If you’ve been dreaming of having a wedding on the shoreline, in the midst of crystal-clear water, or even in a historical castle that is located in a beautiful European town, A wedding in a destination could be the right choice for you. Planning a wedding away from your own home isn’t easy, particularly if you’re unsure of what you can expect from the wedding packages for destination weddings.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain the essential information you should be aware of about wedding packages for destination weddings, starting with the most essential features provided to upgrades available to make your event even more special. In addition, we’ll offer some tips for choosing the perfect package for your perfect wedding to allow you to focus on the fun of your wedding instead of stressing about all the finer specifics.
Why Choose a Destination Wedding?
Before we get into the details of what’s included in a wedding package, we’ll examine the reasons why couples choose destinations for their weddings in the first place.
A destination wedding is a great way to mix their wedding and honeymoon, all without the hassle of traditional wedding planning. The weddings that are destination-based tend to be smaller and intimate, with the guest list being limited to intimate family members and close friends. Destination weddings offer couples the unique opportunity to marry at a beautiful location, such as on a beach, in an exotic jungle, in a winery, or in a different destination.
What’s Included in a Destination Wedding Package?
When you purchase the package for a wedding in a foreign country, the wedding planner or resort generally offers a range of services to ensure that you have a smooth experience, starting with pre-wedding planning and continuing through the day of your wedding. Although every wedding resort and planner might have their specific variations, the main aspects of a destination wedding package are usually the following:
1. Venue and Ceremony Setup
One of the main advantages of a destination wedding is that the wedding venue is usually included in the cost. If you’re getting married on the beach, within the garden, or at some historical site, the venue will usually be pre-set and ready to suit your needs. These include things such as tables, floral arrangements and even a ceremony arch.
Example:
Imagine getting married with the blue ocean to your back on the secluded beaches of Mexico. The wedding packages you receive may comprise a stunning arch with beautiful tropical flowers and white chairs for your guests, as well as an audio system to ensure that everybody can hear your vows.
2. Officiant Services
The majority of destination wedding packages come with an officiant. This is essential for the legal aspect of the wedding. Based on the locale, the officiant could be a local pastor or an officiant from a secular church licensed to wed you in that specific area.
In certain instances, you might choose to hire an officiant of your own if there is someone you love you want to marry, but there might be a charge to cover this option.
3. Wedding Planner and Coordination
The main benefit of opting for the destination wedding option is that you will have access to a personal wedding coordinator. The wedding planner will be in charge of all the details like securing permits, checking timelines and working with the vendors.
The typical consultation prior to the wedding (either online or in person) is to talk about your ideas for your ceremony. The wedding planner will collaborate with you in selecting the right vendors, oversee the ceremony’s details and make sure everything goes seamlessly during the actual day of the wedding.
4. Photography and Videography
Photographing the beauty of your wedding at a destination is crucial, and the majority of packages will include photographers (and occasionally a videographer) to capture the whole wedding experience. The wedding may also include a prior photography session, the wedding ceremony itself, or an after-party session for your guests as well as you.
Certain packages provide a predetermined amount of time for coverage as well as a more comprehensive collection of images or even wedding videos.
Real-world example:
Couples who are getting engaged in the Dominican Republic might have a package with 4 hours of photos, a highlight video, as well as a gallery online of photos edited to share with relatives and friends.
5. Flowers and Bouquets
The floral arrangements usually come as part of the wedding package. The bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres and bouquets for the groomsmen, as well as decorative floral arrangements for the wedding ceremony area, are typical elements. Also, you have the option to add larger floral arrangements, based on your preference.
As an example, if you’re having your wedding in Hawaii, it is possible to get a stunning flower arrangement made of native orchids, plumeria, or hibiscus to give your wedding a Hawaii-inspired feeling.
6. Reception Services
Some wedding plans for destinations offer a standard reception setting, while others provide more lavish alternatives. The typical wedding package will consist of a location for your reception as well as a meal or buffet, and a few beverages. There are many options to upgrade your package to a larger menu or choose an open bar to match your needs.
In addition, some hotels may provide entertainment choices, like a DJ or live entertainment during the reception. Be sure to verify the details prior to booking your event to make sure you can have the party you’ve always imagined.
7. Hair and Makeup
A lot of wedding packages for destination weddings include hair and makeup to the bride. This is particularly helpful to couples who don’t wish to fret about locating local beauty salons or carrying their own makeup supplies.
