Everything you need to know about planning your destination wedding
Congratulations on your upcoming destination wedding!
We're here to help. There are a lot of important (and fun) details to consider and sort out as you plan your destination wedding; and we have your bases covered, from choosing the perfect location and venue, to locating a post-reception dance club.
CHOOSING YOUR RESORT | TOP TEN TIPS | HOT WEDDING TRENDS | DESTINATION REQUIREMENTS
Choosing your resort
To start, the biggest decision is to choose your ideal destination. There is a lot to consider and our specialists know the ins and outs of all our favourite resorts, as well as the pros and cons of each location. If you don't already know which country or even part of the world you'd like to go, contact us and we can help narrow down the options. Just by answering a few questions, we can help put you in the right direction.
Ready to get started? Peruse our favourite resorts and meet our specialists
Book a "wedding test drive"
Many of our favourite resort chains allow for a very affordable two to three night package to test drive your destination wedding.
See our Top Ten Destination Wedding Tips, below
Top Ten Destination Wedding Tips
Here is our collection of tips and advice from the experts who know Destination Wedding planing, inside and out!
1. Pick the resort of your dreams – after all, it is your happily ever after!
It is easy to be led astray from what you really want by well-intentioned family members and friends. But if you have your heart set on saying "I do" at an adults-only all-inclusive resort, than you should follow your dream; regardless if some friends and/or family
can't or choose not come.
But what if the issue is a monetary one? Know that there are options should you have a particular resort in mind that is of a higher price point. You may find less invitees who are willing to pay, but if you want everyone you love to be there you can accommodate families at a lower price point. For example, we always recommend that the bride and groom stay an extra three nights and move to a deluxe adults-only property for a mini honeymoon following the ceremony.
2. Book a "wedding test drive" vacation.
Many of our favourite resort chains allow for a very affordable two to three night package to test drive your destination wedding. We can arrange for you to stand in the wedding gazebo, listen to the waves, taste the cake and visualize your big day. Plan the entire destination wedding on site with ease.
3. Decide whether yours is a "tight control" guest list, or "the more the merrier" type of affair.
Are you looking for a small and intimate invite-only destination wedding, or can Auntie Sue invite her friends from work? What do "you" want? Your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist can help you keep the list small or look after a list that grows to 100 guests. The choice is yours.
4. Let your agent build the excitement for you and your guests.
This is what we do! We create excitement for your big day and trip. Your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist will pamper your entire party with updates, travel tips, destination guides, excursions ideas, etc. Expect to be tantalized with beautiful portraitures and exciting, romantic schedules of things to do.
5. Send out a great invite.
Your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist can help you design a personalized invitation that showcases you and yours and answers all of the questions your guests may have about your resort.
6. Book early to give your guests time to make payments.
Book at least 12 months in advance in order to give your guests time to save and plan. Final payments are due three to six months prior to departure.
7. Plan a few special events.
Your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist is here to help suggest and plan fun events while on resort, e.g. bachelor/bachelorette parties, a spa day, golf tournament, post wedding day brunch, etc.
8. Keep the romance top of mind.
We recommend that the wedding couple always book a more exclusive section of the resort (e.g. Butler-level room). This gives you the option to hide out from time to time to rest and relax with your sweetheart; as well it allows your guests time enjoy their vacation.
Organize a "free day" when guests can book an excursion or hide out themselves (no group party at the swim-up bar that day!).
9. Hire a great photographer.
Your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist can recommend the top destination wedding photographers. Take plenty of portraits, but don't forget the option to include creative, personalized shots. (e.g. A destination wedding is a great opportunity to take a fun "trash the dress" shot on the beach at sunset.)
10. Do a passport check!
We've got you covered here. Your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist will make sure to check yours and your guests' passports for six months validity after the travel dates.
Did you know that you can get married a the same resort that hosted the reality show Bachelor in Paradise?
See our Hot Wedding Trends, below
Hot Wedding Trends
Congratulations on considering (or deciding on) a destination wedding. You're in good company...the all-inclusive concept is now more popular than ever! Whether you envision an adventure resort, an intimate boutique-style property or saying "I do" at sea, there something for everyone.
Gone are the days of "three meals" at a buffet. Most modern resorts offer a wide-range of dining experiences, from indigenous options to Teppanyaki and first-class catering menus. If cost is a concern, there are endless elegant, yet economical options for couples on a budget. You just have to ask!
To help get you started, here are some of the most current Destination Wedding Trends to get your creative juices flowing.
Hiring an on-site Wedding Planner
On-site wedding planners know your venue inside-and-out, alleviating a lot of the stress. For example, they know the on-site DJs, musicians, photographers, florists and authentic cuisine options; and they can inquire on the alternative local outside vendors to fulfill these responsibilities.
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist about culturally specific decor and ceremony choices and options.
Cultural Weddings
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist about resorts familiar with the rituals and culture you are envisioning for your event; as well as a wedding planner who can guide you and your families through them on location.
Hire vendors and photographers who know which details deserve the most attention and choose a resort with a strong background in hosting events with your cultural alignment.
For example, food is an important element of a Hindu wedding, so be sure you're the only Hindu bride at the resort during your stay...you may find out too late that there are not enough resources.
