Many enthusiastic brides make the decision to plan their destination wedding by themselves without first gathering all the facts to really know what they’re getting into. So if you’re about to start the process and you’re wondering why you might need some professional assistance, here are a few reasons to mull over:

Why Work with a Destination Wedding Specialist?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this post, we want to remind you that a destination wedding specialist is a travel agent who specializes in destination weddings. Please visit our FAQs if you’re just learning about destination weddings.

Bridezilla, Be Gone!

Typically, a wedding is the most important day of a woman’s life. She puts a lot of pressure on herself (and others) so that it turns out perfectly. This alone can create a Bridezilla, but stress is compounded when the bride-to-be has never planned a wedding before. She needs time – which there seems to never be enough of – to figure out what she needs to know, make decisions and still do all the things she needs to do before the big day.

As with anything in life, experience gets us closer to perfection. Brides who are new to destination wedding planning must `wing it’, adding to their anxiety because they’re always questioning whether or not they’re doing the right things. This creates huge stress and usually sucks the joy out of the planning process.

Plus, our stress often spills out into the world and affects, most frequently, the ones closest to us and those only trying to help! A professional in their field has already put in the time and acquired the knowledge and experience to guide their clients along the way. They offer a great relief to the novice.

Imagine that, you don’t have to be a Bridezilla if you don’t want to be!

Destination weddings are different.

So you want to marry in a tropical location. No problem! But, of course, doing this requires additional elements not found in planning a wedding at home, the main ones being: destination and hotel choices, marriage requirements, travel and accommodations for you and your guests, and different wedding packages.

A destination wedding specialist has, in their head and at their finger tips, all the travel, accommodation and wedding-related information you will ever need to create the beach wedding of your dreams. Easily and hassle-free. Especially when they are certified by a wedding planning association, like Weddings By Oceans is (read our About page on our WEDsite)!

They will get all your guests there on time, make sure you cash in on early booking bonuses and your guests get group discounts, and can hook you up with additional savings because of their industry connections! Plus, because of their travel experience, the best destination wedding specialists can act as an effective go-between with you and the hotel.

Planning a wedding when you’re in a different country adds it’s own challenges. But having a destination wedding specialist who is fluent in the native language (for the Caribbean, it’s Spanish and French) can help you overcome any language barriers as well as crack the whip on `island time’ to speed up the planning process with the onsite wedding coordinator.

These are just a few ways we can help you plan your destination wedding. We offer complimentary services so for more benefits, please read Top 8 Ways a Destination Wedding Specialist Gives You Peace and Why Use a Destination Wedding Specialist? Also, if you’re wondering about the differences between travel agents, wedding planners and destination wedding specialists, read this post.

When you’re ready to book your destination wedding with the help of a destination wedding specialist, contact our office for quotes and so we can start planning!

Related posts:

1. How Destination Wedding Group Deposits Work
2. Proof We’re Dedicated Destination Wedding Specialists
3. Bridezilla, Be Gone! Wedding Planning Tips

From its lush hills to white sand beaches, Jamaica is a land of breathtaking landscapes and warmth. It is a kaleidoscope of beauty that makes this island one of the most precious jewels in the Caribbean.

Negril, Jamaica

I-ney, Sistren! Wa’ppun? (That’s Jamaican for: “Hi, Ladies! What’s happening?)

This was not my first time to Jamaica but it was my first time back in 8 years and I was excited to be able to see all of her beauty with fresh optimism. As I travelled the north coast from Negril to Ocho Rios, I was easily reminded how no other place on earth offers such a variety of attractions, accommodation and natural diversity as this beautiful, friendly island.

Although I’ve been to Jamaica 28 times previously, I knew only a handful of properties (I used to represent a particular chain of Jamaican hotels here in Canada) and now realize how limited my knowledge was! For instance, I had no idea of the variety of options or the real differences between the 3 resort areas on the north coast.

I would like to thank Racquel Queensborough from the Jamaica Tourist Board for inviting me along on this Fam Trip. I feel like I have just come back from Jamaica for the first time. I am totally up-to-date and excited to share my experiences with our readers and future brides and grooms.

