Where to Start When Planning A Wedding

Embarking on the journey of marital bliss begins with one crucial step: planning. As the landscape of weddings evolves, destination nuptials are gaining unparalleled momentum. Now that you’re engaged, you’re likely asking where to start when planning a wedding. But, the task can feel daunting when planning a wedding, especially one that’s set in a distant, dreamy locale. Our comprehensive guide makes this clear, giving you insights into budgeting, venue selection, local customs, and so much more.

Keep reading for the top 10 essential steps when it comes to planning the perfect wedding, whether at home or at a far-away destination.

Unveiling the Dream of a Destination Wedding

A wedding is a momentous occasion, a beautiful union of two souls. But have you considered elevating that experience by tying the knot in a dreamy destination? With endless picturesque landscapes and world-class resorts, deciding on a locale can be overwhelming. So, where to start when planning a wedding that’s beyond borders? Let’s dive in!

1. Imagine the Big Picture

Before deciding on the details, visualize your perfect day. Do you envision a sun-kissed beach ceremony in the Caribbean? Or perhaps a majestic backdrop of Europe’s historical marvels? Your dream destination should resonate with both your and your partner’s desires.

2. Budgeting the Dream

Establishing a budget is paramount, and following these financial tips offered by Forbes can help. This not only involves calculating expenses but also researching your destination’s cost factors. While some locations might be pricey, others, like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, offer luxury without breaking the bank. Check out this recent New York Times report on where people spend the bulk of their bucks while tying the knot. 

3. Prioritize and Collaborate

Each couple has unique priorities. While one might dream of lavish floral arrangements, another could crave gourmet experiences. Hence, list down your ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’. Collaborate and compromise to ensure the day is equally special for both.

4. Find the Perfect Venue

After narrowing down your preferred region, it’s time to pick the perfect venue. Brands like RIU and Secrets offer a myriad of all-inclusive packages tailored for every couple. Whether you’re looking for an intimate setup or a grand celebration, these resorts cater to your every whim.

5. Get Acquainted with Local Customs

Incorporate local traditions to make your wedding stand out. For instance, if you’re planning a beach wedding in Jamaica, why not include some traditional reggae rhythms to your event? It’s all about blending your style with the destination’s essence.

6. Timing is Everything

While the Caribbean might beckon with its turquoise waters, remember, it also has a hurricane season. Research your chosen destination’s best times to visit, ensuring nature complements, not complicates, your big day.

7. Ease of Access for Guests

Accessibility is vital. While secluded spots sound romantic, consider your guests. Opt for destinations with good flight connectivity. Destinations like Cancun or Punta Cana, with their international airports, ensure guests arrive hassle-free.

8. Seek Expert Guidance

While personal research is essential, collaborating with experienced planners like Destify can make a world of difference. With their vast network and expertise, they can guide you seamlessly through the process, ensuring you’re in safe hands.

9. Adventures Beyond the Wedding

Entice your guests with adventures. If you choose a place like Costa Rica, offer them jungle safaris or zip-lining adventures. A wedding is not just about the day but the memories created around it.

10. The Ultimate Checklist

Maintain a checklist. From booking the venue to finalizing the menu, check off tasks as you complete them. It keeps you organized and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding

Now that you’re armed with knowledge, are you ready to embark on the journey of planning your dream wedding? A wedding where azure waters, golden sands, or historical architectures stand as silent witnesses to your union. Dive deeper into our destination options and discover paradise.

Things you Need to Know About Destination Wedding Planning

To kick off our series, we sat down with Rachel P., an experienced destination wedding professional and current manager within Destify’s Guest Services department. From easing anxieties to getting more bang for your buck, Rachel shares all the biggest trade secrets below:

How did you get started with Destify?

I started last January. A very exciting time to join the travel industry. I was working at a membership company that dealt with a lot of customer service. I really enjoyed the level of customer service that I was able to deliver there, but was looking to do something a little bit more different day to day.

During your time with Destify, what kind of hats have you worn?

Many a hat. I started in sales, and then I was the first employee to move over to Guest Services, and now I’ve bounced around a lot. So I got to participate a lot in creating the Department and breaking the Department into multiple teams. I’m now on the concierge team, which is really exciting because it lets us get on the offensive and solve problems for couples before they exist.

I’m really excited to be able to bring proactive customer service to the Department and be able to give people an experience that they think about really positively.

Customer service definitely goes a long way, how does that tie into Destify?

I think when people come to us, they’ll expect to get problems solved. Solving them quickly, pleasantly, and going above and beyond? I’m excited to really dig into that

From getting that first call or request to actually getting somebody connected to their wedding package or to the resort. Why is it so important to hire a destination wedding planner in the first place, such as Destify?

I think that the hardest adjustment of planning a destination wedding, when you have friends who have planned an American based wedding, is that there is a difference in the customer service expectation. I’m sure there are people who talk to their American wedding planner every day, even 18 months to two years in advance.

That is not how destination weddings work. You are not going to talk to your wedding coordinator at the resort that often or that far in advance, but you can talk to us, and you can have someone who’s involved assuring you that this isn’t actually poor customer service on their end.

You don’t have anything to worry about. We can answer your common questions, and, if you have an urgent question or a complex question specifically about the wedding, we can get an answer for you. We can coordinate everybody else who is attending. For instance, if you’re hosting a wedding in Phoenix, everybody knows how to get to Phoenix, even if they’ve never been there before and nobody seems confused about it. People do get confused about getting to your destination wedding, and if you don’t coordinate with us, you have to answer all these questions yourself. We can temper our service to be an aggressive roadblock between you and your guests.

If you need to get people off your back, we can handle that for you.