Same-Sex Weddings
Now that 22 countries allow same-sex marriage, the sky's the limit for the LGBT couple. Take your vows beside a volcano in Hawaii or on a beach in Bora Bora. Following the wedding, your honeymoon is literally at your feet. Imagine waterfall pools and beachside hammocks while sipping celebratory tropical cocktails; or perhaps you'd rather a hiking adventure and riding horses.
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist about the known gay hubs, with plenty of resorts nearby that cater to the LGBT community.
Weddings At Sea
One advantage to weddings at sea is the tremendous savings to be had. Many cruise lines offer a variety of packages to suit all budgets, with prices typically starting at $2,000+.
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist about your options.
Port Weddings
If you're considering a cruise, take note! Port Weddings provides the option of getting married while the ship is docked. For your guests who can't necessarily afford a full cruise, they can still be part of the wedding ceremony.
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist for details.
Glacier Weddings
Imagine looking out from atop a glacier on your wedding day. An Alaska cruise may be just the ticket!
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist for even more options.
The Bachelor in Paradise Wedding
Did you know that you can get married a the same resort that hosted the reality show Bachelor in Paradise?
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist for details.
A variety of guest rooms and rates
More often than not, there is a financial diversity in your group. There are resort options to accommodate the family looking to save and the couple ready to splurge.
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist for options and ideas.
The #SocialMedia Wedding
Make your wedding a social affair with creative selfies celebrating every special moment: a special wedding #hashtag, dedicated pages, blogs, Instagram, Facebook albums, etc. Or unplug altogether...it's your decision and one the entire party should get on board with.
The Vow Renewal Wedding
Say "I do"again! Plan (or surprise your spouse with) a Destination Vow Renewal Ceremony.
Tell your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist about your dream second honeymoon.
Trash the Dress
If you haven't already heard, a popular trend for the Destination Wedding bride is to "Trash the dress" on location, saving the cost of transporting it back home.
Post wedding and pictures on the beach (without pretention to getting it wet and sandy), brides are opting to take a dip in the waves before disposing of it before the trip home.
Forget the Dress
Choose a simple sarong in white...or not. It's your day and it can be as fancy or casual as you wish!
Or...Forget the Beach
There are more options besides the beachside resort for your destination wedding. For example, New York City offers arguably the best and most varied restaurants in the world, not to mention Broadway musicals and shopping.
Ask your Niche Travel Group Destination Wedding Specialist about the endless options.
MEXICO: All documents listed must be officially translated into Spanish and notarized
Destination Requirements
Before you make your final decision on your wedding destination, it's important to be aware of the various requirements for each country that must be met in order to be legally married. Some are considerably more complicated than others.
Here is a list of requirements for some of the more popular wedding destinations.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
All documents listed must be officially translated into Spanish and certified by a notary public (allow 3-5 business days):
- Photocopies of valid passports (3 copies)
- Original birth certificates (plus 3 copies)
- Notarized single status affidavits
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married (original and 2 copies). Mandatory 10-month waiting period to re-marry for bride if divorced or widowed.
- Adoption certificate, if applicable
- Two witnesses, with passports (2 copies)
Dominican Republic Embassy: www.drembassy.org/english
Dominican Republic Tourist Board: www.godominicanrepublic.com
JAMAICA
Visitors may be married just 24-hours after arrival provided a prior application has been made for the marriage license. French Canadians need a notarized and translated English copy of all documents, accompanied with a photocopy of all original French documents:
- Proof of citizenship
- Certified copy of both the bride and groom's birth certificates which include the father's name
- Divorce decree of death certificate or previous marital partner if deceased (if applicable)
Jamaican Tourist Board: www.visitjamaica.com
MEXICO
All documents listed must be officially translated into Spanish and notarized:
- Passports
- Tourist cards, given at airport on arrival
- Birth certificates
- Divorce decree or death certificate of previous marital partner (if applicable)
- Four witnesses over the age of 18 with passports, tourist cards and birth certificates
- Locally performed blood test and chest x-rays ($)
- Bride and groom must arrive in Mexico at least 4 working days prior to the wedding date
Mexican Tourist Board: www.visitmexico.com
BAHAMAS
Both parties must be in the Bahamas at the time of the application and must have stayed in the Bahamas for not less than one day prior to the date of the application. The following documents are required:
- Passports
- A declaration certifying civil status sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the Bahamas
- If one of the parties is under the age of 18, consent of parents is required in the form of a sworn and notarized affidavit
- Divorce decree of death certificate of previous marital partner (if applicable)
- Evidence of the date of arrival in the Bahamas (i.e. the immigration card that was received on entry)
CUBA
All documents listed must be officially translated into Spanish, certified by a notary public and accompanied by certificate of authenticity in order to be legalized and certified by the Consulate General of Cuba (allow 15 to 21 business days)
:
- Passports
- Tourist cards
- Divorce decree and birth certificate of previous marital partner (if applicable)
- Death certificate and marriage certificate and birth certificate of previous marital partner if deceased (if applicable)
- Bride and groom's full names
- Permanent addresses
- Occupations
- Level of education
- Nationality and full names of parents for both the bride and groom
Cuban Tourist board: www.gocuba.com
Cuban embassy: www.embacubacanada.net
