Destination weddings blend romance with adventure seamlessly, but choosing the right resort is essential for an unforgettable experience. There are numerous factors to consider with options ranging from inclusive wedding packages to family-friendly accommodations. To assist you in making the best decision, we have curated a list of the top 10 things to look for in a destination wedding resort, ensuring that your special day is flawless and memorable.
1. Inclusive Wedding Packages
One of the greatest advantages of a destination wedding is the availability of inclusive wedding packages. These packages typically cover everything you need, from ceremony and reception venues to catering and decorations. When selecting the ideal destination wedding resort, look for comprehensive packages that offer excellent value and simplicity. This can greatly reduce the stress of planning, allowing you to savor the journey to your big day.
Inclusive packages may also offer extras such as photography, entertainment, and honeymoon arrangements. Choosing a resort with these packages can streamline planning and ensure all details are managed. These packages often include dedicated wedding planners who provide expert advice and handle all logistics, guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free experience.
2. Limit of 1-2 Wedding Celebrations Per Day
To ensure your wedding feels unique and unhurried, choose resorts that limit the number of wedding celebrations to one or two per day. This ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. When selecting a destination wedding location, check the resort’s policy on the number of weddings held daily to guarantee your event is the primary focus.
Having fewer weddings per day allows the resort staff to devote more time and resources to making your celebration perfect. You won’t need to worry about sharing spaces or competing for the wedding coordinators’ attention. This exclusivity ensures that your wedding day is truly unique and tailored to your needs, offering a sense of intimacy and importance.
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana -Photo courtesy Junior Cruz Weddings
3. Dedicated On-Site Wedding Team with Excellent Communication
Effective communication is crucial for planning a successful destination wedding. Opt for a resort with a dedicated on-site wedding team renowned for their excellent communication skills. This team will be your primary contact, assisting with everything from venue selection to coordinating the day’s events. Reading reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the team’s proficiency in planning and execution.
A dedicated team with strong communication skills ensures your vision is understood and realized. They can help navigate the complexities of planning a wedding abroad, including managing local vendors, legal requirements, and cultural nuances. Regular updates and clear communication from the wedding team can alleviate stress and keep you informed at every stage.
Secrets Akumal Bridal Room– Photo courtesy of the Wedding Team at the Resort
4. Multiple Venue Options
Having several venue options is essential for creating the perfect destination wedding. Look for resorts that offer a variety of settings, from beachfront ceremonies to garden receptions. This variety allows you to choose a location that fits your vision and accommodates your guest list comfortably.
A resort with multiple venue options can also provide flexibility in case of weather changes or other unforeseen circumstances. Whether you envision a grand ballroom, a cozy chapel, or an outdoor pavilion, having diverse choices ensures that your wedding can be tailored to your preferences and needs.
Dreams Macao – Photo courtesy Junior Cruz Weddings
5. Rooms with Two Queen Beds and Rooms That Guarantee Bedding
Ensuring your guests are comfortably accommodated is a vital part of destination wedding planning. Choose a resort that offers rooms with two queen beds and guarantees the bedding arrangements. This is especially important if your guest list includes families or groups who may need to share rooms. Comfortable accommodations enhance the overall experience for everyone attending your wedding.
Rooms with two queen beds provide flexibility for various group arrangements, whether it’s families with children or friends sharing a room. Confirming bedding arrangements in advance prevents last-minute surprises and ensures your guests can rest comfortably. Additionally, check if the resort offers accessible rooms for guests with disabilities, ensuring everyone is well accommodated.
6. Several Dining Options
Great food is a crucial element of any wedding celebration. When choosing a destination wedding resort, look for those with multiple on-site dining options. This variety ensures that your guests can enjoy diverse culinary experiences throughout their stay. From casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, having several options caters to different tastes and dietary requirements.
Dining options might include specialty restaurants offering various cuisines, buffets, and private dining experiences. Some resorts also provide customizable menus for the wedding reception, allowing you to tailor the dining experience to your preferences. Whether your guests crave local delicacies or international flavors, a range of dining options ensures everyone’s palate is satisfied.
