Category: AIW

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4 secrets to planning the perfect destination wedding.

1. Deciding if a destination wedding is for you

2. How to find your destination wedding location

3. Making the most of your destination wedding

4. Your destination wedding – big ticket items to start your plan

Once you understand the key questions, you’re ready to enjoy the wedding of your dreams!

1. Deciding if a Destination wedding is for you?

= Destination weddings are wonderful if you love adventure and travel. Whether you love the beach, mountains, or natural rainforests – you’ll find a destination wedding to match!

When you have a wedding at home they are often just one special day. However, destination weddings can last an entire week or more!

= Weddings at home can be expensive. Alternatively, a destination wedding can cost a fraction of a home wedding.

= You’ll have the option of a local wedding planner. Yes, there’s a cost, but brides and
grooms love the help.

You can get married in a particular location. You’ll experience the beauty of getting
married while enjoying a relaxing holiday feeling.

2. How to find your destination wedding location?

Your wedding needs to be in the perfect location for YOU. You want an unforgettable location to make your dream wedding one to remember. Here are our top tips:

= Choose somewhere that’s very special. For example, did you have a special vacation anywhere?

Choose somewhere where your family is from. It’s an excellent way to go back to your roots!

= If you’re planning your honeymoon location, why not have the wedding there too?

= Where have you dreamt of visiting? Bring that into reality and have your wedding in your dream holiday destination!

= Where have your friends married before? Of course, you could always choose the same place and talk about the experience with them.

= Always consider your budget. Which destinations match your budget?

3. Making the most of your destination wedding

So, you’ve made it to your dream destination? Now to make the most of this arrangement.

= Have your honeymoon and wedding in the same special location, why not double up?

= Why not invite all guests a week before the wedding? That way, they can all enjoy the destination.

= Alternatively, you could always spend time relaxing with your family after the wedding.

= If you’re looking for an excellent deal – and we all love a great deal – you can book in the off-season

You should be patient! Remember, it’s a foreign country with a different culture, and things don’t always work the same. Once you realize that, you’ll begin to enjoy your time more.

4. Your destination wedding – big-ticket items to start your plan

Once you’ve decided to have a destination wedding, there are some key things that you need to plan. Here are some of the best ways to ensure your destination wedding is one to remember!

1) What wedding setting do you want? Would you like it to be inside or outside?

2) Wedding rituals are important when you plan a wedding. Will you have a traditional, religious, or civil wedding?

3) Which country will you choose? Depending on where you go, you’ll have to check all the legal aspects, documentation, and apply for a wedding license.

4) Decide the time of the day; would you prefer an afternoon wedding or a sunset marriage on a tropical beach?

5) What type of reception would you like? For example, would you prefer formal dining or a buffet?

6) Package wedding? Would you like a package holiday, including food, drink, and live entertainment?

7) You could always use the services of a wedding planner! Wedding planners are excellent at providing you the best possible day, but make sure you ask plenty of questions.

8) Who do you want to invite? Who will you be obligated to invite? Your guest list is obviously crucial, so make sure you start writing down the names of people that you want to invite on a potential invite list. This makes it much more helpful to define your final guest list.

9) What is your budget? As you’d expect, some places are more expensive than others, so you should plan to get the best deal!

Start with the costs that you know, and by doing this, you’ll be off to a great start. In addition, this is where a wedding planner can be crucial because they have experience in handling wedding costs. You should also consider package holidays because they can save you a lot of money.

Before you leave to fly out:

1. Airfares & transport to the airport.

2. Visas for the country of entry (check how long in advance you need to apply for any visa, some countries application process is longer than others and you many need time to order certain documents yourself for the application).

3. Marriage license cost – make sure you get the legalities right (check how long the process is and again, you may need time to order and collate documents for the application. Check any start and finish date for the license).

You might be wondering, is a destination wedding stressful and too much to organize? In reality, it’s absolutely not. Any wedding takes some planning, but with the right help and connections, this becomes a lot easier, even when it’s based overseas / an international location. A destination wedding could be the best decision that you ever make, so what are you waiting for?

