you dreamed of your perfect wedding day. Many couples have had to cancel and/or reschedule their wedding plans during the COVID pandemic. So many factors are at play when deciding what to do. Many states are now requiring a 14-day quarantine for out of state visitors. Venues have to limit seating capacity, and the way food is served is very different now. I know you never envisioned having to deal with the restrictions we are all now subject to. This is why there is an increase in wedding elopements and micro weddings among couples whose plans have been impacted this year.

wedding planning during COVID, wedding vow renewal packages, wedding vows, wedding vow renewal ceremony

Couples are choosing to elope, just the two of them. They are choosing a destination that is closer to home, or a destination that is open and currently welcoming visitors with minimal travel restrictions in place. One of the top international destinations couples are choosing is Mexico. Mexico has put safety and health protocols in place to ensure the well being of its visitors and does not require a COVID test prior to travel like some other tropical locations. Many of the resorts in the popular spots, Cancun, Cabo & Puerto Vallarta have already reopened. Couples are choosing to elope so they don’t have to limit the number of people who attend their wedding and will have a big wedding celebration with family and friends when it is safe to do so.

wedding planning during COVID

Another option couples are choosing is a micro wedding. Weddings that are much smaller in size, with only family or a few close friends attending. A destination wedding is perfect if you are choosing a micro wedding. Escape to someplace beautiful for a few days to a week, give your guests a much-needed vacation, and honeymoon at the same time. The options of outdoor venues are many; social distancing is easier to maintain and to keep everyone safe.

Wedding planning during COVID is not what any of us could have imagined. My heart goes out to all whose plans and lives have been impacted by this nasty virus.

If you have questions about wedding elopement packages or a destination micro wedding, please reach out to me.