Free Destination Weddings
You probably already know that all-inclusive resorts provide all the beverages (adult ones too) and all the food you can hold during your stay. This is the reason these types of resorts are so popular. Did you also know that some of the same all-inclusive resorts offer free destination weddings as well? The true question becomes whether those free weddings are worth it. That is what will be laid out in this blog post. Hold on tight because we are going to explore free weddings at all-inclusive resorts.
Pros and Cons of Destination Weddings
Before laying out all the information of a free destination wedding there are certain things you must understand about destination weddings in general.
First is that destination weddings are different from traditional weddings in many ways. The differences worth mentioning are:
- Receptions are not common in destination weddings. Many resorts offer them, but they are often pricey and just not needed. Most resorts offer a dinner at one of the restaurants for the couple and their guests.
- The guest list is smaller. Everyone will not travel to a destination wedding for so many reasons.
- You are in a different country and the wedding customs and traditions there may be very different from where you live.
I just needed to point these things out before continuing.
Free Destination Wedding Packages
In my many years of experience planning destination weddings I have come to the realization that no two resorts have the same free destination wedding package offerings. I have even seen resorts in the same brand family have totally different destination wedding packages altogether. So, there can be no assumptions made when it comes to the offerings included in a free destination wedding package.
There are some common denominators between the majority of resorts that offer free destination weddings. They are the following:
- On-site wedding coordinator
- Flowers for at least the bride and groom
- A limited amount of time with a photographer (usually an hour)
- A cake
- Your choice of music-but the music will be played by a system
- Dinner with your guests (depending on your wedding size it may be private or semi-private
I know that can leave a lot to be desired but considering you are eliminating two of the biggest components of a wedding (venue and food) the savings add up fast. This is why many couples are attracted to the free destination wedding option. If you want to know more about the Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding check out this blog post.
What are the requirements for this free destination wedding?
Once again this is where there is no common vein from resort to resort. Yet, many resorts have taken their lead from the leader of all-inclusive resorts brands (Sandals Resorts) and offer what I call a Sandals free wedding package.
In order to have a free wedding at Sandals resorts the couple needs to stay at the resort for at least seven nights.
Many resorts have followed this trend, but some resorts will only require a five night stay instead of seven. Other resorts will require that the couple and their guests collectively have a certain number of nights. This number can range from 10 to 40 nights. Please note this is for the group. So, if 10 guests stay at least 4 nights each the requirement is met.
At many resorts they offer additional perks and amenities for larger groups. For example, at Sandals you can receive a free Catamaran boat cruise for your entire group by having a certain amount of nights. For many resorts this is just the beginning.
Is it worth it?
Yes and no.
Yes, if you are on a tight budget and simply want to get married in an exotic location. Also, if you can stay the required number of nights it also makes it an easy decision. For resorts who require a block of stays across the group; you need to ensure you have enough family and friends willing to travel with you.
The answer is no if you have a larger budget and desire a more customized wedding. There are still numerous packages available to accommodate couples who desire more. Another thing to consider is if you have a small number of guests attending your wedding. If you guest count is small you might not meet the required number of room nights. If you do not meet the room requirements your wedding will not be free.
Do you think a free destination wedding is for you? If you are having a destination wedding and this post helped you, please let me know in the comments below.