Stay tuned for posts in the coming weeks as I tell you about a few of my favourite properties including:

• Secrets Wild Orchid
• Riu Ocho Rios
• Round Hill (where Stella got her Groove back!)
• Rock House (perched upon the cliffs in Negril)
• Half Moon (where the Royal family have vacationed)

I will also to tell you about a couple of attractions we visited that you should consider visiting, too! For now, here is a bit of history:

Jamaica

Jamaica was discovered in 1494 by, you guessed it – Christopher Columbus. In his log he described Jamaica as:

“the fairest island that eyes have beheld; mountains and the land seem to touch the sky…all full of valleys and fields and plains.”

By 1509 the Spaniards established a capital, New Seville, near Ocho Rios. In 1655 the English captured Jamaica and turned it into a vast sugar plantation. To grow the sugar cane, they brought in Africans from the west coast of the continent and present day Nigeria to work as slaves.

Soon, those pesky swash-bucking Buccaneers were on the scene (never a good time), attacking the treasure ships of Spain and France heading out of Port Royal once known as “the richesest and wickedest city in Christendom.”

Fast forward, many rebellions later… we have a culturally diverse and naturally breathtaking Jamaica that is home to 2.5 million people.

• Tourism is the major industry in Jamaica these days with the bulk of tourists flocking to the north coast of the island.
• Negril is known as “The Capitol of Casual,” with carefree days and fun-filled nights. Tucked away in the most western point, Negril is Jamaica’s water sports centre where you can dive, snorkel, waterski, windsurf or do nothing at all but work on your tan.
• Montego Bay is “The Complete Resort,” offering a variety of accommodation, first class shopping, golf and a wide range of other attractions and activities.
• Ocho Rios, “The Centrepiece of Jamaica,” and my personal favourite area is the garden of Jamaica. With lush tropical hills, small sandy coves a wonderful mix of serenity and excitement.

Once you go, you know… well, you’ll find out more about this wonderful island in future posts!

Have you been to Jamaica? What did you think?

Related posts:

1. Couples in Jamaica: Destination Wedding Resort Review
2. Secrets Wild Orchid for Destination Weddings in Jamaica
3. Customizable Wedding Packages in Jamaica

Price matching: An excellent customer service feature offered by companies where they “match” a competitor’s price for the same product or service. It is a way for smart shoppers to attain items for lower prices from better companies.

Here are a few aspects to note about price matching:

1. Virtually no stores will attempt price matching with Internet prices. There is little to no overhead when you’re selling online so internet companies can afford to offer rock bottom prices.
2. Most companies require proof that an item is priced lower at another store. This just comes down to good business sense. “Getting it in writing” protects a business from those who feel it’s acceptable to take advantage of others, especially a business they assume is doing well.
3. Comparing apples to apples. In order to price match without the danger of going bankrupt, a company will only price match on comparable products and services.

Here at Weddings By Oceans, we can confidently say that our destination wedding agency has integrity pricing. This means we provide phenomenal service and great products at fair prices.

In fact, while most destination wedding agencies charge a service fee to help you plan your wedding and arrange your group travel, all of our specialized destination wedding services are complimentary!

Sure, you could go to an online travel agency and get a cheap destination wedding, but you’ll get what you pay for: a call center representative with no experience in weddings or group travel. They’ll book your travel but you’ll be on your own for everything else, from comparing different wedding packages, hotels and destinations to obtaining marriage requirements and contacting the hotel wedding coordinator.

Of course, you could always choose a regular travel agency. But again, they will most definitely lack experience and knowledge with destination weddings and in regards to booking groups, they may have only done it once!

When you book with a destination wedding specialist, we lend you our experience, contacts and expertise to help streamline the process, procure deals from our industry suppliers, help in every way possible with your wedding planning and help you avoid potential pitfalls. We save you time, stress, money and worry so you can actually enjoy planning your wedding.

Doesn’t that sound worth the few extra dollars another type of travel agency can save you in travel expenses?