It’s like the story about that Chicago couple whose destination wedding went all wrong with their guests. That would never have happened with us. We have a million fail safes in place to make sure that doesn’t happen. You know, for a fact, who is going to your wedding if they are booked, and you can look at it in real time. If it ever confuses you, there are real life people who can walk you through it.

We have guests who go on and make a booking and no one ever interacts with them personally, and we have guests we talk to all the time. We’re happy to serve both communication preferences.

What are you most excited about in the future of your role within Destify?

There are so many strange things that can happen in our customer journey. So I’m excited to really dig into what happens and anticipate ahead of time and already have solutions for people.

In your experience, what’s kind of been the biggest myth that you had you come across or that any guesses I ask you about?

I think it’s interesting the number of people who are apprehensive about their wedding just being this cookie-cutter thing that nobody at the resort cares about. That’s not true. These resorts that host weddings do care. The staff is going to know who the bride and groom are. When you’re there, you’re going to feel so special. You can have that Instagram worthy wedding on a beach or beautiful gazebo, with or without sand. Because personally I definitely don’t want the sand in my wedding dress. They just don’t mix.

What’s something that people don’t often realize about destination weddings?

You can really make it a whole experience. I think the other thing that people don’t take advantage of necessarily enough, maybe, I don’t know if you would call it a myth, is that you can bundle in multiple events. You can really make this a whole weekend of celebrating your love.

There’s just no way that multiple staff members won’t know exactly who you are, that you’re the future newlyweds, you’re going to feel like a celebrity when you’re at the resort. You’re going to come home tan, rested, and with a nice belly full of margaritas.

What’s a huge difference between domestic and destination weddings?

Destination weddings are not any more or less assembly line-like than getting married at a hotel in America. There are all of these as packages you can take advantage of in both places. But I guarantee you that the bank for your buck goes further in a destination wedding.

So speaking of bang for your buck, how much does destination wedding planning itself actually cost?

Well, our services are free. You can have a hundred-person wedding at most of these resorts for under $10K in the actual ceremony and reception costs. There’s absolutely nowhere in America that you can do that.

I would call the $10k one, like, “moderate bones.” You’re not going to have custom florals with your $10k, but you are going to have full decor with a moderate amount of choice food and drink and wait staff.

The nice thing about the destination wedding is that the upgrades are truly all à-la-carte, so you can just pick the ones you actually care about. You don’t have to pick the DJ to get the six other things. You can really pick what you want.

Destination weddings is an industry that has exploded in the last five to ten years, and I think people feel a lot of pressure and expectation to live up to an influencer’s wedding.

You see these things on Instagram and you have no idea whether that person went into debt for their wedding, which no one should do. You definitely don’t have to do that for a destination wedding.

Which is fantastic because we handle that part of it, right?

Especially with, like, the payment plans for your hotel room and for paying for the wedding itself are so much more flexible with us than they are for a domestic wedding.

Plus the experience of booking a beautiful destination like Cancun or Punta Cana is worth just being there right?

Absolutely. You’re already in a beautiful backdrop. With the wedding packages available at the resorts themselves, you can save money on the floral and photography add-ons. Or you can even have a friend who’s a photographer join.

I have never seen any of our Destify Couples truly pay for something that they don’t care about, which absolutely happens in America.

What do you envision for the future of destination weddings?

I really think we’re seeing an increase in people wanting to travel. People are looking for a reason, in the least cynical way possible, to make their wedding the one that someone wants to come to. The last 18 months have taught people the value of time, and people want to maximize what they experience in life.

Destination weddings are simply more fun. There’s so much more to offer than just going to a ceremony and then going to a reception where you eat the same boring piece of chicken and nothing was different about this wedding verses that wedding. So I think people are looking for unique experiences and destination weddings provide that.

What’s the biggest piece of advice that you have for couples planning a destination wedding right now? What’s the secret sauce, if you will?

Ask for help. The thing that people don’t think about when they want to get married on a beach is how complicated it is to keep track of who is coming, if they actually booked, if they figured out how to get themselves to the right resort, if they know how they’re getting there. Your guests are going to have so many more questions than you could ever be prepared for, because the couples planning destination weddings tend to be seasoned travelers.

You should not count on your guests to be seasoned travelers, and it truly can be a full time job fielding the questions from your guests. You have plenty of other things going on in your life. Trust somebody who won’t get frustrated answering the same question 17 times, who is there to help with all the resources you need.

Lean on us. We’re here. Ask us your questions. There’s not a question that’s too stupid. There’s not a question that we haven’t heard before and can’t get an answer for you. Your wedding is supposed to be fun, and it is way more fun to pick out flowers and linens and playlists than it is to help your second cousin book a room for her and her three children.

So, what would happen if I tried to plan it myself?

If you do it yourself, you’re going to have Excel spreadsheets and emails to follow up on. We give you a portal. It’s all in there. The coordination part? It really ain’t easy. There’s no reason to take on the burden of coordination.

De-Stress Your Destination Wedding

Planning a wedding has the stigma of being overly stressful for wedding couples, but that’s not always true with today’s modern destination weddings. A wedding is a major ordeal, in that it is your big day to celebrate the rest of your lives as two. But that doesn’t have to mean planning it becomes a grueling experience. Just remember to keep a calm attitude and a positive outlook, and follow our suggestions below to make planning your destination wedding a breeze.

Choosing a Destination Made Easy

The first “hard” part about booking your wedding is choosing a destination. Some couples already know the exact location and resort they would like to share their vows at, but that is not generally the case. The best way to choose a destination is to be clear of both your vision and your budget with your travel agent. They’ll help to find a plethora of resort options, from family-friendly to adults-only, in popular spots or even more exotic locations.

