Top 10 Spots for Your Beach Wedding

Top 10 Locations for Your Destination Wedding

Destination weddings: stunning beaches, Margaritas flowing, Mariachi band is playing. If you are looking to relax on your special day - having a destination wedding is the way to know. I had my wedding in Mexico and it was the perfect day with the perfect ending. I snorkeled in the morning, had a massage in the afternoon and by the time the ceremony came around I was fed, happy, and most of all, stress-free.

However, it wasn’t always stress-free. In fact, agreeing on a destination wedding was one of the topics that my husband and I CONSTANTLY fought about. So I wanted to write this blog post and simplify the search for you. I did some research online, and also for my own wedding a few years back, and came up with this list of top 10 Destination Wedding Spots to have your beach wedding:

10. Curacao.

Curacao is located just off the coast of South America, right next to Aruba. Not too many people know where Curacao is located, and because of this, this exclusive islands gets the number 10 spot. Curacao prides itself on having high end resorts and beautiful beaches.

9. Los Cabos

Located in Mexico is a wonderful, luxurious get away. Los Cabos has a ton of adult-only hotels. Prices of venues are definitely on the higher-end when comparing to other prices in Mexico, however the scenery is truly beautiful.

8. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a perfect spot if you are looking for a “chill, relaxed” location without the typical hype of tourists. Don’t get me wrong - there are obviously tourists, but from personal experience - beaches like in Rincon are perfect getaways if you are looking for that rustic wedding and some epic surf.

7. St. Lucia

Beautiful island with stunning views, rainforest and volcanic plugs. Your background for the pictures will look absolutely breathtaking. St. Lucia offers a wide variety of resorts with amazing beaches.

6. Dominican Republic

DR is known for the stunning beaches and Punta Cana. DR offers the most variety of all inclusive resorts. When researching your venues, don’t forget to inquire about different wedding packages available.

5. Jamaica 

Beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and tons of scenic spots. Most of all - 7 Mile Beach. Just imagine… 7 miles of crystal clear water and softest sand in the world.

4. Bahamas 

I visited Bahamas on a cruise and was amazed at the diversity of the place. On one have - you have Atlantis. You can purchase day passes and enjoy all of the amenities Atlantis has to offer. On another hand you have funky restaurants, downtown and tons of attractions. If you are looking to get away from the crowds there are plenty of smaller hotels, away from the crowds.

3. St. Martin 

St. Martin is a stunning place. It has everything you could ever ask for: the beautiful beach, the tropical sands and the stunning mountains. St. Martin is typically not your cheapest destination, however, there are plenty of hotels to choose from - depending on your budget.

2. Aruba 

Aruba gets the number 2 spot for a wonderful reason: It has the perfect weather year round. Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt and rarely experiences bad weather. You sure won’t have to worry about hurricane ruining your wedding.

1. Riviera Maya 

My person favorite. Not only because I had my own wedding in Mexico, but because it is a perfect getaway for “the traveler type”. If you are looking to sightsee, explore and submerge yourself in culture - Riviera Maya is perfect. Mexico’s prices are exceptionally affordable. You’ve got the Mayan Ruins, the adventure parks, Cenotes, zip lining, partying in Cancun and getting a taste of Mayan culture of the Mayan in Tulum. Quite honestly, for the price we payed staying in Puerto Aventuras, we were able to fit in 3 days worth of adventure and exploring. This is why, in my opinion - Mexico definitely takes the win.

No matter where you chose to have your wedding - make sure you do a thorough research of the hotels and packages offered by all of the places. Keep in mind flight prices and the overall costs of the trip to your guests.

What to expect when planning a destination wedding

A friend of mine posted in a Facebook status last week requesting opinions on destination weddings. Here’s a tip – never post a “How Do You Feel About…?” query if you have your heart set on a particular idea. She received a response to everything from “Too Expensive!” to “You’re selfish if you make that decision!” ... This girl isn't even engaged, and was just expressing curiosity about an option. Yet, the name calling and harsh criticism was flying five seconds after she hit the post option.

1. Before putting down a nonrefundable deposit at a resort, research the time of year you’ll be traveling. The great deal you might be getting could be due to the fact that it’s a noted time for hurricanes or inclement weather in that region. Having a destination wedding in the resort's off season could potentially save you some serious bucks, so you may want to look into that option as well. 

2. Rather than being put off by all the negativity of opinions (which people will have if you decide to have your wedding in the Caribbean, Disney World, or the pizzeria around the corner) look into the reasoning as to why a destination wedding might be difficult for you to have, especially if the issues arise with people you really want to attend your wedding. 

3. Destination weddings can be rather pricey for guests. Even though the resort might offer all inclusive deals, the cost of everything that’s “free” has to be factored in somewhere. Besides airfare and accommodations, there’s also the issue and added expenses that if they have pets or children, they will have to pay for and acquire the care for them while they are traveling. 

