Is a Destination Wedding Less Expensive?

Does a Destination Wedding save you money? I'm asked this question all the time and my answer is YES! 

As a Caribbean Travel Specialist, I've been helping couples plan their Destination Weddings for 12 years. My comparisons are not based on an actual study, but rather my opinions formed from all of the wonderfully detailed feedback my clients have provided.

Here's a breakdown of the average costs of a real wedding. Results were gathered in a 2011 study conducted by TheKnot:

Comparing this study, to the average wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico, I found that the only additional expense my Destination Wedding clients pay for is airfare. This varies from $300 to $700/per person, on average, depending on location.

When you take into consideration that many hotels & resorts offer a free basic wedding package, as long as you meet the minimum stay requirements, there are many areas where I see a savings:

Reception Venue + Ceremony Site Fees: Savings of up to $13,715

{Most Destination Wedding packages provided by hotels include the Ceremony Site Fee in their basic wedding package. Fees for a private reception space are on average $1500. If your wedding is small enough, you may opt not to have a private reception and simply make reservations at one of the hotel's restaurants.}

Reception Band + Ceremony Musicians + Reception DJ: Savings of  up to $4587

{Musicians charge less in the Caribbean & Mexico}

Wedding Gown: Savings of up to $1121

{Many of my brides comment that they spent less on their wedding gown knowing they would be traveling with it, wearing it on the beach, etc.}

Wedding Planner: Savings of up to $1753

{Every hotel in the Caribbean & Mexico has a wedding planner already on staff. Their service is complimentary to you. The only occasions where my clients have paid for a wedding planner is when they've wanted the extra pampering and added service of their own local planner. Clients marrying at a private villa also hire a wedding planner.}

Transportation: Savings of up to $669

{If you host a Destination Wedding on hotel grounds, there is no transportation needed as you & your guests will walk to the ceremony & reception locations.}

Catering: Savings of up to $61/per person

{If you host a Destination Wedding at an all-inclusive resort all meals are already pre-paid in the nightly rate at the hotel. Therefore, you may dine at an existing restaurant at no added cost. Again, I only advise this if you have a very small wedding group. All-inclusive properties take the fact that guests have pre-paid for meals & drinks into consideration when pricing private events making the average cost for a private menu less than at a non-inclusive property. We find the average cost for a private menu at an all-inclusive resort is $35/per person.}

Photographer: Savings of up to $2299

{A basic photography package is included with any wedding package if you want to use the services of the resort's photographer. You can build from this, but will likely not get close to a $2K price point unless you opt to use an outside photographer.}

Many of the other items, such as a videographer and cake, are less expensive in the Caribbean & Mexico too. So even if you build up considerably from the hotel's basic wedding package, a Destination Wedding appears to be a considerable savings. If you'd like a quote on your own Destination Wedding plans, please contact me. 

Cheers,

Crystal Blue Wedding Studio - Cayman Islands

Crystal Blue Wedding Studio is an online bridal salon showcasing everything you need to know to get stated planning your Destination Wedding in the Cayman Islands. All of the vendors profiled are hand-selected by the site's founder, Danielle Cococcia. Danielle has worked in the wedding market locally in Grand Cayman for many years and decided to put her experience online with Crystal Blue Wedding Studio.

My favorite area of her website is the blog-style home page featuring photos from many of the real weddings she has worked on: 

{View this full wedding feature here. Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography}

 Danielle also applies her talent to putting together Destination Wedding fashion ideas such as:

{via Pinterest from Polyvore}

And sourcing pretty papers:

{photo via Pinterest for Ceci New York}

Enjoy!

Caught in a Whirlwind of Sacrifice

I work with engaged couples every day, 5-6 days a week. I've seen it happen again and again... the turning point where I feel the urge to jump in, be loud and hit "pause"... basically the need to pull my clients out of the whirlwind of sacrifice. 

It seems every Destination Wedding location scouting session starts off with the bride and groom quickly crossing properties off their list for one reason or another. This is fine. I encourage this part of the process because you are planning on only marrying once and you shouldn't sacrifice. Sacrifice in this sense means - don't settle. 

Due diligence until you find the property that is right for you. 

But be careful of the turning point, when you find that you are no longer crossing properties off the list because of your own personal wants and desires but those of your family or maybe even your friends. 