We would love to hear and connect with you, to see what your experience has been like – Drop us a line at: https://www.allinclusiveweddings.com/contact

7 absolute essentials for your destination wedding.

We can help with everything mentioned, and so much more!

1. Transport costs – airport to wedding venue.

2. Venue – must have for both your wedding ceremony and your reception (could be the same location – think inside or outside, or even themed venue?).

3. Accommodation – as you need somewhere to stay as do your guests!

4. Wedding Planner or Organizer (if you don’t have anybody on the ground locally or taking up a Package wedding).

5. Reception – Caterers/Food/ Wine – do you have a budget per head?

6. Music & Entertainment.

7. Ceremony Officiate – you need to have somebody to officially marry you!

Other tips:

If you’re planning your honeymoon location, why not have the wedding there too?

= Where have you always dreamed of visiting? Bring that into reality and have your wedding in your dream holiday destination!

= Where have your friends married before? Of course, you could always choose the same place and talk about the experience with them.

= Always consider your budget. Which destinations match your budget?

= When you have a wedding at home they are often just one special day. You may only get a few minutes to chat and spend with your family and friends at the reception. However, destination weddings can last an entire weekend, week, or longer!

= Weddings at home can be expensive. Alternatively, a destination wedding can cost a
fraction of a home wedding.

= You will have the option of a local wedding planner and wedding organizer. This is more turnkey for you as a couple and couples love the in destination help from a local expert.

We would love to hear and connect with you, to see what your experience has been like – Drop us a line at: https://www.allinclusiveweddings.com/contact

@allinclusiveweddings.com 4 big decisions to a destination wedding – budget, backdrop, style, season #allinclusiveweddingpackage #destinationweddingplanner #allinclusivewedding #destinationwedding #weddingplanning ♬ Caalm Dooown – EL Locco

WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT DESTINATION?

BIG DESTINATION DECISIONS

Selecting your destination is the first step in planning a trip to celebrate your romantic milestone. You want a location that sets the tone for your special occasion and represents the love you have for one another. If your celebration includes more than just the two of you, also consider a place your guests will cherish – loaded with all-inclusive luxury and exciting activities.

BUDGET: No need to break the bank. Determine what you are willing to spend. A destination resort can work with you to create a one-of-a-kind experience within your budget.

BACKDROP: It doesn’t have to be a fantasy! Visualize your dream location and choose a destination that meets your unique criteria.

STYLE: Beach breezy? Nature lovers? History buffs? Define your style as a couple and select a complementary destination.

SEASONALITY: Are you celebrating a certain date? Is there flexibility? Some destinations have great promotions during low seasons.

We understand those extraordinary moments… the ones that truly take your breath away, the ones that stay with you forever. Whether it’s the first time you see one another as you walk down the aisle, or the view from the beach where you celebrate that special anniversary or renew your vows. The Inclusive Collection expertly crafts stunning experiences, creating lifelong memories for you to love and cherish. We are honored to be a part of your celebration because you deserve an experience as amazing and unique as your love.

Once you know your destination

Explore the ideal resort brand for your romantic milestone! Finding a resort that matches your unique style as a couple will make the occasion even more special.

FIND YOUR Perfect RESORT

Now that you’ve said ‘I do’ to the destination and brand, pick the perfect resort for your upcoming nuptials! Every resort offers dedicated wedding coordinators, tailored packages and amenities to make your day even more special. For more information and a snapshot of each resort’s unique wedding amenities, see the chart on the next pages.

PERFECTLY Curated Packages

All our destination wedding packages are specially crafted to create one-of-a-kind experiences across our resort partners. You’ll find each brand offers a variety of packages that vary based on your needs, with additional décor, venue and menu customizations available at time of booking.

Plan like a Pro

When planning your destination wedding, the steps and overall timing is much different from a local ceremony. Your wedding coordinator will guide you through the process. However, using this checklist will help you get ready for the big day.