As a couple, you need to begin considering your guest list size, and their budgets too. Together with your agent, you can find resorts that will fit that budget. Some resorts offer a variety of room categories, including entire “clubs” of preferred suites. This allows for accommodation for every price range and level of comfort they may desire. If who makes it to your wedding isn’t as much of a concern, you can find your ideal resort and your agent can help you send out e-vites to your entire list.

When determining your vision, imagine a ceremony location that speaks to you as a couple. Do you both love the beach? Take a look at our beach venue gallery for inspiration. There’s also plenty of options beyond the beach, from oceanfront gazebos to rooftop terraces. Choosing where you want to host your wedding should bring feelings of excitement and joy to the planning process. It’s a great entry point to create a wave of positivity as you continue to plan in the following months.

Travel Arrangements

A common factor of stress for any couple planning their destination wedding is the thought of coordinating travel for your guests. With Destify that isn’t a burden for the couple, as you’ll have a dedicated agent where all of your guests can book. Together with our providers, we find the most affordable flights for your guests to get from point A to point P, where the P stands for paradise. There’s no stress for your guests either, they can pay low deposits and hop on payment plans to make attending your wedding easy.

Plus, we price match. If a guest finds a cheaper flight then your agent, we can often price match that flight so they get the best deal. Guests can book rooms directly from your wedding website, and on that same website, they’ll get resort information and more. With a dedicated agent for each group, you gain one person that each guest can reach out to with any travel concerns, so you don’t have to worry about how anyone will get there.

Listen to Your Emotions

Let’s face it, feeling stressed when planning your wedding is normal. But luckily for you, hosting a destination wedding means you have a support system built in with your travel agent and wedding department. There’s always a contact of support available to you, much more so than hosting a local wedding where you’re in charge of finding each vendor. Your wedding department can help you plan everything, from floral arrangements to the food for the reception.

Take some inspiration from our many Destify Couple interviews. You’ll find numerous stories of couples in the same boat you are, and often you will see that they found the wedding process much easier than they ever expected. If family members or a bridal party is a part of your wedding, they too can offer forms of support to rely on. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but there’s no need to ever feel alone! Planning a wedding can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be negative. Take stock of your emotions often.

Let the Planning Begin

Our couples fall into many categories, from laidback and easy going to hands-on planners. There’s no right or wrong way to plan your destination wedding. Hosting a wedding at all-inclusive resorts falls under a different timeline than a local stateside wedding, and many couples find the process to be more streamlined. That’s because much of the decor and ceremony planning doesn’t actually start until about 3 months before the wedding date. There is much you can do in the meantime, from dress shopping to checking in on your guests.

Again, by hosting your wedding at one of our resorts, you’re getting a built-in wedding department and coordinator. Our most common advice from past couples is to “trust the process”. Email response time could be slow but the resort’s know what they’re doing. These wedding departments are planning tons of weddings throughout the year, so they often wait until around 3 months before your date to get into the details of your wedding.

It may make you nervous if you’ve booked with a year in advance and your wedding is 6 months away and you haven’t yet chosen much for your ceremony. This is indeed common, and you can be confident that your planning will start at a quicker pace the closer and closer you get to your wedding date. Take a look at our destination wedding timeline to get the full scoop. Once you are at the resort you’ll meet with your coordinator in person to finalize last minute details.

Remember the Bigger Picture

Planning a destination wedding may actually give you more free time than you expected. The idea of a wedding in a tropical location should be one free from stress. Really, there’s no need to be nervous if much of your time before your wedding is equally as stressless. Remember what it is you’re planning in the first place, a destination wedding that will also double as an amazing vacation for you and all of your guests! Sit back and let the good times roll.

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. So why not make it grand? Start the next chapter of your love story with Destify and let us create those meaningful memories with you. Ready to transform dreams into reality? Contact us today!

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding is the thrill of a lifetime. Destination weddings allow you to immerse yourself in another culture, but they also come with a unique set of obstacles to overcome. When organizing a wedding from abroad, avoid these mistakes.

1. Not Getting Everything in Writing

Sometimes you may choose to add additional decor, food, or entertainment with a party beyond your resort’s all-inclusive packages. These vendor contracts exist to ensure that you get what you paid for while also safeguarding both parties. Each expectation you discuss should be written down to avoid any misunderstandings, miscommunications, or flaws if there are staff changes.

2. Not Accounting for Wind and Sun

Checking the tidal charts is crucial if you’re hosting a beach wedding. You’ll need ample dry sandbar to get everything done, from setup to ceremony time and breakdown. Contrary to popular belief, the sun can actually be used as your friend! However, always account for the timing of your ceremony in relation to how hot or cold it’ll be during the day. Many of these procedures are already taken care of at resorts like Sunscape Cancun Resort and Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa. They have set time slots for a reason, so straying from them could cause unnecessary problems. Allow the professionals to handle this stage after years of hosting vacation weddings.

3. Not Sending Your Destination Wedding Invitations Soon Enough

Repeat after us: I should send my wedding invitations early. Wedding invitations for a destination wedding should be mailed 4-6 months before the wedding date, with a four-week response deadline. At that point, many foreign hotels want the final room numbers.

4. Planning a Legal Ceremony Without Doing Your Homework

Before you can marry, many countries have a “residency time” requirement in specified locations. It usually lasts a day, but it can last up to a week or more for legal ceremonies. You may also have to file papers months in advance and show up at a local government office with documentation from home. Even then, they may or may not be available if you’re traveling during a cultural holiday. Do your homework ahead of time and save yourself the trouble. Have a spiritual ceremony at your destination and make it official at home at your local courthouse.