While cost is a major factor for most couples (mainly because they’re thinking of their guests, which is fabulous), not one of those couples would consider compromising on quality of service or product. While online agencies and regular travel agencies offer similar products as we do, they are unable to provide you with the same level of knowledgeable service a destination wedding specialist can.

Since other destination wedding agencies offer a similar service, we’re happy to price match on the product (we already beat their service price). Just send us their quote and we’ll match it – we want to work with you! And as a special thank you for choosing us, we’ll give you $300 off the bride and grooms’ room! (limited time offer)

Do you have any questions about price matching? Leave them in the comments below or email us at info [at] weddingsbyoceans [dot] com.

Related posts:

1. Integrity Pricing for Your Destination Wedding
2. Great Rates for Canadian Brides-To-Be
3. Book with Weddings By Oceans & Save Big!

Our industry partners, Air Transat, published a wonderfully written article in their magazine, Atmosphere, this past spring about destination weddings. They talk about the changing trends and what’s attracting couples of all ages to these exotic wedding locales.

Check out the article, “Far and away, a great way to say I do!” (flip to page 53).

Here are the article highlights, plus a few more points we had in the bag based on feedback from our beachside brides:

What do destination wedding couples have in common?

Every couple who decides on a destination wedding wants to:

• Be unique and redefine tradition
• Travel and experience different cultures

What’s the big draw for destination weddings?

Traditional weddings are lovely, but there are quite a few defining characteristics of a destination wedding that appeal to many couples marrying today:

1. An event which creates even longer-lasting memories. Destination weddings are typically a week-long celebration. The happy couple and their guests have the option to get together regularly for dinners and destination adventures before and after the Big Day.
2. Pampering for the lovebirds. Who wouldn’t love champagne when you arrive at the hotel? What about fresh fruit and flowers every day, a private driver or an attentive concierge? (Available at some hotels, check with your destination wedding specialist!)
3. Convenience & Cost-Savings. The hotel takes care of every wedding detail, usually in a package and for a song and dance compared to the cost of a traditional wedding. Couples who choose to stay for their honeymoon at the same hotel where they exchange vows also enjoy preferential rates. After factoring in group rates for the guests, there’s no question what type of wedding is most cost-effective!
4. Make your wedding more YOU. Destination weddings are already different but you can personalize them even more by choosing a personally meaningful ceremony, reception at sea or an eco-friendly destination and hotel.
5. Bridezilla, Be Gone! Who wants to be a basket-case while planning the most important day of their lives? With your own personal Cyber Maid of Honour you can actually enjoy planning your wedding! Read, “Top 8 Ways a Destination Wedding Specialist Gives You Peace.”

Oh! And how could we ever forget the uber high romance factor of exchanging your vows on a tropical beach!?

Can you think of any more benefits or allure of having a destination wedding?

Related posts:

1. Why Do Brides “Trash” the Dress?
2. Interview with a Destination Wedding Specialist (Part I)
3. How to Make Your Beach Wedding More YOU

These days, industry suppliers often reward agencies with free products in addition to commission on sales. This is great for us travel professionals but more often than not, it doesn’t help clients. Many travel agents allow this industry reward system to sway their judgment and recommendations on destinations and hotels.

Hmm… and some travel agents wonder why people trust peer-reviewed websites more than the professionals?

We know honesty is the best policy. The internet is driving change in how businesses operate as customers now have the opportunity to publically condemn or condone a product or service based on their experience and opinion. We fully support this evolution because it’s forcing companies to be transparent or suffer the consequences in profits.

How Weddings By Oceans Does Business

Here are a few things you should know about us and how we’ve chosen to do business:

This is just some of how the destination wedding industry works and how we’ve chosen to operate within it. Our clients like how we do business and they love how our industry knowledge and service makes it easier and less stressful for them to plan their destination wedding.

Do you have any experience with destination weddings or destination wedding agencies? If you have any questions or comments, please write them in the comment section below or contact us.

Related posts:

1. The Low Down on Price Matching
2. Who’s Most Qualified to Help With My Destination Wedding?
3. Why We Recommend Karisma Destination Weddings

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.

