Last Thursday we posted Part I of an interview with destination wedding specialist with owner of Weddings By Oceans, Megan McWhinnie-Crouse. In Part II, you’ll learn a bit more about the details in planning a destination wedding, the costs and tips on the more popular places to book.
Stephanie: Since you’re planning the wedding outside the country where you’ll be married, how does the on-site wedding coordinator help?
Megan: As destination weddings have become more popular, there’s been a big rise in on-site coordinators. Their role has helped brides and grooms plan from afar, because – as you said – there are challenges. You’re not there, so you really do have to depend on a great on-site coordinator to help plan the wedding details. Typically, the on-site coordinator, one who’s employed by the hotel where you’re getting married, is responsible for almost all the details of your ceremony and your reception. Exactly what that entails is going to vary from place to place, but some resorts have packages so you can actually choose from packages and make it less labor-intensive.
Stephanie: What about the more hands-on wedding planning details, like the menu tastings and music? Do you recommend taking a trip or two down to the wedding location before the wedding or is it ok to do it all remotely?
Megan: Yes, if you can afford it we suggest travelling to the wedding site so you can check out the hotel, the wedding site and meet the onsite wedding coordinator and all the vendors face-to-face. Actually, one of our hotel partners, Karisma, recently offered a `destination dress rehearsal promotion’ for couples so they could afford such a fantastic plan.
However, most couples find it hard to afford several `vacations’ before their wedding so if this is the case, it’s even more important that their destination wedding specialist knows the destination of choice inside-and-out. Today’s technology has helped incredibly with planning a destination wedding because they or the onsite wedding coordinator can send photos, contracts, playlists and everything you need to make your dream wedding come true. A good destination wedding specialist will make certain that all your questions to the onsite wedding coordinator prior to the day will get answered.
Stephanie: You mentioned your resort partner, Karisma, is offering promos to make it easier for couples to choose destination weddings. Are there any other properties or particular locations that you might recommend for people on a budget who have costs as one of their primary concerns?
Megan: Destination weddings tend to be less expensive than home weddings, which surprises most people because they’re thinking of the additional travel costs. However, because guests have to travel to a tropical location for the wedding, the guest list tends to be more exclusive and smaller. A couple who chooses a wedding in their hometown may easily have two or three hundred people attend, by virtue of the convenience of attendance, while they may only have 50 guests attend a destination wedding.
As for places where you can go to get more bang for your buck, we recommend Cuba for affordability and Mexico (the Mayan Riviera has become enormously popular in recent years) or the Dominican Republic for best value.
A lot couples will choose an all-inclusive resort which includes meals and drinks as a packaged deal for their guests. Some of the all-inclusive places include Majestic Resorts, Iberostar, Dreams, Sol Melia chain and the Occidental chain, just to name a few. The wedding packages at these hotels tend to be pre-set, too, so sometimes that’s a good option.
We often see smaller groups of 20 to 30 going to more upscale properties in St. Lucia, Bahamas, Aruba, Antigua or Jamaica. These locations have been known historically as great honeymoon locations but as destination weddings increase in popularity, more couples are considering these destinations as well. All-inclusive packages on these islands include Couples Resorts in Jamaica, Anse Chastenet and Coconut Bay in St. Lucia, and the Riu chains, as well.
Stephanie: The all-inclusive deals sound like the best option because you’re not so worried about hidden costs cropping up when it comes time for the bill because everything is laid out for you upfront.
Megan: Yes, and your guests who are paying for their own trip often feel the same way. They know when they buy the room that they’re set for their meals and drinks for the entire trip.
Stephanie: Well, you’ve certainly given us enough information to consider a destination wedding as an option for couples looking to get married. Now, as a final question, Las Vegas is a well-known spur-of-the-moment destination wedding spot… for couples who have become overwhelmed with the urge to marry, like, tomorrow, which alternate, more tropical locale would you suggest as an elopement destination?
Megan: That’s a great question because every area has certain marriage requirements of which many take time to process a marriage license; that’s what’s made Las Vegas such a draw for spur-of-the-moment weddings. For beach elopement alternatives, the Bahamas has no minimum entry requirement and lots of nice properties to chose from.
That wraps it up for an interview with destination wedding specialist, Megan McWhinnie-Crouse. If you have any other questions concerning destination weddings, please feel free to ask them in the comments below or contact a Cyber Maid of Honour at Weddings By Oceans.
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Hi,
I was wondering, on average how much would it cost for a destination wedding to one of the Hawaiian islands? REception and ceremony included..
Thanks!
Natalie
Hi Natalie, thanks for your inquiry. Please contact our office, toll free at 1-866-764-2WED (2933)for a quote or email us at info@weddingsbyoceans.