5. Not Booking an All-Inclusive Resort

Trust us, when it comes to destination weddings, you’ll need an all-inclusive resort. Hosting your wedding week at resorts like Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall automatically qualifies you for endless benefits. From spa discounts to customized catering menus, all-inclusive wedding packages and resorts guarantee a getaway complete with affordable tropical luxury.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Timing Your Destination Wedding

Have you ever wondered just how early is too early to start planning your big day? Whether you’re envisioning a sunset ceremony on a Caribbean beach or a lavish affair in a European castle, getting the timing right is crucial. From booking your ideal venue to sending out those all-important invitations, this blog will unfold the ultimate timeline for wedding planning. Are you ready to discover the secret to perfectly timed wedding planning? 

What Is the Ideal Timeline for Wedding Planning?

When it comes to orchestrating the perfect destination wedding, timing is everything. Ideally, the sweet spot for beginning your preparations is about 12 to 18 months in advance. This timeline strikes a balance, offering enough leeway for detailed planning and ensuring availability at your dream location, without the stress of last-minute rushes or the uncertainty of planning too far ahead.

How Far in Advance to Book a Wedding Venue

Booking your venue should top your priority list. Securing your dream spot early not only guarantees the date you desire but also allows for better coordination with vendors and service providers. According to Forbes, the average couple spends 250 hours planning their wedding, underscoring the importance of giving yourself ample time to manage every detail meticulously.

However, booking too early, say more than two years in advance, might lead to unforeseen challenges. Preferences and trends can change, and you might find yourself tied to choices that no longer resonate with your vision. On the flip side, waiting too long might limit your options, as popular venues and suppliers get booked quickly, especially in peak wedding seasons.

Start your planning process within this recommended timeframe to enjoy the luxury of choice without feeling rushed. You can thoughtfully select every element that will make your day unique, from the color palette to the menu, ensuring your wedding reflects your personal style and story. As your wedding is the beginning of a beautiful journey, planning it should be as joyful and stress-free as possible. Here are some tips for planning a stand-out wedding celebration.

Factors to Consider for Your Timeline for Wedding Planning

When orchestrating the fairy tale destination wedding of your dreams, several key factors come into play, shaping the timeline of your planning journey. The first, and perhaps most crucial, is seasonality. Popular wedding destinations have peak and off-peak seasons which significantly influence venue availability and cost. Opting for a shoulder season can offer the perfect compromise between favorable weather and affordability.

Venue availability is another pivotal factor, so when should you book a wedding venue? The answer largely depends on the popularity of the location. Coveted venues in high-demand destinations often require booking at least a year in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a specific date.

Guest considerations are equally essential. Sending out save the date for destination wedding notices well in advance is crucial, as more planning is needed for weddings abroad. It gives your loved ones ample time to arrange travel, accommodations, and time off work. This notice is even more important if you’re planning a wedding during holiday seasons or school breaks, as guests may need to book travel and accommodations far in advance to avoid high costs and limited availability.

If You Just Can’t Wait to Get Started

Booking your wedding venue early, especially up to two years in advance, has its perks and pitfalls. For couples pondering, “Can you book a wedding venue 2 years in advance?” the answer is yes, but we would not recommend it. Early booking secures your dream venue and date, offering peace of mind. However, it may limit flexibility with changing trends or personal circumstances, as a lot can change in two years. 

The Role of Technology in Modern Destination Wedding Planning

Technology is an important aspect of pretty much everything nowadays, including weddings, even destination weddings. Wedding websites, apps, budgeting tools, and vendor selections are just some of the wedding services fully integrated with modern technology.

How can you incorporate technology into your destination wedding planning? What wedding services can make your wedding from “Will you marry me?” to “I do” even better? 

Destination Wedding Planning and Technology 

Technology used in planning a dream destination wedding combines the online tech and wedding services used in traditional stateside weddings, with the travel services used to plan dream vacations. The technology used during the wedding planning process can include wedding websites or wedding apps set up by the couple. 

Travel Websites

Travel websites and tools, including all of ours, help with the destination part of destination wedding planning. Google Flights and airline apps can help everyone get to the destination. Online galleries and video tours of venues and resorts can help the couple decide on a location without being able to see it in person. 

Wedding Websites

Over the last decade, wedding websites have become a normal part of wedding planning. Couples can use a wedding website to share wedding logistics information, FAQs, registries, and other information. Wedding websites, including the free site we provide for all our couples, can be especially important in destination wedding planning when logistics include flights and resort information. Not only are wedding websites useful for guests, but they can also provide some stress relief for the couple. 

Online RSVPs, links to registries, FAQs about the location, transportation, schedules, menus, what to pack, what to wear, and anything else can be shared in one spot, limiting the number of texts or calls the couple gets. Physical save-the-dates and invitations can be replaced with virtual invites. While guests and couples might miss the physical memento of a paper invitation, a digital invitation eliminates the need to know people’s mailing addresses and provides an instant and easy-to-manage RSVP list. 

Wedding Apps

Wedding apps specifically designed to help with wedding planning can ensure all your planning information is in the palm of your hand. Couples also utilize other apps – Google Drive, Pinterest, Trello, Amazon, even Spotify, or Apple Music, to plan and prepare for their big day, or big weekend.  Our resort partners, including brands like RUI and Playa Resorts, have their own apps where guests can order room service, view activities, and book spa visits. Some may even allow the use of phones to check in and access rooms digitally.  

While wedding technology is often the same for stateside ceremonies and destination celebrations, one piece of tech that can be increasingly important for destination weddings is virtual venue tours. Having a destination wedding makes it much harder to view venues and locations before booking. Virtual tour technology and video tours can help couples confidently choose their dream location. Technology can be incredibly helpful in planning wedding services, but what about during the celebration? 