4. Research your country / place of your wedding. This is crucial. For example, when getting married in Mexico you will need to be in the country for at least 48 hours. In addition, you will need to submit a blood test to the local hospital ( don't ask me why ). In Saint Martin you must have 3 witnesses from each bridal party.  The point is this: make sure you do a thorough research on wedding procedures in that particular country before you actually book your venue.

5. Requesting ample time off from work in order to travel to and from to attend the wedding might also be an issue for some if their jobs are not very flexible with scheduling and vacation time. Keep that in mind when setting the date. Some people are simply unable to take off a week from work to travel to the Bahamas.

6. Certain places require a passport to travel to and to return to the country of origin. Adult American passport books and cards cost over $160. They also can take approximately 4 – 6 weeks for a routine application, and 3 weeks for expedited application (which is another fee). Information about obtaining American passports can be found at US Passports and International Travel. 

7. Also, take into the consideration that if you have family members or friends that you really want to be there on your special day, but have medical conditions that need to be monitored or cannot travel for long periods because of a condition, might not be able to attend. My poor friend, who was probably just looking for information on how to plan one or issues that had arisen while others were planning theirs texted me that night thanking me “for being the only person that actually answered her with any sense of reasoning!” What did I write as a comment? The same thing I will write in this article: If it’s what you and your future spouse really want, have a destination wedding, but be understanding that guests you invite might not be able to attend for very valid reasons.

Last words of wisdom: Destination Weddings are a lot of fun. They can cost a fraction of a price you would otherwise pay here, and you will have an amazing time. Before making any major decisions, talk to your groom and research all possible options. Evaluate your budget and make a pros and cons list. If the "pros" outweigh the "cons" - start your research as soon as you can.

Until next time,

11 Tips for The Bride Before The Big Day

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming celebration and commitment to the person you love! Every bride-to-be (and even members of the bridal party) will have moments of anxiety, and it’s perfectly normal. Hopefully, with a few of our tips and tricks listed below, we’ll be able to help you focus on what you should be focused on and enjoy planning what is to be the best day of your life!

1. Remember that this is your wedding. Don’t let anybody pressure you into something they think is perfect or a “must have!” You will never be able to make everybody happy, so focus on what you and your future partner want and what makes the two of you happy.

2. Set a budget and stick with it! Don’t take out an extra credit card or on extra debt that isn't 

necessary. Going a little over budget is okay, but try to stay in range as best as possible. Ignore 

the voice (whether it’s in your head or someone else's in your ear) saying,:“But it’s your wedding!” 

The extra stress and debt for months, or even years, after the ceremony just isn’t worth it.

3. Have a planner or calendar that is only for wedding planning and events. This will leave room for lists and extra information (addressed/phone numbers of location) and not leave you overwhelmed with having multiple appointments or deadlines.

4. Remember, this is real life and not a television special. In order for those shows to be executed properly, it might look like there’s bridesmaid gown drama, but it’s usually staged or edited that way. Everything gets fixed in the end because they have a budget which allows for multiple assistants to ensure everything happens as planned.

5. Don't over do it with Pinterest. It’s great that you might want to hand embroider your baby pictures, with thread made from the hair of a unicorn, but if you don’t have time to, then don’t stress over it.

6. If traveling for a destination wedding or the honeymoon, check with the airline about TSA regulations for everything from passports, proper forms of identification, to what is allowed in a carry-on. Forward this information to anyone that might be traveling the same way for your 

wedding.

7. Try to keep it budget friendly for everyone. Some members of your party might be able to afford a bachelorette party in Vegas, but some members of your party might be working overtime to afford the dress to be a bridesmaid. They want to be there for you and will feel obligated to 

follow along with whatever you want in your plans, so try to keep it fair for everyone involved.

8. Make sure you have cash the night before your bachelorette party and / or your wedding to tip the limo driver, bar tender, hairstylist, makeup artist, etc. to avoid an awkward last minute (that no one has) run to the bank or an ATM.

9. Make sure your shoes fit properly and you have a pair of flats on hand for extra comfort.

10. Use the services, venues, and professionals you want. If someone suggests that they “Just loved ____!!! You have to use ______!!!”, but you didn't love the work they do, do not feel obligated to hire them, even if they are a friend of the family.

11. Keep a table in the room you’re getting ready as the designated place for all food and drink. You might also want to impose the rule that once everyone is in their outfits, only clear liquids can be consumed – at least until after the pictures are taken or the ceremony is over.

The entire experience should be fun and enjoyable for you. Yes, there will be moments when you’re 

stressed or overwhelmed, but remember that what you’re planning for is a celebration and is just the beginning of what is to be the start of an amazing new time of your life.