Related posts:

1. Interview with a Destination Wedding Specialist (Part I)
2. Top 8 Ways a Destination Wedding Specialist Gives You Peace
3. Not Your Typical Destination Wedding Specialist

This particular transcript is an interview between owner of Weddings By Oceans and destination wedding specialist, Megan McWhinnie-Crouse, and Stephanie Miller, Beachside Bride Blogger.

Interview with a destination wedding specialist

Stephanie: How common is it for people to choose a destination wedding?

Megan: The popularity for destination weddings has been growing every year. Currently, about 16% of North American couples choose a destination wedding  – which means they’re getting married in a place where neither the bride nor the groom are originally from or where they don’t currently live.

Stephanie: Why do you think destination weddings are catching on as much as they are?

Megan: Well, more people these days seem to be breaking away from the `norm’ and becoming a bit more adventurous. Plus, with a destination wedding you’re getting married in a gorgeous place where you can somewhat control the weather a bit more by choosing a place that’s going to have more warm days and less rain. And we hear that a lot of guests are loving it because they can build a vacation around it simultaneously while celebrating a life event.

Stephanie: Those are some great benefits! Because there’s group travel involved, do you need to plan a destination wedding more in advance than a traditional wedding at home?

Megan: Yes, you do need to give people a little more time to make arrangements for themselves when you’re planning a destination wedding. We like to suggest allowing guests at least three months notice to take time off of work and make their travel plans. Actually, three months is still a little tight so six is ideal.

The bride and groom should really start the process more like a year ahead of time to pick a location, send the `save the date’ cards and invites, and co-ordinate between the travel agent and onsite wedding coordinator. While it can be done in three months, we see many couples start planning their destination wedding 18 months before the wedding date.

Stephanie: Wow, well I guess the more in advance you start planning the less stressful it is for the couple and their guests. You mentioned to me earlier that for destination weddings you recommend keeping the guest list a bit smaller. What’s the average number of guests for a destination wedding?

Megan: Right now, the average we’ve been seeing is 30-50 guests. It’s important for couples to keep in mind the number of people they invite because it can be hard to determine how many of those invitees will accept the invitation.

You see, when destination weddings were new, most of the guests would decline the invitation because they didn’t quite know what to expect. Now that destination weddings are becoming more popular, guests are jumping at the chance for a vacation for which they can receive a group price discount AND experience a life event at the same time. However, the couple needs to be aware of their confirmed guest list because it’s going to affect the locale they choose, the amount of time required to plan it and the cost of the wedding.

Stephanie: Hmm… from what I know of destination wedding specialists, this is where they can really step in to help a couple plan their destination wedding. What are some other logistical challenges associated with destination weddings and how does a destination wedding specialist help?

Megan: A destination wedding specialist really excels in the area of travel arrangements and accommodations for the couple and their guests. Group bookings are best left with someone with travel industry experience and who has established relationships with hoteliers and air carriers in order to get the best deals.

Besides the group discounts, guests who book with the group have definite advantages over those who choose to book on their own. Destination wedding specialists help co-ordinate arrangements so that the entire group travels together and stays at the same hotel so that everyone arrives on time for the `Big Day’ and can fully enjoy the week-long celebration with the couple. If there’s an over-booking at the hotel, those who fail to book with the group risk being transferred to another hotel and miss out on some of the fun.

Some, but very few, destination wedding specialists are also certified as wedding planners. I’m certified with The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada so our office can help with the wedding details, if required or requested. In general, the destination wedding specialist helps you arrange a block of rooms for your guests to book, find an officiant and vendors, and they’re obviously very familiar with the destination as well as their wedding packages. A destination wedding specialist can really take a load of your shoulders.

Stay tuned for Part II of an Interview with a Destination Wedding Specialist where you’ll learn more about destination weddings and details about planning for them.

Do you have a question for Megan? Ask her in the comments below!

Related posts:

1. Interview with a Destination Wedding Specialist (Part II)
2. Meet Ashley D’Ascencio: Destination Wedding Specialist
3. Why Use a Destination Wedding Specialist?

You’ll find most destination wedding packages come with almost everything you’ll need to have a dream wedding. Including a honeymoon! Here’s an example from a hotel we recently visited:

A Destination Wedding at the Majestic Colonial

(Note: Prices below are subject to change.)