Integrating Technology into Your Destination Wedding 

Technology clearly plays an important role in destination wedding planning, but what about during the actual celebration? Technology, when used properly, can help the whole wedding celebration run smoothly, provide amenities, and help make the most memorable experiences. Some of the same technology used to plan the wedding can be used during the event. Take for example, wedding websites and wedding apps that can be used to share the schedule with your guests, and even send notifications and messages if needed. 

Destination weddings tend to be smaller, more intimate, and only feature your closest family and friends on the guest list. It can be hard to narrow that list down. While you can’t invite everyone, they can still share in the celebration. Even for stateside weddings, more couples are opting to livestream the ceremony so friends and family unable to make it can see it. Live streaming a wedding ceremony became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but continues to be useful to make a small destination wedding feel bigger. 

Picture-Perfect Solutions

We don’t just help you plan a wedding, we help you make memories. One of the most important ways to cherish those memories is with the photos and videos, both from the professionals and from your friends. Some apps include a photo-sharing feature so guests can share all the candids they take all weekend long. Of course, there are also apps simply designed to share albums, which can also be used once you receive images from the photographer. 

How can photographers get that perfect shot? The one you’ll want to frame and hang in your living room? Drones and aerial photography have become more popular, especially for outdoor weddings. Imagine a drone shot of you and the love of your life, standing on a beach in the Caribbean. When booking a photographer, be sure to ask about possible drone or aerial images if that’s the shot you know you want. 

After I Do

The technology doesn’t stop after you say “I do.” That digital RSVP list can be used to send thank-you notes afterward, and track who sent what gifts. Social media can (and will likely) be used during the entire celebration – from engagement announcements through the honeymoon. Wedding and couple hashtags make it easy for guests and friends to share social media content. Just be sure to let guests know if you don’t want anything shared. 

You may not want phones out during your wedding, and you might use a destination wedding as a time to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with your loved ones. However, technology is integrated into the world to a point where it’s impossible to avoid. Embracing some modern technology before, during, and after your dream destination wedding makes it easier to plan, making it even easier for you to relax. 

Debunking Destination Wedding Planning Myths

Myth 1: The Destination Wedding Planning Process takes way too long.

Fact 1: The process is worth it!

Okay yes, we would love it if planning took less than a month to finish. But, the amount of time that goes into planning makes the end result worth it. Your process should take no longer than six-nine months to complete. Even better, you won’t begin choosing your decor selections until much closer to your wedding date. As it is with many things in life, the quality of planning will increase with extra devoted time.

Myth 2: The process is very impersonal.

Fact 2: 24/7 support is available throughout the planning.

We get it. It feels like all we’ve done over the past year is just talk to screens and digitized versions of real people. While we might not be able to meet you in person, travel agencies like Destify are available around the clock throughout the year. 24/7, 365 days a year, we’ll assist you with any comments, questions, or concerns you may have about your wedding week. And yes, we do know which resorts offer the best-hidden tequila-tasting gems.

Myth 3: Too expensive.

Fact 3: The least expensive part of the process.

And now we shall reveal the true cost behind your destination wedding planning process. Drumroll, please!

Zero dollars.

That’s right. As hard as it may seem, Destify provides every customer with the necessary wedding planning tools and guidance with zero hidden fees. From our Destination Wedding Cost Calculator to our Destify Top Resorts page, it’s our goal to make your planning period as budget-friendly as possible. Now you can spend that money on more add-ons and amenities at your five-star resort! Or for now, feel better about spending $5 on that daily coffee (both are wins in our book).

Why Destination Wedding Planning Isn’t as Scary with Destify

What’s that monster lurking at the foot of your bed, keeping you and your fiancé from a peaceful night’s sleep? Oh dear, it’s the hooded ghoul of destination wedding planning!

Only, once you get up and pull the sheet off of that ghostly destination wedding planning process, you see that underneath, it was Destify all along!

While the logistics of destination wedding planning might strike terror in the hearts of some, Destify is here to offer you award-winning support and care, guiding you through the uncertain shadows of wedding planning and into the light of your perfect wedding day.

Let us take you by the hand and guide you through the reasons you have nothing to fear when working with Destify.

No Free-Fall Planning Emergencies

Maybe the dread of working with an inexperienced wedding service keeps you from taking the plunge into destination wedding planning. Perhaps you’re afraid of heights and think that your destination wedding planning experience will be like a free-fall drop?

If that’s the case, rest assured that Destify will be your parachute. With our passionate team of industry-leading wedding experts, your destination wedding planning won’t be a drop at all — it will be more like flying.

You don’t have to worry about free-falling during your destination wedding planning while working with Destify.

No Jump Scare Hidden Fees

The movie you’re watching gets real quiet as the heroine stands in the dark hallway when suddenly the ghost haunting her Grandmother’s house comes shrieking out of the darkness, so loud that even your dog gets scared and starts barking.

Just like during a scary movie, the last thing you want during your destination wedding planning process is a jump scare; no one likes surprises that much, and especially not when the shock includes hidden fees that you weren’t expecting. Now that’s a jump scare!

Luckily, working with Destify means that you won’t have any surprises along the way. Zero hidden fees are lurking in the shadows, waiting to scare the pants off of you.

We Don’t Abandon You When it Gets Scary

When the going gets tough, Destify gets going.

Working with Destify means working with passionate professionals using the most cutting-edge and innovative technology available.

When fear bubbles up in the middle of the night, after the clock strikes 3 AM, Destify is there for you. We offer 365 days a year 24/7 care.

If destination wedding planning feels to you like stepping through the threshold of a haunted mansion, you can rest assured that we won’t turn tail and abandon you just because things seem scary.

Tips to Kickstarting Your Destination Wedding Planning Process

Destify has helped THOUSANDS of couples tie the knot in a tropical paradise. We know for many, the allure of a destination wedding is often trounced by a bevy of questions:

How expensive is it really?