Celebrate EVERY MOMENT

From the time you say “yes” till years after you say, “I do,” we want to help your romantic journey be as stress free as possible. Couples can even earn complimentary anniversary nights on qualifying wedding or honeymoon packages.

It’s a lot like heaven.

We can help you navigate the different wedding packages with ranges of price points and offerings.

From an intimate two-person experience, which can includes a ceremony, flowers, a private dinner for two under the stars, a massage, morning-after breakfast in bed and more. To 50+ person wedding, without losing any of the romantic details. Perks like a private cocktail hour, a three-course meal, live music and a rehearsal dinner – this can all be added and included.

Each couple has unique needs, which is why we create custom wedding packages made with a range of price points and offerings. From a simple couple’s elopement get-away package, to a large 200+ guest wedding, we do it all!

Just think what’s possible – Fireworks, massages, and breakfast in bed, destination weddings put the ‘bliss’ in ‘wedded bliss.’

If planning your wedding sight unseen sounds nerve-wracking, many resort brands offer special rates for couples to visit, meet with wedding experts and decide on different day-of features, like wedding site and menu options. Not ready to commit? When you visit and book your wedding, several resort brands will provide you with a certificate for a two-night stay to use during the wedding or honeymoon.

Because resorts want to help you keep the celebration going well into the future, several resorts also offer a complimentary two-night stay for your first wedding anniversary, making it easy to relive every detail from your magical day.

From beachfront altars to multi-course menus to finale fireworks, all inclusive destination wedding resorts offer a sensory experience that brings wedding dreams to life. Couples can exchange vows at a range of sites, including the beach, pools, terraces, ballrooms, or even at select resorts – in the Presidential Suite – a luxe location for elopements and micro-weddings.

Access to onsite dedicated wedding experts, including wedding planners and coordinators is included. Some resorts offer the bonus of added exclusivity, as they only host one wedding per day.

We want to provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your vows. But it’s not just the scenery that creates the wedding of your dreams. Your resort’s dedicated team of wedding experts ensures that your vision becomes a reality, from sprawling plans to tiny details and everything in between of 200+ guests without losing any of the romantic details.

With many resort brands, couples who book multiple-night stays can earn a complimentary destination wedding that takes care of many items on the to-do list – including an officiant, flowers, turndown service and a wedding cake and sparkling wine toast for up to 10 guests.

A Family Affair: “The best part of a destination wedding is the added time with everyone. The hotel put on both a meet-and-greet and a poker party in the nights before the wedding. It was a wedding week versus a wedding day, which made for endless memories — and lots of beach volleyball. By the time our wedding night came around, everyone was family.”

Destination On-Site: “Weddings on-site at the resort are such a COMPLETE destination offering, where you can enjoy activities, haute cuisine and the best beaches in the world with your partner. You don’t have to do anything but savor the sun and ocean breeze.”

@allinclusiveweddings.com Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica #allinclusiveweddings #allinclusiveweddingpackage #travelagent #destinationweddingplanner #travelagency ♬ Moonbeam – Estée

ROYALTON BLUE WATERS, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, DESTINATION WEDDING

Testimony and review from the bride:

My husband and I worked with the company’s owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.

Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.

Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a PRO do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you’re in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!

The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia’s company finds the best local vendors, so you know you’ll get great value in your package, and what’s nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn’t have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.

@allinclusiveweddings.com 9 Benefits of a Destination Wedding #destinationwedding #travelagent #travelagency #allinclusiveweddings #romance #weddingpackage ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

FARAWAY ROMANCE

Wedding photos on white-sand beaches with sparkling blue waters are just one benefit of a destination wedding.

1) THE GUEST LIST

Asking your best friend to travel to your destination wedding is easy. Asking your parents’ work colleagues? Not as much. Hosting a ceremony away from home is a natural way to trim the guest list, ensuring you’re surrounded by only your nearest and 1 dearest that day.

