DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING
Photographer: Tomas Barron
Resort: Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa
See more of Ashley’s destination wedding here
Destination weddings have become increasingly popular, offering couples a unique and memorable way to celebrate their love in a stunning setting. Planning a destination wedding can be both exciting and challenging, requiring careful consideration and organization. In this post, I got a chance to chat with certified destination wedding travel advisor, and owner of KT Travel & More, Stephanie Kilson-Thomas. We'll walk you through the essential steps to help you plan your dream wedding. Let’s dive in!
When beginning to plan a destination wedding, what is the first thing brides should do?
I always suggest that the first thing a couple should do when planning a destination wedding is hire their travel agent. Travel agents are such a wealth of knowledge for the destination wedding couple. Travel agents are familiar with the destination, resorts in the destination, vendors, customs, and much more that help the couple begin the process of wedding planning in another country.
Which destination locations tend to be most popular therefore causing a possible increase in budget?
Possible increases in the budget for a destination wedding tend to fall more on the resort than the destination itself. Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica (as I like to call them, the DW Big 3) have been the most popular destinations for destination weddings for years. Couples like to choose these destinations due to the time to travel, the cost-effectiveness of travel, and the different resorts available (preferably all-inclusive resorts) for their guests. The resorts have a variety of packages for weddings, which range with the size of the wedding party and the inclusions that come with the packages, which typically impact the cost of the wedding. Resorts have been increasing the cost of wedding packages year over year, so it has more so to do with the resort itself versus the destination.
What is the difference between a Destination Wedding Travel Specialist and a Destination Wedding Planner?
I love this question. A destination travel specialist, like myself, helps the wedding couple with the logistics of their destination wedding; everything before and after the wedding takes place (booking accommodations, flights, transportation, excursions, etc.). A destination wedding planner, on the other hand, is responsible for helping the couple plan their wedding day and making sure everything the couple has envisioned is brought to life on their big day. A wedding planner may also be responsible for pre-wedding events, such as the rehearsal dinner or welcome party, depending on the services they provide.
Is there a season or time of year that brides shouldn't book their destination wedding?
I always say dates or seasons to avoid when planning a destination wedding are festive seasons (December 21-January 2) and Easter. These are blackout dates where the resort will place restrictions on a lot of the concessions they offer during other times. It's very important to understand what the blackout periods are in each destination/resort to avoid not getting all of the benefits and inclusions from wedding packages and room blocks.
What is the most important thing to consider when planning a beach ceremony?
When planning a beach ceremony, there are a few important things to consider. First, you would need to consider if the beach is private or public. At most resorts, the beaches are open to guests, so they still may be out and about depending on what time your ceremony is. Also, you would definitely need to consider your wedding day attire. You won't be able to wear heels unless you have hard ground to walk on (wood aisle, acrylic aisle/platform, etc.), so you want to make sure that you're okay wearing cute sandals or even going barefoot down the aisle on the beach. Lastly, when planning a beach ceremony, you want to consider where you are having your reception. While it may be easier to have the reception on the beach, if you want to have it somewhere else on the resort, you want to consider walking distance from the beach to the reception location.
Planning a destination wedding requires careful attention to detail, but the result—a unique and unforgettable celebration of love—is well worth the effort. By choosing the right location, staying organized, and embracing the local culture, you can create a destination wedding that exceeds your expectations and leaves a lasting impression on both you and your guests. Happy Planning!