If I have a specific budget, where is the best place to go to get the best experience for the money?

Who do I invite?

How do I keep it all organized?

With our Path to I Do, Destify is simplifying the destination wedding planning process — because we have the experience, and the passion to help our couples make the best memories possible!

So, where do you start?

Selecting Your Destination

Let’s play a game: get out your globe (or look one up on your phone), close your eyes, and pick anywhere in the Mexico-Caribbean. Congrats, you’ve found your perfect destination for your “I Do”! Almost. While you’ll find a variety of incredible locations to host your I do’s, Step 1 of PTID (as we like to call it) helps narrow down the selection of five-star options. Simply put, we get the cream to rise to the top.

So, where do you start? Well, before you start looking into specific hot-rock massage treatments at any one of our resorts, let’s take a step back and discover what you want out of your hotel. Remember, there’s more to consider than just, “That beach looks nice.” Here are a few factors we recommend you consider to pinpoint the start on your destination wedding journey:

Resort aesthetic: The specific architecture and interior design style of your resort, both in and outside your suite. In need of contemporary architecture or even rock n’ roll memorabilia? We’ll find the spot for you. Why does it matter? Not only does it speak to your sensibilities as bride-and-groom… your hotel becomes the memorable backdrop for all those instagram-worthy photos!

Activity level: The amount of daily events and the overall “vibe” of your resort — from laidback tranquility to a nonstop-party action.

Wedding venues: The backdrop & location of your wedding ceremony and/or reception. Do you want to be wed on the beach with your toes in the sand… or on a contemporary rooftop overlooking the sunset over the ocean?

Property size: The size of the resort & the surrounding area. Choose from cozy resorts to expansive properties.

Room Price: Need a suite with that wedding? Discover the average room rates for your prospective resort with our Room Price Minimum and Maximum. These rates are averaged from the low and high rates throughout the year.

Wedding Package: Perhaps one of the most essential factors of your planning process, wedding package costs include a range of the most budget-friendly and expensive packages from your prospective resorts. From the decor to the dining options… it all gets built into your budget and package.

Distance from Airport: It’s more important than you think. Your resort’s distance from the closest international airport can impact your guests’ travel experience. If you know for sure your wedding party won’t mind the drive, widen your range. On the other hand, guests who either need to travel shorter distances or prefer getting from tarmac to tequila in less than 15 minutes, look for smaller travel times.

Weddings Per Day: How many weddings (ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception) a resort can host per day. Larger resorts tend to have the space and availability to those more weddings per day.

LGBTQ+: Destination weddings are for all lovebirds! Use this tag to filter where you can host an LGBTQ+ celebration.

These are all important factors to consider indeed. The best part? You will soon be able to filter available recommended resorts right on Destify to help find that perfect spot!

Finding the Perfect Day

So, you found your wedding wonderland, what’s next? The all-important wedding date! We’ve all heard the same advice: pick your first date anniversary, or even a combination of your favorite numbers. Which is fine and dandy, until you realize thousands of other couples just so happen to have the same first date anniversary, favorite numbers, or birthdays! Hey, stranger things have happened. That’s why we recommend stepping outside of the general inspiration and thinking about your budget and your number preferences during the destination wedding planning process.

As you start planning your destination wedding, keep the high and low seasons in mind, as each season will affect:

Room block availability

Room rates

Resort traffic

Generally, High Season wedding dates tend to favor higher budgets, as resorts elevate room rates to accommodate the influx of tourists during the holiday season. On the other hand, Low Season rates are significantly lower compared to High Season rates; however, you might not score the best weather, as this time of the year includes more rainy weeks.

Destify’s Specialist Tip:
According to Sales Rock Star Lauren Watson, “We like to give recommended dates based on what our couples are looking for. We also carefully consider their budget. Our team also tends to ask for multiple dates — in order to provide multiple options that all lead to the best experience possible.”

Figuring Out Your Guest List

Let’s face it: not all guest lists are created equal, especially when it comes to destination weddings. Most tropical celebrations nowadays garner 20 guests or up. After 1000s of weddings booked, Destify recommends seeking 20 or more guests — all within reason and budget.

Here’s why: while we all would love to see every single one of our loved ones’ faces nestled at either side of the aisle, you might not enjoy seeing that airfare bill rise. With around 20 guests, you can still host a reasonably sized celebration without breaking the bank! You can also capture a more intimate and personal atmosphere, making your wedding day truly unforgettable. We recommend following this order while building your guest list:

Immediate Family

Best Man

Maid of Honor

Bridal Party

Close friends

Putting it All Together

Take a deep breath. Yes, there’s a lot to plan and quite a few things to juggle. But when it comes to destination wedding planning your forever-after on the golden shores of tropical luxury, PITD and Destify will be there every step of the way, especially that essential search. With everything above in mind… let’s distill the biggest factors ahead:

Selecting Your Destination: other than location, keep other attributes in mind such as Activity Level and Resort Aesthetic to discover and book the right property.

Finding Your Perfect Day: think of your budget and the various destination wedding seasons while picking your wedding date.

Figuring Out Your Guest List: start with close family members and work outward.

Destify Planning Tools

Not sure where to begin the planning process for your destination wedding? This section is a great place to start! Below we’re linking you to each of the fun and useful tools, and telling you what to expect from each one:

Destination Wedding Calculator

But how much will your wedding really cost? Let our planning tool help you estimate it. Input the number of guests attending, the destination, and even some of the inclusions you’re imagining, such as fireworks or a DJ. Our calculator will give you a true real-world figure for what you can expect, based on the same weddings we quote every day for our clients.