The Majestic Colonial Wedding Package inclusions:

Just for you:

• Room service included for the couple
• Basket of fruits in your room
• Bottle of champagne in your room (twice during your stay)

For the wedding:

• Bouquet for the bride in tropical flowers
• Boutonniere for the groom in tropical flowers
• Location of your choice: White sand beach, Gazebo or Chapel
• Table arrangement for the ceremony in tropical flowers
• Services of a Civil Judge or Priest
• Simultaneous translation of the ceremony if needed
• Sound system for the ceremony
• Champagne toast after the ceremony for the group
• Beautiful wedding cake for the entire group

For the newlyweds (once you’re married):

• Romantic breakfast in your room
• Candle light romantic dinner for the couple with champagne
• Complimentary massage for the couple and use of the humid area
• Marriage certificate in Spanish and delivery by DHL (2-3 moths)

Total costs for a Dominican Republic destination wedding:

1. Price for the Majestic Wedding Package: $1,750.00 US
2. Private dinner for 30 guests ($55 US per person + 26% tax) = $2,070.00 US
3. Travel Cost for Bride & Groom, 7 night stay = $3,200.00* CND
4. Wedding Attire = $1,000 CND
5. Miscellaneous costs (invitations, favours, photographer, additional flowers, etc.) = $1,000 CND

Total approx. cost: $7,000

*Junior Suite, All Inclusive Majestic Colonial Toronto to Punta Cana November 13, 2010

As you can see, you can safely budget between $7,000-$10,000 for a gorgeous destination wedding that will create lasting memories and wow your guests. And we’ve only covered the wedding day here – don’t forget you and your guests have an entire week at the resort!

Now that you have an idea of what you’ll get in a destination wedding package and the associated costs, let’s see what can you expect for the same amount for a wedding at home:

A Traditional Wedding at Home

(Note: The Wedding Planning Institute of Canada (WPIC) provides a breakdown of wedding costs as an average percentage of the total wedding budget spent on individual wedding services/accessories. To get the following numbers, we multiplied the budget for our destination wedding ($7,000) with the WPIC’s published percentages.)

1. Reception (45%) = $3,150.00
2. Photography/Video (10%) = $700.00
3. Flowers (10%) = $700.00
4. Ceremony (7%) = $490.00
5. Entertainment (5%) = $350.00
6. Attire (5%) = $350.00
7. Cake (2%) = $140.00
8. Transportation (2%) = $140.00
9. Invitations (2%) = $140.00
10. Miscellaneous (12%) = $840.00

Total approx. cost: $7,000

Wow. What a difference of value between what you get for a destination wedding vs. home wedding! If you’re thinking about a winter wedding (November is the new May!) this year and you want to cash in on these current prices, contact a Cyber Maid of Honour at Weddings By Oceans today.

What do you think of these wedding differences, Beachside Brides? If you’re making a case for a destination wedding with your hubby-to-be, send this post to him  – both of you (and your guests) will thank us later.

Related posts:

1. Majestic Weddings in Punta Cana
2. The Big To Do about a Destination Wedding “I Do”
3. January 2011 Spring Wedding Show Bonus

At Weddings By Oceans, all of our destination wedding specialists are well-travelled, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Actually, right now we’re in Punta Cana staying at the Majestic Colonial/Elegance while we take care of over 140 guests in 2 wedding groups. We’re also visiting 16 other properties to conduct site inspections; something we like to do annually, at minimum.

Additionally, our Head Cyber Maid of Honour and owner of Weddings By Oceans, Megan McWhinnie-Crouse, just celebrated her 24th year in the travel industry on April 12th, 2010!

We travel extensively, not only because we love it, but because we want to stay up-to-date with all the properties we recommend for our Beachside Brides & Grooms. It’s part of our job as destination wedding specialists to make certain the hotels we suggest are maintaining conditions up to our standards.