Slow down a minute. Since when did it become someone else's wedding? Take my advice, you will have regrets if you fail to consider a location simply because you know it won't appeal to your mom. Or your grandmother. In a perfect world those closest to you will want to come and celebrate your nuptials regardless of the real estate on which they take place. In a not so perfect world, you might ruffle a few feathers by picking a place more expensive than your great aunt can afford, or a place that doesn't allow kids so your best man can't bring his toddler. 

The one-size-fits all resort simply does not exist. And thank goodness because there is so much hidden beauty in being unique and special. 

Tips for selecting a Destination Wedding Location

{Wedding Gazebo at Couples San Souci Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica}

Deciding on the perfect location for your Destination Wedding is the most difficult step. If you look back at the beginning of this blog, I started writing to document my own Destination Wedding planning. I was quickly overwhelmed by all of the choices available... and I was only considering Jamaica! 

Here are a few tips I've gathered over the years...


1. Use a destination wedding travel agent. Of course this would be my number 1 - its my business! You can read all about what we offer here. A travel consultant who specializes in the region you are interested in, will work as your personal location scout, having visited the area numerous times, they know what lies beyond the glossy brochure photos. 


2. Do an Internet search for "Destination Wedding Photographers" - this is a great resource for seeing photos that are produced by someone other than the resort itself. Every Destination Wedding Photographer will have a portfolio of past weddings on their website. See which weddings appeal to you and then research that hotel for your own event. Here are some of the Destination Wedding Photographers I've enjoyed working with in the past:
Amanda Julca Photography
Humbled Eyes Photography
Sun Gold Photo
Heather Parker Photography
AJH Photography
Elizabeth Medina Photography
**Stay tuned, we will be compiling a full list of Destination Wedding Photographers for the Caribbean & Mexico, very soon.


3. Make a list of whats important to you and be ready to compromise. Oftentimes, clients come to us simply to help them decide what they should compromise. For example, there are very few small, affordable, all-inclusive hotels that we would recommend. Most small hotels only have 1-2 restaurants so dining off of the same 1-2 menus for your entire stay can become monotonous. Only the most exclusive and thus, more expensive, small all-inclusive hotels go to great lengths to rotate their menus. 


We'd love to help you get started with your planning process. Contact our Destination Wedding Travel Specialists today. 


Happy Planning! 

Jamaica Bridal Guide

The Tourist Board of Jamaica has put together a helpful guide for any couples considering the island for their Destination Wedding. Check out the Jamaica Bridal Guide, use it as a resource and enjoy the eye-candy! 

{To start planning your own Destination Wedding, contact the Wedding Travel Consultants at Caribbean Journey ~ 866-236-1924 or via email.}

Airfare to Jamaica is often lower than most Caribbean Islands, another great reason it is a top choice for a Destination Wedding. Jamaica is serviced by all major airlines, including United Airlines & American Airlines. 

Cheers,

Why ALL of your guests should purchase Travel Insurance!

I'm taking inspiration for this post from one of our destination wedding travel consultants who is currently working feverishly to relocate a Destination Wedding scheduled for an island that was hit by Irene last week. The damage caused the host hotel to temporarily close. The guests who purchased travel insurance will be refunded and can use their refund towards booking the new location. However, those who didn't purchase insurance, are facing the hard fact that the host hotel's cancellation policy will only compensate them by allowing them to return to the same resort within the next 12 months - no exceptions. This is not unique to this hotel, but an industry standard. 

This leaves those guests who did not purchase insurance, forced to pay for an entirely new trip and being stuck with 3-7 nights pre-paid at the host hotel without knowing if their schedule will allow them to use these nights within the 12 month period. 

Anytime there is a hurricane and flights are cancelled, we hear how grateful our clients are to be able to call us with their concerns and changes in travel arrangements, rather than spend hours on hold directly with the airline. Just another reason why it is a good idea to book your Caribbean Wedding with a Travel Agent! 

Best,

The Truth About Group Airfare

{no, this photo is edited! this is the view from Maho Beach in St. Maarten on any given day!}

Every bride who comes our way, inquires on how to secure the best airfare price for her guests. While group rates are available from just about every airline, the rules usually don't work for a Destination Wedding. Group airfare rules require that all guests travel from the same city, on the same day, on the same plane, in order to be booked at the group rate. Airlines consider "groups" to be 10 persons - 10 seats. In today's busy world, it is very rare that 10 people will be able to arrange their schedules and travel together to a wedding. Also, many of us are somewhat transient and have families spread out all over the country, if not the world. Therefore, having 10 guests traveling from the same city is impossible. 