Wedding Package Breakdown

So what’s the deal with all-inclusive wedding packages anyway? Our package breakdown tool will explain it all, from common terminology to the fine print nearly every resort utilizes. Click around on the package to learn about semi-private dinner receptions, group discounts and more.

Destination Wedding Dates

Choosing a wedding date can be a tricky process. Every couple wants a great time slot, great weather, and convenience for their guests when it comes to booking. This tool is all about making that process easier. It explains “seasonality” across a calendar year, and what you can expect at resorts during different times of the year.

Destination Wedding Timeline

Perhaps our most popular planning tool, the destination wedding timeline places the common process in focus for a couple planning their wedding across a calendar year. You’ll find numerous tidbits and helpful guidelines under each month marker. Did you know the actual decorative process for a destination wedding doesn’t begin until about 3 months before the ceremony? Learn this and more in our interactive tool.

Wedding Checklists

Our most recent addition to the planning tools section is our wedding checklists page. Here you’ll find everything from guest packing checklists to checklists for the day of your ceremony! New checklists are added regularly and are designed to make your destination wedding even more stress-free so you feel ready and prepared.

Making Wedding Planning Fun for the Groom

Wedding planning can always feature a little stress. But it’s even harder when the groom isn’t engaged. Here are six simple and fun things to engage your groom, reduce stress, and help you get started with your destination wedding planning process while making wedding planning fun for the groom.

How to Make Wedding Planning a Fun Thing to Do with Your Groom

1. Generate the guest list together. This is one of the easiest and most fun activities to start with. Think of your common friends, and make it into a friendly competition to see who has more to invite. Of course, only count people you would truly want at your ceremony.

2. Get handy or crafty together. Create something special. It could be as simple as a hand-painted “Just Married” sign or as elaborate as an ornate chuppah. Even cutting the photo booth beard props out of printing paper will work.

3. Pick wedding favors together. Wedding favors should be the cherry on top of a fabulous reception or make for the perfect welcome gift at a destination wedding. Get together with your groom and brainstorm some little things that spark joy for both of you. No matter is too small: local snacks, pretty stationery, cultural items that speak to your destination, or a pair of sunglasses branded with your initials and wedding date will all show appreciation to your guests.

4. Pick a honeymoon destination together. Everyone has a dream honeymoon. So, communicate your dreams out loud together and figure out the best place both of you want to celebrate your life together as newlyweds. If you’re already in your dream location for your wedding, consider staying longer to get a real honeymoon out of your trip.

5. Pick the Boutonniere together. Grooms often go with the flow when it comes to floral selections, but choosing a boutonniere they are actually comfortable with can be a great way to boost confidence. Show them your bouquet and have them help pick a boutonniere they would like to wear, that still matches your selection.

6. Get prettier together. If everything else fails, at least you can pretty yourselves up together. Ask him to try an anti-aging kit with you a few months in advance so that he can look his best on the wedding day. Then you can work on styling his wedding-day look. Pick out his suit, tie, pocket square, boutonnière, and socks together. Accessories make all the difference!

These things are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making wedding planning a fun thing to do with the groom, and they’ll help you both get started by putting your best foot forward

Healthy Habits to Start Before Your Destination Wedding

Preparing for your big day is not just about wedding arrangements but also about feeling at your best. Your big day is more than just a single event; your wedding is a personal journey that begins the second you say “Yes!”. From balanced nutrition and regular exercise to skincare and mindfulness, here are 10 healthy habits to adopt while planning your wedding.

1. Prioritize a Balanced Diet

Nutrition plays an integral role in how we look, but also how we feel inside. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens, and nuts, can improve your skin, while lean proteins and whole grains can keep you satiated and energized. Ditch the salty, fatty, processed foods in your diet in favor of fresh, whole, unprocessed ingredients. You can also consult a registered dietitian for personalized advice and a diet plan designed for you.

2. Holistic Self-Care Rituals

It’s important to remember that your pre-wedding wellness routine is not just about physical health or fitting into a smaller-size dress. Holistic self-care practices can significantly contribute to your emotional and mental well-being, and crash course diets designed to help you rapidly shift a few pounds rarely make you feel better. Including activities like meditation, journaling, or practicing gratitude can help manage pre-wedding jitters and foster a positive mindset.

3. Stay Active

Being physically active is essential for maintaining energy levels and boosting mood. Mix up cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to keep your workouts diverse and exciting. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

4. Embrace a Relaxation Routine

Just as important as keeping active is allowing your body time to relax and rejuvenate. Establish a relaxation routine, such as yoga, reading, or taking relaxing baths, and make it an essential part of your wellness schedule. This balance can significantly reduce stress and improve sleep quality, helping you avoid any bridezilla moments on your big day.

5. Rest and Recharge

Sleep is vital for overall health and beauty, so ensure you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make your sleep environment as relaxing as possible by investing in blackout curtains or a white noise machine. In today’s fast-paced world, many people see a good night’s sleep as a luxury, but this simply isn’t the case. When we begin to see sleep for what it is – a human necessity – we learn to allow ourselves those extra minutes in bed.

6. Hydrate!

Water is essential for overall well-being and glowing skin (humans are made up of 60% water after all!). According to The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should drink 2.7 liters, and men should drink 3.7 liters per day. If this sounds like a lot, make it more enjoyable by adding natural flavors like cucumber, mint, or fruits.

7. Establish a Skincare Routine

Healthy habits extend to your skincare and beauty routines. Start with a basic routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, and consider incorporating additional treatments such as exfoliating and applying masks. Always remember to wear sunscreen, even when indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows. Read more about the importance of sun protection here. Remember, the best foundation for your wedding day look is healthy, glowing skin.