So where have we been? For starters, here’s a list of places we’ve visited for FAM trips and holidays in the past year alone:

1. Mayan Riviera, Mexico – Bahia Principe Coba, April 2010. (Dora)
2. Miami & Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A. – cruise inspections, March 2010. (Megan)
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Dreams Puerto Vallarta, Jan 2010. (Megan)
4. Varadero, Cuba – Iberostar Varadero and Iberostar Laguna Azul, Nov 2009. (Megan)
5. Mayan Riviera, Mexico – El Dorado Seaside, Dec 2009. (Megan)
6. Huatulco, Mexico –  Dreams, Barcelo & Las Brisas, Oct., 2009. (Lasia)
7. Puerta Vallarta, Mexico – Melia Puerto Vallarta – Ashley’s wedding, Nov 2009. (Ashley)
8. Aruba – Occidental Grand Aruba, November 2009. (Lasia)
9. Mayan Riviera, Mexico – El Dorado Royale Casita Suites, August 2009. (Megan & Lasia)
10. Aruba – Riu Palace, August 2009. (Megan)
11. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Majestic Colonial, May 2009. (Megan & Lasia)
12. Yucatan peninsula, Mexico - explored the Mayan ruins, May 2009. (Megan)
13. Varadero, Cuba – Barcelo Marina Palace, April 2009. (Megan)

Keep in mind that during our travels, we try to take care of as much business as possible. Not only did we inspect the properties we listed above (where we stayed) but also neighbouring hotels, as well!

For an extensive list of places we’ve visited, worked and lived, please visit our profile page on our website.

We love to swap travel stories. Where was THE most impressive place you’ve been so far and tell us why in the comments below!

Related posts:

1. What’s Your Dream Destination Wedding?
2. Bound for the Mayan Riviera
3. Destination Wedding in Mexico: Ashley & Martin’s Story

That’s right, November is the new May. Over the past few years, more couples have been choosing the month of November for their destination wedding. The other winter months, December and January, have also been steadily gaining in popularity.

Why choose winter for your destination wedding?

Actually, the winter months are good choices for a destination wedding. A tropical locale takes the chill off for us Canadians so guests appreciate the invitation for a winter holiday to celebrate your wedding!

A little nervous about torrential rainfall and whipping winds demolishing your romantic beach wedding ceremony? Don’t be! The peak hurricane season in the Caribbean is generally August to October so you’re fairly safe choosing a winter destination wedding in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, nature has a mind of its own so we can’t guarantee perfect wedding weather for you and your guests. However, the average temperatures in the Caribbean from November to January is about 27 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).

Considering a winter destination wedding?

Although many tour operators haven’t distributed their brochures yet, you don’t have to wait until they hit the stands. In fact, we have couples already booking their winter destination wedding for 2011! All the information you need is available now and contacting a destination wedding specialist to assist you will make the entire process easier.

And if you think a winter destination wedding this year is a good option for you, November is only 6 months away so you should really book now! We’ve included some samples of recent pricing below for your convenience – these quotes are still valid and subject to availability.

If you’re unsure about a winter destination wedding in the Caribbean, why don’t you come out to our complimentary Destination Wedding Event & 4th Annual Bride’s Bash on Saturday, May 29th? You’ll have a chance to talk to Caribbean hoteliers, ask some of our clients who’ve had a winter destination weddings there and enjoy a free lunch on us!

Here are a few samples of recent quotes* (subject to availability at the time of inquiry):

1. November 6, 2010 – Punta Cana – Melia Tropical – $1,347.00 + 305.00 taxes
2. November 6, 2010 – Punta Cana – Gran Bahia Principe – $1,019.00 + 331.00 taxes
3. November 6, 2010 – Punta Cana – Ocean Sands/Ocean Blue – $939.00 + 331.00 taxes

*Don’t forget groups often receive a complimentary passenger when booking a certain amount of adults (not applicable with all hotels)!

Contact one of our Cyber Maids of Honour for more quotes if you’re thinking about a winter destination wedding in 2010 or 2011.

Related posts:

1. Last 5 Spring Wedding Dates at Majestic Colonial! (available here only)
2. Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana Review for Destination Weddings
3. Destination Wedding vs. Traditional Wedding Cost Comparison