Being aware of these group airfare facts prior to beginning to plan your Destination Wedding, will keep you from being disappointed when your wedding travel consultant gives you an answer you weren't expecting or wanting to hear!

Cheers,

Meet the dreamy new wedding supplies from B H L D N

Not only have they jumped full force into the wedding dress arena, but BHLDN, the Anthropologie party inspired spin-off, now has a store full of pretty party supplies. What I love most, is that the majority of items offered are light weight enough to be a realistic addition for a Destination Wedding. The neutral colors would add just enough style to your event without taking away from the eye-poping blues and greens found naturally in the tropics:

Imagine how amazing these would look spinning in the sea breeze?

These crinkle fans would serve a dual purpose of fending off the tropical heat but also being a stylish photo prop:

Cute:

The perfect shades:

Browse the full collection here. 

Swoon,

How to Secure Group Airfare Rates for your Wedding

During our process of helping a bride and groom plan their Destination Wedding, we are always asked,  "How does one go about securing a group discount on airline tickets for wedding guests?" Most couples are frustrated with our answer... there simply isn't a solid source for group flight discounts anymore. In today's culture, our families are more spread out and many weddings are attended by guests living in multiple cities across the country and even the world. Standard airfare group discounts apply when 10 or more passengers are flying on the same airline - from the same city - on the same date and time. Despite our best planning efforts, rarely do 10 guests travel together and therefore any benefit of a group discount is lost.

One solution we have found, is from American Airlines. If you follow this link, you will come to American's Wedding Travel Page. Look mid-page and you will see the option to request a group code for wedding travel. If you complete this form, a representative from AA will contact you with a group discount code of around 5% that couples may offer their guests who chose to fly American. The primary qualification is that you must have 10 or more guests traveling - but they can originate from any city served by American! The feedback from past clients is that this discount of 5% often isn't a huge savings, but it does let your guests know that you made every effort to provide them with the best possible travel options for attending your destination wedding.

Cheers,

The Spring Issue of GET MARRIED is here!!!

With a nod to all things new this season, the Spring issue of Get Married magazine—available today on newsstands—includes a fresh look at the latest bridal styles.  The magazine continues to inspire, entertain and surprise.  Throughout the pages are an assortment of delectable designs and budget-friendly fashions, including cool registry items, gorgeous cakes, stylish invitations and hot-off-the-runway spring dresses and accessories. 

One of the neatest ideas featured in this issue, are Couple Cards: The Get Planning section debuts a new paper concept for brides and grooms available at shop.getmarried.com—couple cards! Get Married is expanding its online shop and this is the first of several products targeted to brides based on feedback of what they want.  These brilliant little organizers are business cards for today’s busy couples.  From giving to wedding vendors or handing to family and friends, these couple cards make it easy to share information.  Plus, couples can customize with a barcode on the back during online checkout, which allows guests to snap it with their smart phones to access a personal wedding website. 

Pick up your copy today! 

Enjoy,

Can you do a Candy Buffet in the Caribbean?

Yes! This trend is quickly island hopping. While a candy buffet does require extra effort in the Caribbean, due to the tropical elements, it can and is being done. It is obviously a smarter choice if you are having an indoor reception, but we've seen it at outdoor events as well. Most of the hotel wedding planners will be able to help you source the clear glass containers. You may visit a local "wholesale" prior to your wedding and stock up on local candy OR bring your own from home. I recommend a combination of both. For the loot you plan on carrying from the US, stick to hardier versions of your sweet tooth faves, i.e. leave the chocolate on the shelves. 

Some of my favorite retailers for sourcing candy for a buffet are Dylan's Candy Bar for a wide selection, and for a retro touch try Nostalgic Candy.

Here are a few photos for inspiration:

{via here, here, and here}

Enjoy,

Monday Web Roundup!!

Aren't the colors in this collage great? Look at that water! Unreal. From this post.

Thanks to this project management site for listing us as a Top 50 Wedding Planning Blog.


Do you need wedding insurance for your Destination Wedding?


A roundup of the best Destination Weddings from the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.

Have a great week!

Oh What a Week!

This time of year is nuts, isn't it? Between wedding planning and holiday planning, chaos is imminent and I find myself thinking more & more of escaping to a destination spa. You too?

Love the gown color switch-a-roo from this wedding.


Top 10 Bridesmaid Gift List.

Loving her roundup of Pretty Little Wedding Things.

