The first thing to do is decide what type of wedding you’re planning have. That in turn will help pinpoint the geographical location that you want. For example, those considering a beach wedding are more likely to look at areas in Mexico, Central America, or areas of the Caribbean, while the person with their heart set on getting married in the mountains will look towards the majestic Rockies or the Appalachians.
Couples that choose to have a beach wedding often
have a choice of getting married on an actual beach or
with a stunning oceanfront backdrop like this terrace
at the Allegro Papagayo in Costa Rica.
- Beach Wedding: Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and even parts of Florida
- Castle Wedding: Europe, Canada (Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario), United States (Biltmore Castle in Asheville, North Carolina; Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California)
- Mountain Wedding: Numerous locations in Alberta (Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper) and British Columbia (Fairmont, Golden, Revelstoke, Whistler, Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain); Colorado
- Winery Wedding: Napa Valley in California, United States; Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada
The next important step is to carefully consider what the majority of your guests, made up of close family members and friends, will be able to comfortably afford. Remember to include travel expenses, accommodation, and meals and drinks in your estimate. You don't want people to come to the wedding, but not be able to afford to eat or participate in other activities while there. All-inclusive resorts packages are extremely popular with those wishing to do a destination wedding for the simple reason that everything is included in the price. If the majority of your friends are still students or just starting out in their careers, they are likely to have little discretionary income, so choosing the best five-star resort in the area might make the trip out of their price range. In the same vein, if you decide to experience a rustic eco-lodge with no electricity or even a ceiling fan, a number of your guests will really struggle with the experience and end up having a terrible time which in turn will put a damper on your wedding experience. To best meet with success, most couples should aim for something that is rated a minimum of 4 or 4.5 stars. Cruising is another "inclusive" pricing option, in that it includes accommodation, all meals, activities and entertainment, although alcohol and air transportation is extra. Other options to consider may include renting private villas with kitchens to cook your own food, or some have staff that will prepare all of your meals if so desired.
When choosing a resort, you need to carefully consider its location, its amenities, and the crowd that it caters to. For example, if some of your guests have children, you will most likely want to stay away from the “adult only” resorts. Other important questions that you need to consider include:
- Are there choices for dining?
- Is there a pool and a beach for swimming?
- Is the resort completely isolated or near a town that is easy to get to?
- What types of activities are there to do? Is it easy to access local
activities? - Will guests need a vehicle for transportation or be able to
survive without? - Are there evening activities or a nightclub for the younger
crowd? - Is there an age limit for guests? Some possible restrictions include
13+, 16+, and 18+.
Probably the other most important piece of information you require is what types of weddings are offered at the resort or location of your choice. Most resorts offer specific wedding packages, beginning with a simple ceremony for two, all the way up to ones complete with receptions. It is important to check with the resort about what types of packages they offer and the costs associated with each. As well, I would encourage you to check if the resort has “a la carte” options, allowing you to upgrade and personalize your ceremony a little more. For example, many couples want a better photography package or wish to use a different photographer entirely. Some resorts will allow this if you buy a day pass for the photographer. Finally, you need to verify that the resort has an opening to perform your wedding at the time period you're looking for. There is no point booking your trip if the resort is unable to schedule your wedding.
A destination wedding is supposed to be easier to plan, but the stress can quickly escalate if you don't do your research in advance. Check with internet sites, such as http://www.tripadvisor.com/ to hear from actual people who have stayed at the resorts you're considering for "real" opinions, but read a number of them to get an overall impression from a number of guests. I would also encourage you to check with someone who specializes in destination wedding planning to advise you and help you find the destination best suited for you and your group. This person will also most likely be able to assist you in getting group pricing and better rates for you and your guests.
It's a big commitment, and can seem more than a little overwhelming, but I promise you that a destination wedding can be everything you dreamed of and more with the right research and preparation. Do your homework and you can find the perfect location for your dream wedding!
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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.