Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Planners: Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda

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Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding

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Pros and Cons of Destination Weddings

Before we dive into the pros and cons of a destination wedding let’s define a destination wedding.

According to TripSavvy  a destination wedding is a wedding that takes place away from the couples’ hometown. 

As a Destination Wedding Planner, I tend to be a bit more specific about my definition.  A destination wedding is a wedding that takes place one hundred or more miles from the location the couple calls home.   

No matter which definition you choose to use the bottom line is it is a wedding away from your home. 

Personally, I love the idea of a destination wedding (which is why I have been planning them for ten years).  Yet, you should understand that there are pros and cons to having a destination wedding. 

If you are trying to decide whether a destination wedding is the perfect wedding option for you then keep reading. Since I am a person who always tries to end things on a happy note, we will tackle the cons of destination weddings first.   

Pros and cons of destination weddings

Cons of a Destination Wedding

You Will Probably Need a Passport

The majority of destination weddings take place in Mexico and the Caribbean.  There is also an increase in European destination weddings as well.  Unless you plan to stay within the confines of the continental United States, Hawaii or Puerto Rico you will need a passport to get to your location. 

This is also an added cost if you do not already have a passport.  This will also be a hurdle for your guests as well. 

Destination Wedding Family Drama

In the spirit of full transparency destination weddings are far from the norm.  Only around 25% of couples worldwide have a destination wedding.  For this reason, many people are not used to a non-traditional wedding.  Not to mention a wedding where they pay to attend instead of the couple paying for them to attend. 

If you have a family that is not huge into travel you will find yourself in a whirlwind of destination wedding family drama.  People will question why “you can’t do what everyone else has done” or “where am I supposed to find money to go to Mexico”.

This is the point where many couples give up the dream of a destination wedding.  They don’t want to fathom the fact that their loved ones can’t or won’t attend their wedding.  Also, another side to the family drama may be relatives who can not travel due to age or health reasons. 

Destination Wedding Legal Requirements

When you have a wedding at home it is easy peasy.  You go to the courthouse or city hall and apply for your marriage license.  After receiving the marriage license you have a ceremony and mail it back to the government.

In the destination wedding world things are not that easy.  If you chose to have your wedding at a resort, then the destination wedding packages they offer will include the marriage license process.  They resort planners will make sure that you meet all the legal marriage requirements for your chosen country.

If you choose to marry outside of a resort, then you will need to hire a local wedding planner or a destination wedding planner in the United States.  These professionals can help educate you on the country’s wedding requirements and how you can get those requirements fulfilled. 

pros and cons of destination weddings

Pros of a Destination Wedding

Destination Weddings are Budget Friendly

Did you know the average wedding in the USA is over $26,000?  In my entire traditional wedding planning career, I have never planned a wedding that was less than $12,000 and I’m in the Southern USA. 

On the other hand, the average destination wedding cost around $8,000.  Not to mention they tend to throw in the amazing views for free.  This means that is you are a couple on a tight budget a destination wedding may be the best bet for you.

It is also common for couples to qualify for free destination weddings at certain resorts.  Many times, the requirements are a certain number of nights stay or having a certain number of guests attend and stay at the resort.

All- Inclusive Wedding Packages

My absolute favorite place to plan a wedding is at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.   Why?  I love these destinations because their wedding packages include everything you need to have an amazing wedding. 

All-inclusive resorts also have several packages so you can choose what fits your wedding style.  If you want to get married at the beachfront or even in a garden, they have you covered.  Most destination wedding packages are based on guest count. 

I also love the fact that once you arrive you can keep your wallet in the suite safe because everything is included.  So, whether you want to have a glass of champagne to celebrate or dive deep into your favorite dish. . . it’s included in your cost.

This is also a great way to convince those family and friends who may be on the fence about attending.  Nothing motivates people than knowing all their meals and adult beverages are included.

Smaller Guest List

According to Brides.com the average destination wedding has around 48 guests. In my experience this is right on the money.  Most of my clients have a minimum of 10 guests and as many as 60.  Yet, the average is usually 40-50 guests.

The reason that destination weddings are smaller is because guests tend to eliminate themselves from the celebration.  Whether it is because of family obligations, financial reasons etc. guests will not be able to attend. 

This is great for you as the couple because it lowers your wedding costs.   With guests eliminating themselves it helps avoid touchy subjects like family pressure to invite guests you may not want at your wedding.  (i.e. your grandmother’s best friend of forty years who you don’t even remember). 