Healthy, glowing skin is not just a matter of external care; it’s about nourishing your body from the inside out. The basics of skincare—cleansing, toning, and moisturizing—form a solid foundation, but your skin also reflects the nutrients it receives. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins is crucial for that natural radiance.

One powerful addition to your routine can be liposomal vitamin C, which helps boost collagen production, reduce oxidative stress, and support skin’s elasticity. Unlike traditional vitamin C, liposomal forms are more bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs them better, making the benefits for your skin even more effective. Incorporating this into your daily supplement regimen can support a brighter complexion and improve overall skin texture.

8. Choose a Wellness Location

When it comes to destination wedding planning tips, embracing the wellness opportunities at your desired destination is key. Enjoy the unique fitness offerings your destination provides, whether that’s paddleboarding in the Dominican Republic, yoga on a Jamaican beach, or hiking in Costa Rica,.

9. Sustainable Travel Practices

Incorporating sustainable habits into your destination wedding plans is also a great idea. Whether it’s selecting eco-friendly resorts, offsetting your carbon footprint, or supporting local communities, these practices contribute to the overall wellness of our planet and can make your celebration more meaningful.

10. Practice Moderation

While it’s crucial to enjoy your wedding celebrations, moderation is key. Opt for healthier choices when available, but don’t restrict yourself from indulging occasionally. Overdoing it with a strict habit regimen will actually do more harm than good!

Why Revamp Your Habits?

Following these tips to look your best and feel even better while at your destination wedding. These essential habits are not just tips for planning

Planning Your Destination Wedding Dress Code

There are few moments in life as unforgettable as your wedding day, including what your guests grace the ceremony and reception with fashion-wise. For destination wedding dresses, the scene set is typically more intimate and the style of you and your guests will determine the mood of the event.

The details related to a destination wedding dress include a few factors, but armed with the right guidelines, you can execute a memorable look that both you and your guests will remember for all time.

Whether hosting or attending a wedding destination, this list of destination wedding guest dresses will provide the inspiration you need to create a winning look!

Dressing for the Destination

Where your wedding is located will have a huge impact in determining the event’s vibe and possibly the theme as well, due to the climate (beach, countryside, upscale), travel, budget, and time necessary to bring everything together.

Before selecting what you wear to a destination wedding, narrow down the most important factors you want to incorporate into the event to create a mood, and then choose accordingly. What you ultimately decide on should be a representation of your overall tastes as well as the vibe you want permeating throughout the event. And although the wedding should primarily cater to the needs of the bride and groom, the guests should also feel just as joyful in the moment as well.

Once you have decided on a location, infuse your event with the wedding dress looks of the region to give your special day a singular vision and feel that speaks to your character.

Dressing for the Season

If you are considering planning a wedding during peak season, you should give your attendees as much advance notice as possible to coordinate a look that coincides with the theme of your wedding day. If given adequate time, your guests will be able to get a good idea of the destination wedding dresses they can wear and the ground rules involved that coincide with a non-traditional wedding.

Destination Wedding Dress Styles for the Big Day

Once your date and location have been secured, the next step is deciding on the styling you want to evoke for your big day. It’s not just the bridesmaids that require destination wedding guest dresses, but attendees as well. Invitations sent out should indicate the attire expected of your guests, from casual, semi-formal, or cocktail dress.

The first rule of wedding destination dresses is to fully embrace the spirit of the event with plenty of colors. Popular hues to consider include but are not limited to fuchsia, tangerine, turquoise, sunflower, and aquamarine blue. Tropical prints, stripes, florals, and polka dots are great destination wedding dress options for women to select from. For fabrics, choose from organza, chiffon, lace, or cotton blends that are breathable and offer a luxurious look but maintain that classic flair.

Casual

The casual approach to a destination wedding dress features fabrics that are lighter and more breathable than traditional ones as they are more comfortable for an outdoor or beach setting and evoke a more relaxed mood. A great casual option is a nice maxi dress that is loose-fitting and sweeps across the sand.

Semi-Formal

The semi-formal approach to a destination wedding dress is a short tea-length dress that falls right above the ankles, the perfect length to transition from the seaside to a reception hall. Paired with chunky heels or stilettos, it is a winning combination that is simple, yet effortlessly chic.

Cocktail

For women that opt for a cocktail dress, there are even more options for creativity. Because of this, you can opt for bolder colors and patterns that are eye-catching and sure to add some elegance to the ceremonies.

Hiring a Professional

For those that find a destination wedding too daunting and want to considerably reduce their stress levels, then a wedding coordinator like Destify, coupled with an on-site resort planner may be the best route to go. A Destify booking coordinator can be your go-to for everything destination wedding-related, from reserving your dream resort to handling your travel arrangements. At zero cost, they will make decisions for your event and have the expertise to coordinate the perfect wedding that meets or exceeds all of your expectations.

Final Considerations

Once you have made the decision to have a destination wedding, remember that you can only plan so much and that many things may be out of your hands. The personal touches and styling you ultimately choose for your destination wedding dresses will add to the overall character of the event and will leave a lasting impression.

Just remember to breathe and be in the moment, enjoy your friends and family, and know that your wedding is a day filled with love and happiness that will leave you with lifelong memories!

Ready to slay the aisle but haven’t quite found it yet? Follow the button below to connect with a Destify Booking Coordinator and find your dream destination.

A Timeline for Wedding Planning That Suits You

The art of destination wedding planning is all about perfect timing. Whether you’re an early planner or prefer a shorter engagement, understanding when to book each element is key. Each decision sets the stage for your special day. Ready to turn your dream wedding into a reality? Visit Destify today for comprehensive assistance in planning your perfect destination wedding. Let’s make your special day unforgettable, one (well-timed) step at a time.