2) THE DÉCOR

Nothing can compete with sweeping ocean views, bright skies, blue pools and vibrant tropical plants. When it comes to décor, our selected resorts incorporate elements from their surroundings, so everything from flowers to food is inspired by the lush locales.

3) THE EASE

Our selected resorts have the services of on-site wedding planners and coordinators included in the cost of the event. So rather than juggling multiple sites and vendors, communication is streamlined between you and a small team.

4) THE VACATION

Between time, money and schedules, it can feel impossible to get away. But a destination wedding means you’re giving guests that badly needed vacation. Plus, with the details already worked out for them, it’s less involved than planning their own voyage.

5) THE COST

The average US wedding rings in around $28,000. But thanks to a variety of wedding packages, you can host a destination wedding at a fraction of the cost. (Pro tip: some resorts even offer FREE weddings.)

6) THE QUALITY TIME

During a one-night event, couples are lucky to get two minutes with their loved ones. But when guests stay at the same resort, a wedding can include a roster of events — think a welcome cocktail party, excursions, a post-wedding brunch — where the couple can spend time with friends and family.

7) THE DRESS CODE

Beach venues allow for more laid-back attire, from loose maxi dresses and sandals to short-sleeve shirts and flip-flops.

8) THE HONEYMOON

Forget the post-wedding travel scramble — you’re already there! Plus, many resorts offer upgrades and perks to couples who stay for their honeymoon.

9) THE MEMORIES

For many couples, the wedding day is a blur. But with fewer demands, more time with loved ones and a small to-do list, it’s easier to savor the experience, creating memories that last a lifetime.

There’s nothing more romantic than exchanging vows with your best friend in paradise. And no one knows paradise like All Inclusive Weddings.

We’ve been handling all the ins and outs of destination weddings for couples, arranging their dream destination wedding and honeymoon since 2002.

Our weddings experts will help you select the perfect destination and hotel, take care of your travel arrangements, and put you in touch with a personal wedding planner in resort who will help ensure that not a petal is out of place on your special day.

All Inclusive Weddings takes the stress out of destination weddings, and our great group specials make them affordable too! From intimate gatherings to grand galas, and symbolic to legal ceremonies, we’ve got you covered.

UNLIMITED OPTIONS
Fully customizable weddings from simple vow exchanges to lavish parties.

GORGEOUS VENUES
Diverse ceremony and reception venues for celebrations of all sizes.

SPECIAL CEREMONIES
Symbolic, religious and legal ceremonies (including same-sex weddings).

EXPERT PLANNING
All US-based weddings team with dedicated on-site wedding planners.

Since 2002, we have been handling destination weddings, honeymoons, and all forms of romance travel for 100s of couples. They have trusted All Inclusive Weddings when it comes to planning the most romantic day of their lives.

Your travel authority for destination weddings, All Inclusive Weddings will help you select the perfect resort that offers everything you’re looking for — an incredible setting for your ceremony and reception, personal wedding coordinators to take care of all the details and customized arrangements and the most romantic honeymoon you could ever imagine! From great group discounts to exclusive perks, our team will work with you and your travel advisor to ensure that your wedding is not only unique, but affordable – for you and your guests.

All Inclusive Weddings has helped countless couples celebrate their new beginnings in the paradisiacal setting of their dreams. Isn’t it time to let your chapter unfold?

Why Use a Travel Advisor for Your Destination Wedding?

Planning a destination wedding requires a lot of research and planning.

It’s a familiar story. A couple gets engaged and becomes really excited about a destination wedding – until they start thinking about questions. Questions about the location, venue, flights, rooms, transfers. Planning a destination wedding by yourself can be a challenge and the couple often becomes overwhelmed.

From finding the perfect venue to arranging accommodations for your guests, there is a lot to consider.

Does this sound like you? If so, the most important question you should be asking as a newly engaged couple is, “Should I hire a travel advisor who specializes in destination weddings to help me with this?” This is why we’re here!

How does a travel advisor help with destination weddings?