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You Are Already on Your Honeymoon

One of the major perks of a destination wedding is after you get married there is no need to catch a flight because you are already on your honeymoon.  In addition to the destination wedding incentives you have received know you will receive honeymoon incentives.  Double Win!!!!

In general, most guests will leave the day after your wedding or at the most the next business day.  This means now you have the time to celebrate and explore the destination as a couple. 

You can participate in excursions throughout your location.  You can enjoy that couples massage by the beach.  The options are endless. The best part you didn’t have to incur any additional costs.

Do you think a destination wedding is for you?  In most cases the pros of a destination wedding highly outweigh the cons of a destination wedding.  If you are having a destination wedding and this post helped you, please let me know in the comments below.

When to Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

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When to Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

Destination Weddings can be tricky to plan. It involves more things that need consideration than the traditional one. Some circumstances can go beyond your control and might cause a serious dilemma on your big day. Don’t worry because there are so many ways to successfully pull off a destination wedding with the help of a destination wedding planner.

If you are still skeptical about hiring one, here are indications when is the right time to hire a destination wedding planner:

By Kavonda L. Rogers

You live far away from your chosen destination

There are many hidden gems where you can celebrate your destination wedding. Often, it is away from where you reside, making it hard to plan. The unfamiliarity of the place is a struggle, and its entirety is new to you.

A destination wedding planner that knows every corner and venue in your chosen place would be very convenient. The hassle of going in and out of the country to check on your sites, accommodation, and other wedding stuff is exhausting. Your planner is your representative to check on those things and will keep everything in track even if you’re not physically there.

Related: Destination Weddings Bahamas

You have a busy work schedule

Your work pays the bills but it can also take up more of your time postponing wedding plans. There are instances that urgent matters cannot be left unattended, and it can delay planning appointments. The lack of time can also mean missing some critical details of your wedding.

Your destination wedding planner will help you focus on your work while keeping all the wedding preparations on the move. Checking every essential detail and making sure everything is in their right places.

Your guest list needs a proper organization

The guest list is a crucial part of a destination wedding. The number of guests can be too stressful to handle, including all the accommodation and their itinerary arrangements. One of the wedding planner’s vital roles is organizing this and ensuring that they enjoy your day as much as you will do.

Related: US Honeymoon Destinations

You have a tight time schedule

If you are one of those couples who want to get married as quickly as possible after the engagement, you seriously need a destination wedding planner. Aside from relieving you of the stress of arranging things in a rush, their expertise and efficiency will make sure that no important thing will be left behind.

You have a tight budget

Best All-Inclusive Resorts by Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda

Making that dream wedding come to life can cost so much. Laying out your budget plan intended for your wedding to your planner will put everything in balance. With a destination wedding planner, you are guaranteed that all expenses will fit in your budget, and alternatives will not damage your big day.

Planning a destination wedding is not easy. You want everything to be perfect and will turn out to be as what you have imagined. Knowing that there will be someone who will help you run errands and make sure your dream day actualizes eases the stress.

That is why we are here to help you with your big day preparations. Contact us now, and we will be sure to deliver the destination wedding of the century!

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How To Travel With Your Wedding Dress

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How To Travel With Your Wedding Dress

Celebrating your wedding in your dream destination is beyond magical. The music when you walk down the aisle, the touch of silky linen on your skin, and the smell of freshly picked flowers while you are in your wedding dress will make your fairytale dreams come true.

However, one major struggle of destination wedding brides is ensuring that they don’t damage their wedding dress while travelling. So, we put together tips that will help you ensure that the most important dress of your life will stay beautiful on your big day even while you travel.

Check them out here:

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Choose a wrinkle-free fabric.

Wrinkles on cloth will always be untidy to look at. For your wedding dress, choose a wrinkle-free fabric like tulle. It is lightweight, soft, and it still keeps its shape. Also, if tulle will have slight wrinkles, a bit of steam will straighten back the fabric. Lace and crepe can also be your other option since fold lines go well with these kinds of cloths.

Don't put your dress inside a suitcase.

Folding your dress inside a piece of luggage will not give you peace of mind, especially if you check-in your luggage. Always think that things might not go well, and you don’t want your dress to be stained, damaged, or worse get lost with your baggage.

Take Your Gown as a carry-on

Carry-on is the best option for your problem. You can lay your dress on top of the baggage in the overhead compartment or ask a flight attendant to hang it inside their closet. Make sure that you cover the dress with a garment bag to protect it from stains and thread runs.