Photo credit: Rene Asmussen
7. Activities and Entertainment
Enhancing the overall wedding experience involves ensuring guests are entertained both before and after the big day. Seek out resorts that provide a variety of activities and entertainment choices, such as water sports, excursions, live performances, and spa treatments. For destination weddings involving children, prioritize family-friendly activities, while adult-only affairs may benefit from more upscale entertainment options.
Engaging activities and entertainment opportunities allow guests to connect and savor the destination. Look for resorts offering group outings like snorkeling adventures, cultural tours, or thrilling activities. On-site entertainment, including live music, dance showcases, and themed evenings, can sustain the celebration’s energy and foster a vibrant ambiance. Moreover, a well-appointed spa can serve as a tranquil haven for guests seeking relaxation and renewal.
Photo credit: Jess Loiterton
8. Family-Friendly Rooms and Suites
For weddings welcoming families, it’s essential to ensure the resort offers accommodations that prioritize connectivity or spacious suites tailored for families. This is particularly important for guests traveling with children, ensuring they have comfortable and practical lodging options. Resorts catering to families often include amenities such as kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and activities designed for family enjoyment.
Connected rooms and family suites provide a balance of privacy for parents while keeping children nearby. Seek out resorts equipped with cribs, rollaway beds, and other amenities suited for families. Childcare services and kids’ clubs can provide parents with moments of respite, allowing them to participate in adult-oriented activities while having confidence that their children are in a safe and entertaining environment.
Ava Resorts – Photo courtesy Luke Majewski
9. A resort that frequently hosts wedding groups as a specialty.
Consideration of a resort’s experience in hosting groups is crucial when selecting a destination wedding venue. Resorts with a track record of hosting weddings and large gatherings are better equipped with the necessary infrastructure, personnel, and expertise to execute your event seamlessly. It’s advisable to seek reviews and inquire about their experience in hosting destination weddings similar in scale to yours, whether it’s an intimate affair for two or a celebration for 30 guests.
A resort adept in handling groups will have established protocols and trusted vendors, minimizing the likelihood of hiccups on your special day. They can provide recommendations for photographers, florists, and entertainment based on their successful past events. Moreover, experienced resorts often have contingency plans in place to address any potential disruptions, ensuring a smooth execution of your wedding plans.
Aerial view Dreams Macao – Photo courtesy Junior Cruz Weddings
10. Perks and Amenities for Hosting Your Wedding at the Resort
Many resorts extend special perks and amenities to couples hosting their weddings on-site. These offerings can encompass complimentary room upgrades, spa indulgences, exclusive dinners, and discounts on various activities. Such privileges not only add value but also elevate the overall experience for both you and your guests. When assessing the cost of destination wedding packages, it’s important to factor in these additional benefits provided by the resort.
These perks and amenities have the potential to make your stay even more enchanting and unforgettable. Seek out resorts that feature honeymoon packages, which may include romantic dinners, couples’ massages, and specially arranged room settings. Some resorts go the extra mile by providing personalized gestures like welcome gifts for your guests, a designated check-in area for the wedding party, or farewell brunches. These added enhancements can elevate the celebration and express gratitude for your guests’ presence.
Dreams Macao – Photo courtesy Junior Cruz Weddings
Choosing the perfect destination wedding resort requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that your special day aligns with your vision. From comprehensive wedding packages and dedicated on-site wedding teams to diverse venue options and family-friendly accommodations, these top 10 tips serve as a roadmap to help you discover the ideal location for your celebration.
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony for two or a grand affair for 30 guests, whether it’s in Mexico or another dream destination, the right resort will ensure your wedding day becomes an unforgettable experience.
Embrace the journey of planning your destination wedding and cherish the memories that will last a lifetime.
Rossana Taylor, Beyond the Horizon Travel Agency
Rossana is your personal architect of unforgettable adventures, specializing in crafting dream-come-true destination weddings, honeymoons, special celebrations, and group travel experiences. Born in Peru and fluent in English and Spanish, her love for travel knows no bounds. With meticulous attention to detail, she curates breathtaking vacations to destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru, South America, Italy, Greece, and beyond. www.specialcelebrationstravel.com