Travel advisors will help you determine the best resort for your wedding based on first-hand experience. They know which resorts offer perks and which ones have the best prices. They often have exemplary relationships with wedding planners and staff so they can get information more quickly than you can on your own.

Best of all, they will handle all of the travel arrangements for you and your guests. Can you imagine trying to book Aunt Becky’s transfers and room at the same time you are sending out invitations and scheduling bridal fittings?

Once your party has arrived at the destination, your travel advisor will still be providing support. When cousin Eddy doesn’t like his room, he can call the travel advisor to have it all worked out instead of asking you to fix it. Having a travel advisor in your back pocket will give you an added layer of insulation between all the things that could go wrong with travel and the real reason why you are there – your wedding.

If you choose an international location, this may be the first time some of your guests have ever been out of the country. They are sure to have plenty of questions about passports, traveling during the time of Covid, and what happens if they need to cancel their trip. Instead of calling you to have their questions answered, your travel advisor will provide expert answers to ensure they are ready to travel. Your travel advisor will also be able to answer simpler questions about the dress code for the resort or if the menu has gluten-free options.

On occasion, your travel advisor may be able to provide on-site support. In this case, the travel advisor would travel with you and be available to assist the group for the entire time they are at the destination.

A travel advisor can provide you with invaluable insight and expertise on the destination you are considering. They can help you to find the perfect venue, arrange transportation and accommodations, and provide recommendations on activities and attractions for your guests.

Additionally, they can provide you with advice on the best time of year to visit, and any local customs or regulations you should know about. Using a travel advisor can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. They can help you to make sure that your destination wedding is a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

15 reasons to use a Travel Advisor for Your Destination Wedding

• A travel advisor will have access to exclusive deals and discounts to help make your destination wedding more affordable.
• They can help you identify the best wedding venues and locations.
• They will be able to provide you with detailed information about the destination, its culture, and any potential risks.
• A travel advisor will help you navigate the sometimes confusing legal processes involved in planning a destination wedding.
• They can help you find the best travel and accommodation packages for you and your guests.
• They will be able to provide you with advice on how to make the most out of your destination wedding experience.
• A travel advisor can provide you with information on any local customs and traditions you may want to incorporate into your wedding.
• They can help you find the best deals and packages for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
• They can help you create a custom itinerary that includes activities for you and your guests to enjoy both before and after your wedding.
• A travel advisor will be able to provide you with detailed information about any potential weather or natural disasters that could affect your destination wedding.
• They can help you find and book any special services you may need, such as transportation or catering.
• They can provide you with guidance and resources to help you stay within your budget.
• A travel advisor can help you find the perfect wedding attire and accessories for your destination wedding.
• They can provide you with contacts and resources to help you find the most reliable and experienced vendors for your wedding.
• A travel advisor will be able to provide you with essential information on the local laws and regulations that may affect your destination wedding.

At All Inclusive Weddings, we have been handling all the ins and outs of destination weddings since 2002. As seasoned destination wedding specialists, our job is to stay in the know about all things destination wedding planning.

Over 20 years ago, when we first started planning group travel and weddings, there were website forums that you could read and a few blogs. Today, everything revolves around social media, so the modern day forums are now Facebook Groups, and there are lots of them out there. They are as overwhelming as a Google search.

All that being said, the single most common question we see is:

“Any recommendations for a destination wedding in (this country)”?

Finding a tie-the-knot spot is one of the first tasks to cross off your list. Weekend weddings at popular venues are often booked months in advance, and in popular resort areas, hotels and other lodgings fill up quickly as peak season approaches. Until you know where you’re getting married, moving on to other decisions, such as ordering invitations and finalizing the menu, is next to impossible.

Unfortunately, when it comes to locations, there is a lot of bad advice out there. Don’t get us wrong, they mean well, but that does not change the fact that regardless of their good intentions most of the time, the recommendations are based on their one and only experience with their wedding or a couples trip they took last year.

Choosing a resort for a vacation for you and your spouse is one thing, but choosing a resort for you and 60 of your closest friends and family is a WHOLE different ball game.