Related: 8 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

Buy an airline ticket for your dress

Yes, you heard it right! You can buy a spare seat for your dress if you want to ensure that it stays in shape throughout your boarding. You can also make use of the extra baggage count that goes with the ticket for your dress.

However, if your budget won’t permit this option, you can always try and push your luck. Ask a flight attendant if there is a place or even an empty seat where you can lay your dress flat.

Give it extra care during ground travel.

When riding a car to your destination, make sure that you place your dress in the trunk without crumpling it. It is suggested that the dress rests on top of the luggage. Better yet place it on your lap or the empty seat next to your if there’s any.

Bring a hand steamer and a sewing kit.

Your sewing kit can save you from ruining your big day because of snagged threads and other things that might go wrong with the fabric. Despite the precautions you made on your travel, it is normal for your dress to still have wrinkles. If you have a handy cloth steamer with you, a crumpled garment will not be a problem.

Call and give the airline and resort a heads-up about your dress.

Never forget to tell them that you have a wedding dress with you. Some airlines give special service for passengers who have fragile or valuable luggage. If you don’t have any portable steamer with you, you can contact the hotel management beforehand if they have a press and steam service for your gown.

Just follow these 7 tips on How to Travel with Your Wedding Dress, and you’ll never go wrong. So, are you ready to travel to your dream destination wedding?  If so; let Honeymoons and Vacations by Vonda help you get started on your wedding planning journey.  

 

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5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget

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5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget

I get it you have googled until your fingers are sore and you are still no closer to starting your destination wedding planning.  Every answer you think you have simply leads to another question.  You want to set your destination wedding budget but have no idea where to begin.  Have no fear frazzled bride or groom the Destination Wedding Diva is here.  (I know it was corny, but I couldn’t resist.)  I am going to share with you the 5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget. 

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Narrow Down Your Destination Options

Seems simple right? This seems like a crazy step, but it is a necessary one. I have asked past clients what their choices were for their destination wedding and they tell me Mexico and the Maldives and all points in-between (meaning Jamaica, Hawaii, Aruba etc.).  The problem with these choices is that yes, they are tropical beach locations but that is where the similarity ends.  Aruba, Hawaii and the Maldives are all considered luxury locations while Mexico and Jamaica are more budget friendly.  Narrow your destination down to 2 or 3 locations and be specific.  You want to choose cities or regions if possible.  This way you won’t be as overwhelmed by the options available.

All-Inclusive or Cruise?

Destination Wedding by Honeymoons by Vonda

Whenever I ask my clients this question, and I usually get that moment of “They have cruise weddings?”. Yes, they have cruise wedding but that is for another blog post.  Honestly, both options offer the same thing.  A simple and easy wedding/honeymoon format.  Traditionally, most destination weddings occur at an all-inclusive resort, but cruise weddings are on the rise.  Yet, the cruise option can be a bit more affordable if you are on a tight budget or you are having problems obtaining a passport.   With the number of cruises available it is an option worth considering.

How many guests will you invite?

Whether you chose a cruise wedding or an all-inclusive resort you will need to think about guests. Please note there are just certain people who will not travel (especially out of the country) to a wedding.  Don’t take this personal it’s just how the cookie crumbles.  As the bride and groom, you are not required to pay for their travel (flight/accommodations) but you are required to pay for their place in your wedding package.  This cost will need to be added to your destination wedding budget.  Wedding packages usually account for up to 20 guests.  After that you will need to pay an additional fee per guest.  These fees can range from $35-$125 per guest. 

How much time can you afford to take off?

This is important because many marriage laws and resorts require a minimum stay in order to get married legally in their country. This can be a little as 2 days PRIOR to the wedding and as many as 3 days.  You want to avoid a country or a resort where the marriage laws will require you to exceed the amount of time you can take off from work. 

Are you and your fiancé(e) able to obtain passports?

If you consider these times you will for certain be 5 steps closer to setting a destination wedding budget. Also, if you are seriously considering a destination wedding then make sure to check out the State Department’s website to ensure your wedding will be recognized by the United States government. 

Related: How to Apply for a Passport and Get Approved on the First Try

If you need more Destination Wedding Planning info be sure to get my free download 7 Steps to Plan Your Destination Wedding. It’s free I promise.

If you are already planning a Destination Wedding, please tell me where it will be. I would love to know.


I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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