The package will determine whether the bridesmaids could also be included or any other members of the bridal celebration. Certain packages also allow for trial runs before the wedding day, to make sure you’re satisfied with the look.
8. Legal Requirements and Paperwork
Being married in a different country usually requires navigating various legal regulations for example, getting marriage permits or making sure the wedding ceremony is legal. It is good to know that many destination wedding packages offer support with the formalities and other legal requirements.
The wedding planner or the resort personnel typically will guide you through all the required steps, such as the filing of paperwork and translation assistance if required, as well as ensuring that the wedding certificate is filed correctly.
Optional Add-Ons and Upgrades
Although destination wedding packages provide all the essentials, there are usually optional extras available to enhance your wedding celebration to the next level. These options vary based on destination and resort, but may comprise:
1. Extended Photography Coverage
If you’re interested in more than just the normal package, you can add an additional hour of photography. Perhaps you’d like to have more specific photos of your wedding reception, or a wider range of pictures with guests.
2. Specialty Catering and Custom Menus
If you’ve got particular culinary preferences, some resorts will let you upgrade the menu with the finest options, or even a distinctive culinary experience. This is especially attractive for those who want to provide regional cuisines or create a unique cake style.
3. Private Villas or Accommodations
A few couples choose to upgrade their homes, opting to rent a villa that is private or a luxury suite. If you’re planning a smaller wedding, with just a handful of intimate family members or friends, this can make for a more enjoyable experience for all those involved.
4. Spa Treatments and Wellness Packages
A lot of resorts in the area provide spa services for brides and their bridal party. These packages include all kinds of treatments, from facials to body massages. Couples can even schedule an appointment at the spa to bond before their wedding to help ease anxiety prior to the wedding ceremony.
5. Music and Entertainment
If you’re in the market for something that is more individual, you might consider having entertainment choices like live music as well as fire dancers. You could also create a customized music playlist. Live entertainment is a great way to enhance your wedding reception. Some resorts even offer distinctive experiences inspired by the culture of the area.
6. Group Activities for Guests
Think about offering group trips or fun activities for your guests. This could include snorkeling trips, a city tour, or even a private cruise. The activities will allow you and your loved ones to spend time in the area and make lasting memories.
Read Also: What Is Park and Play for Hotels? Understanding Parking and Stay Packages
How to Choose the Right Destination Wedding Package
Finding the ideal wedding package is dependent on a variety of aspects, such as the budget you have set, your preferred venue, as well as the kind of wedding experience you’d like to have. Here are a few tips to help you in selecting the right wedding venue:
- Create a budget. A Destination Wedding is more affordable than a traditional wedding. However, prices can differ widely based on the venue and cost of the package. Make sure you have an amount for your venue as well as accommodations and additional costs.
- Find Locations to Research: Think about the type of venue you want as your ideal wedding venue. Are you planning to say your vows on the beach in tropical weather, at a European castle or in the splendor of a vineyard? Find the most beautiful locations and the legal requirements for them prior to making your final decision.
- Take into consideration guest experience: Consider how simple or hard it would be for your guests to get to the wedding venue. Picking a location that has easy flights or with affordable accommodation choices, can guarantee that a greater number of guests will be able to attend.
- Examine the Details of the Package. Check out the features of each wedding package attentively. Check that the package covers those essentials that are most important to you. This includes location, officiant, photographer and the reception.
- Review Reviews Read Reviews: Make sure you look through reviews of others who’ve had weddings in your location of choice. It will provide you with information about the level of the service as well as the overall wedding experience.
Conclusion
A wedding destination package is an all-inclusive package for couples wanting to get married in their perfect destination. If you choose the best package, you will be able to ensure your wedding day will be easy, gorgeous, and memorable. No matter if you’re ringing the bells on the beach or in a historic city, A destination wedding provides an opportunity to make lasting memories with loved ones and family and friends.
Make sure to compare and research the various wedding packages available to discover the best match for your budget and vision. Some planning can go far in making sure your wedding destination has everything you’ve always wanted and more.
If you’re looking for more advice and ideas regarding destination weddings, be sure to read the following resources: The Knot’s Destination Wedding Guide and the Bridal Guide’s Tips for Planning the Perfect Destination Wedding.
Ready to Say “I Do” at Your Dream Destination?
If you’re eager to begin organizing your dream wedding in a foreign location, begin the process by deciding on the perfect location and determining the ideal wedding packages. When you have the best package along with a bit of expert advice, the wedding you plan to have is one to be remembered for a lifetime.
