Pic courtesy: Velas Resorts

Got that long dreamed engagement ring and suddenly found yourself with a major case of wedding wanderlust? Planning your wedding, honeymoon, or vow renewal? With the help of a professional romance specialist like myself, you can rest assured that your special day will be handled flawlessly by someone who has done it before. Let’s say 1, 2…. Well, it is more than 600 amazing weddings by now.  And I still have butterflies in my stomach while helping my brides down the aisle.

Romance travel specialists are a bit more than professionals when it comes to special events abroad. Let’s say they are between dream makers and fairy godmothers.

Today  I am going to spill the beans on the essential do and don’t’s to a memorable destination wedding.

Pic courtesy: Dreams Riviera Maya

Do: research your destination

Beach, historical city, bucket list location? Where do you want to have your wedding? Before you start planning a destination wedding, one of the first and most crucial decisions you’ll have to make is where you want to get married. Even if you’ve decided on a beautiful beach somewhere in the Caribbean, you still need to narrow down your options to the ideal island for your goals, budget, and overall “feel” of your wedding. Are you looking for a location that is easily accessible for your guests? Take a trip to the Bahamas. Would you rather spend your time on an island surrounded by hidden coves and islets where you can get lost? That’s Antigua and Barbuda. Would you like access to gourmet food, night entertainment, and friendly vibes? That is St. Martin. Lush landscape? Let’s go to St Lucia. Feeling posh and stylish? Let’s head for St. Barth.

Looking for a timeless wedding with great food, amazing shopping, and picturesque surroundings? Let’s explore the idea of a unique wedding in Italy. Each region has a unique poetic vibe for a perfect unforgettable celebration to fit different tastes, needs, and desires. Plus you and your guests can explore the art, the history, architecture, and the beauty of a country that itself owns 70% of the world’s cultural patrimony.

Depending on what you’re looking for,  I can recommend the perfect destination to fit your personality.

Courtesy pic: Venice First

Do: consider the easy way or starting from scratch?

Do you have trouble visualizing your day and you tend to get overwhelmed if presented with too many choices? If this is you I  suggest staying at an all-inclusive resort. These resorts are equipped with breathtaking natural backdrops and all the necessary infrastructure to create the perfect destination wedding, from five-star catered meals to unlimited premium spirits (open bar, anyone?) and the wedding venue itself.

You won’t have to worry about finding florists, caterers, or entertainment on your own if you stay at an all-inclusive resort, which will save you a lot of time, and effort on your wedding day and you can have a convenient realistic quote upfront of your overall project.

Looking for something absolutely unique and you are not afraid to undertake a major project in order to have that extraordinal=ry wedding experience? You can get married in a castle, a historical residence or a private estate. This will require a bit more legwork. Some permits, more vendor coordination, more commitment on your part, and usually a more elevated budget,  but the result can be absolutely stunning and unique.

Don’t: settle for average

Let’s be honest. Nobody wants a one-size-fits-all destination wedding. Even if you choose a “simple” all-inclusive package, you’ll probably want to customize at least a portion of it. Make sure the resort/ venue you chose allows you to express your style and fit your dream love to partner with all-inclusive resorts able to provide fully personalized weddings in which you have complete control over your level of engagement and choices of menu décor and ceremonies and reception setting options.  No 2 love stories are alike. You are uniquely you. Why should you settle for a standard wedding?

Do: plan a site visit

In photographs, even budget hotels appear to be lavish. You need to witness your destination wedding in person if you want to be sure it will be everything you hoped for. You can unwind with a low-pressure mini-trip to your destination to preview your dream wedding on-location, with the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the onsite wedding coordinator, taste food options, and see wedding props in person. It’s not only a great excuse to take an extra vacation before the big day, but it’s also a chance to see the venue options in person before making a decision. Do you know that most of our partner resorts have special deals in place to let you “ test drive” your wedding day? Some of them will be also able to credit a portion of your “ preview “stay if you will ultimately decide to host your event with them. So…no excuses! Go and feel if the vibe is all that you hoped for and more.

Don’t: wing it!

You are planning the best event of your life. This is definitely not the time to “ fake it till you make it”. You have one shot at this and unless you have the time to become an expert by:

1-studying hospitality few years

2-travel to different destinations to understand the cultural aspects of the destination you are considering

3-practicing and shadow experts in the field by producing a few international successful events

4-became a travel agent with easy access to the in and out of the industry

5- know exactly how to set a room block and get all the perks and advantages for you and your guests

…. well… if you do not check all these boxes, please, do not try to do all this by yourself.

Know that you have access to different levels of services. Some resources are totally free!  Like my free video guide:” Got the rock, now what? 8 steps to your fab wedding” or my 30 min free wedding planning consultations virtual meeting. More hands-on support might come with a cost. Even so, investing in your romance specialist is the best investment you can do for peace of mind, support and assistance in any task involving planning a fabulous and drama-free destination wedding.

So what do you think? Ready to say I do with a memorable wedding celebration abroad?