Tradition favors having the wedding in the bride’s hometown, but that’s not always feasible or desirable. If neither of you has roots in your present community, you may opt for your favorite vacation spot – based on availability, this may be a challenge.

So even though we’ve stayed and visited hundreds of resorts over the last two decades, we would not make a recommendation without a clear understanding of your needs, budget, wedding vision and your group’s dynamic.

SEVEN MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS, THAT NOBODY IS ASKING YOU, BEFORE MAKING RESORT SUGGESTIONS:

What is your wedding vision?

All too often, people begin planning their wedding by setting a strict budget
and then trying to shoehorn in all the things they think they should have in
their wedding. This process doesn’t work and can leave you feeling like you
can’t afford to have your dream wedding in any way, shape, or form.

Why is your wedding vision important? Because not all resorts are made equal. If you want a Sky Terrace wedding and the resort does not offer it, it should not be in the running. Your vision matters even if you just want a “simple beach wedding.

How many guests are you expecting?

Don’t go overboard! Make sure and hold off broadcasting your plans, even tentative plans, until you know how many of your 500 closest friends you can actually invite.

How many guests you are expecting is huge. While most destination wedding groups have an average of 50 guests, if you are expecting 90, 100, 150, etc. not every resort will be able to accommodate.

Depending on the resort and the wedding locations they have, most resorts have a cap which is directly related to their backup plan (in case of rain or other weather-related issues). Why fall in love with a resort that can’t handle your group and have to start over?

What is your guest’s budget?

Before talking to a travel agent or planner, it’s atleast a good idea to have a range. We have had brides choose a more expensive property so their guest list does not get out of control, while others choose a resort below their usual comfort level and lifestyle so most guests can make it.

There is no right or wrong idea, but you don’t want to sacrifice your wedding day by going to a resort that you or your guests would not enjoy. This is one of the key skills and where brides usually have that AHA! moment on how this part is key in choosing the perfect location.

What is your group dynamic?

Taking your wedding abroad does not take away the logistics of planning a special event. How far are guests willing to travel? How long is your group likely to stay? Is dad or grandma in a wheelchair and will need an elevator or easy to walk grounds? Is there a club at the resort or will the group be ok with going to bed at 10:00 PM?

This is where we sit down and ensure your entire weekend is delightful for everyone. Trust me there will be times where we give you permission to be selfish and focus on what YOU want but keeping your guests happy is key; after all, they are paying for their vacation to attend your wedding.

Food matters

It’s important to consider all the restaurant choices for your guests. Are a-la-carte restaurants reservations only? Will the group have the same buffet all week? Does your group need a burger joint where they don’t have to dress up? Answering these questions will help you meet your guest’s expectations and avoid stress on your big day.

Group Perks

How generous is the resort with brides and grooms? This one may not be known if you are just starting to research or plan your destination wedding but here is the deal: Most resorts can perform a beach wedding, and then there are resorts that specialize in weddings.

This means they have more inventory to customize your vision, they have the trained staff to run your events, and most importantly, because they specialize in weddings they actively seek group business which means more money in your pockets (savings). We can work with any resort really, but as someone who planned his own wedding, we know that every penny counts and well, realistically we don’t want to pay for things we don’t necessarily have to, right?

YOUR Best Interests

Lastly, while we know the focus often is in saving your guests money, we want to keep your best interest at heart and help you save money in some areas so that you can splurge on your must-haves! As you can see, despite the generosity and free sharing spirit that goes around in most bridal groups we want you to use caution and do your due diligence by connecting with someone who has planned more than one wedding in their lifetime.

For many reasons, the “perfect resort” for a bride with a $5,000 budget might not work for the bride with a $20,000 budget and vice versa. Think of your resort as if it was your local wedding venue. The most important piece of the puzzle for your budget, your vision, and your wedding guests’ experience.

We hope you found this helpful! Contact All Inclusive Weddings for more information about booking your dream destination wedding.