Something old? What about a vintage locket with photos of loved ones? 

Still my favorite wedding day beauty product for the tropics.

Have a fun & festive weekend!

XO-

Popular Dates for Destination Weddings

{Beautiful Red & Turquoise themed wedding from here.}

Location is the most important facet of planning a Destination Wedding - but the wedding date you choose is an easy second. This date will be commemorated on everything from silver photo frames, to your champagne glasses, and the framed copy of your formal wedding invitation. There are no written rules on what date you should pick... really any date of the year will print the same.  

I picked 10-15-05 because I liked the combination of ones and fives. You can also add more meaning to your event by picking a date that is sentimental to you and your family. October 15th is also my mother's birthday. She was generous to share her special day with us.

It can also be fun to pick a date with a play on numbers. This year we did see the date of 10-10-10 as one of the most popular. For 2011, I already have weddings on the books for 9-10-11 and 11-11-11. 

Any other fun dates you've considered?

Enjoy,

Simple Wedding Lighting

I love this photo. Completely proves that you don't need to go overboard on the decor or even have a particular theme... string up simple twinkle lights, light a few candles and you the mood is set. 

TIP - if you want to incorporate your own lights into your destination wedding reception, you will need to make sure the location you've chosen has an adequate power supply and that the lighting you purchase will work with the voltage on the island - either 120 or 220. 

{photo from here}

Enjoy,

J. Crew Portable Wedding Wash Kit

When I was checking out the new J Crew Wedding Gowns, I noticed this handy little kit available for sale:  The Laundress New York for J.Crew

Great idea and perfect for destination weddings in locations where speciality laundry products are not available for purchase. 

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend!

Happy Holiday Weekend!

 Enjoy this little roundup of a few wedding things currently on my mind...

Who says you can't have a full band on a beach?

Maybe you want to say goodbye to summer with a Vintage Engagement Photo shoot.

I wonder if they host weddings on John Wayne Island aka Isla Taborcillo. I could think of a few people in my family who would be down with this location.

NY Mag's list of 100 Wedding Favors.

Don't forget to enter to win a Luxury Honeymoon at the Westin in St. Maarten on my "real" website - CaribbeanJourney.com.

I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend full of a little wedding planning and a lot of relaxation. 

We are hosting a sleep-over for 4 little girls, firing up the grill, having a dinner party and serving tapas,  and spending as much time as possible at the pool. 

Enjoy,

Nisbet Plantation Wedding Menu

When I was planning my own Destination Wedding, one of the first items I would look for each property I was consider, was the wedding  reception menu. If the menu didn't appeal, then I really didn't need to look any further because good food is such a big part of our lives and certainly a highlight of all of our travels. So fellow foodies, take my advice, save yourself a few hours and start with the menus!  

Check out this amazing menu from the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on the island of Nevis:

Appetizer:

Lobster and Seafood Brochette Coconut and Ginger Sauce

Artichoke Bottoms, Asparagus Spears, Feta Cheese, Pesto Oil

Jerk Smoked Chicken Supreme Mango Papaya Relish

Soup:

Pumpkin Soup with Cinnamon Croutons

Chilled Soursop Soup

Salad:

Cucumber and Chive Salad, Yogurt Dressing

Entree:

Baked Mahi Mahi, Tumeric Noodles, Orange Tarragon Relish

Lamb Cutlets, Thyme Mash, Passion Fruit Jus

Pear Stuffed Game Hen, Mini Red Potatoes, Caraway Sauce

Butternut Squash, Mushroom, Swiss Cheese Quiche, Red Onion Marmalade

Dessert:

Wedding Cake

J Crew Wedding Dresses

I'm in love with so many of the J. Crew Wedding Dress designs that if they had launched this line 5 years ago when I was dress shopping, it would have caused me great distress to have to pick just one... that's the thing about wedding dresses, we brides hope to only have one. For ever and EVER.

Here are my current favorites:

If you love more than one design, then I suggest inquiring if it is offered as a bridesmaids option - then you can work both looks you love into your wedding. 

Good luck!

Custom Flower Garlands

On of the greatest pieces of advice I offer my brides is to pick a wedding garland and pack it in your suitcase. You'll never know when you might want to use it to customize your space during a wedding event. Even if your ceremony is fully designed and done, tacking up a garland or two during your reception dinner or departure day brunch will only add to the festivities. 

I found this lovely one by Giggles & Sunshine on Etsy. Enjoy!

Cheers,