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Kristin Basnett

10 Things to Consider in a Destination Wedding Resort for Couples Only


ouple on the beach during low tide after wedding

Your destination wedding should be a seamless blend of romance, beauty, and celebration. The key to achieving this lies in choosing the perfect resort that caters to all your needs and desires. With countless options available, it can be challenging to decide which resort will provide the perfect backdrop for your big day. Here are the top 10 things to look for in a destination wedding resort to help you make an informed decision.


1. Inclusive Wedding Packages

Pink flowers in clear vases on a table

One of the most convenient aspects of having a destination wedding is the availability of all-inclusive wedding packages. These bundles typically cover everything you need, from the ceremony and reception venues to catering and decorations. When scouting for the perfect destination wedding resort in your desired location, seek out comprehensive packages that provide excellent value and simplicity. This approach can significantly alleviate the stress of planning, allowing you to savor the journey to your big day.

Inclusive packages may also encompass perks such as photography, entertainment, and even honeymoon arrangements. By choosing a resort offering these packages, you can streamline the planning process and ensure that every detail is meticulously taken care of. Furthermore, these packages often include dedicated wedding planners who can offer expert advice and manage all logistics, guaranteeing a smooth and seamless experience.



2. Limit of 1-2 Wedding Celebrations Per Day


Couple under flower awning as they get married

For a wedding experience that feels truly special and unhurried, choose resorts that restrict the number of wedding celebrations to just one or two per day. This commitment ensures personalized attention and fosters a more intimate atmosphere. When deliberating on a destination for your wedding, inquire about the resort’s policy regarding the frequency of daily weddings to ensure that your event receives undivided focus.


With fewer weddings scheduled each day, the resort staff can allocate ample time and resources to perfecting your celebration. You can relax knowing that you won’t have to contend with shared spaces or vie for the attention of wedding coordinators. This exclusivity guarantees that your wedding day is genuinely distinctive and tailored to your preferences, fostering a profound sense of intimacy and significance.


3. Dedicated On-Site Wedding Team with Good Communication


woman working on her computer in an office

Efficient communication plays a pivotal role in orchestrating a successful destination wedding. Opt for a resort that boasts a specialized on-site wedding team renowned for their exceptional communication prowess. This team will serve as your primary point of contact, aiding you in everything from selecting venues to orchestrating the day's proceedings. Perusing reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the team's adeptness in planning and executing weddings.


A dedicated team equipped with strong communication skills ensures that your vision is comprehended and realized. They adeptly navigate the intricacies of planning a wedding in a foreign locale, adeptly managing local vendors, legal prerequisites, and cultural subtleties. Regular updates and transparent communication from the wedding team serve to mitigate stress and keep you well-informed at every juncture of the planning process.


4. Several Venue Options

hite flowers forming a tunnel. gold chairs along the sides for guests

Diverse venue choices within the resort can impart a distinctive touch to your wedding day. Seek out resorts offering a plethora of venues, including beachfront, garden, and ballroom settings. This array enables you to select a backdrop that impeccably aligns with your vision. Whether you fancy a romantic sunset beach ceremony or a lavish ballroom reception, having multiple options ensures you can tailor your wedding precisely to your desires.


Moreover, having various venue options affords flexibility in the event of weather fluctuations or unforeseen circumstances. If you've planned an outdoor ceremony, having an exquisite indoor alternative is imperative. Furthermore, incorporating different settings for different segments of the celebration—such as a beachside ceremony, garden cocktail hour, and ballroom reception—can infuse diversity and elevate the overall guest experience.


5. Rooms with Two Queen Beds and Rooms That Guarantee Bedding

King sized bed in a hotel room

Ensuring the comfort of your guests is an essential consideration in destination wedding planning. Verify that the resort provides rooms equipped with two queen beds and assures the bedding arrangements. This becomes particularly crucial if your guest list encompasses families or groups intending to share accommodations. Comfortable lodging significantly enhances the overall experience for all attendees of your wedding.


The provision of rooms featuring two queen beds offers versatility for various group configurations, whether it involves families with children or friends sharing a room. Confirming bedding arrangements ahead of time mitigates any last-minute surprises, guaranteeing your guests can relax and unwind comfortably. Additionally, assess whether the resort offers accessible rooms for guests with disabilities, thereby ensuring inclusivity and accommodation for all attendees.



6. Several Dining Options

Resort restaurant tables set up for a meal

Exceptional cuisine forms a cornerstone of any wedding celebration. When choosing a destination wedding resort, prioritize those offering a multitude of on-site dining venues. This assortment guarantees that your guests can relish diverse culinary delights throughout their stay. Ranging from laid-back eateries to upscale dining establishments, the availability of multiple options caters to varied tastes and dietary needs.


These dining options may encompass specialty restaurants showcasing a variety of cuisines, expansive buffets, and exclusive private dining experiences. Some resorts even provide customizable menus for the wedding reception, enabling you to tailor the dining affair to your exact preferences. Whether your guests yearn for local delicacies or crave international flavors, the presence of a diverse array of dining options ensures that every palate is delighted.


7. Activities and Entertainment

Drummers at a night event. One person blowing fire out of his mouth

Enhancing the overall guest experience involves keeping them engaged before and after the wedding day. Seek out resorts offering a diverse array of activities and entertainment options, ranging from water sports and excursions to live shows and spa services. For weddings with children, prioritize family-friendly activities, while adult-only affairs may benefit from more sophisticated entertainment choices.


These activities and entertainment offerings foster opportunities for guests to connect and relish the destination experience. Look for resorts providing group excursions such as snorkeling trips, cultural tours, or adventurous activities. On-site entertainment like live music, dance performances, and themed evenings can sustain the festive ambiance. Additionally, a well-appointed spa serves as a haven for guests to unwind and recharge.


8. Family-Friendly Rooms and Suites

Family laying on a bed of white sheets

For weddings catering to families, it's crucial to ensure that the resort offers interconnected rooms or spacious suites tailored for families. This is particularly important for guests traveling with children, as it provides them with comfortable and convenient accommodations. Resorts geared towards families typically offer amenities such as children’s clubs, babysitting services, and family-oriented activities.


Interconnected rooms and family suites afford privacy for parents while keeping children nearby. Seek out resorts that provide cribs, rollaway beds, and other family-friendly amenities. Childcare services and kids’ clubs offer parents a respite, allowing them to partake in adult-oriented activities with the assurance that their children are safe and engaged.


9. A Resort That Specializes in Hosting Wedding Groups Regularly

Group of friends on ATVs with volcano in the background

When selecting a destination wedding resort, consider their experience in hosting groups as a pivotal factor. Resorts accustomed to hosting weddings and large gatherings are better equipped with the infrastructure, staff, and expertise to ensure the seamless execution of your event. Investigate reviews and inquire about their track record in hosting destination weddings of similar size to yours, whether it’s an intimate affair for two or a larger gathering of 30 guests.


A resort well-versed in hosting groups will have established protocols and trusted vendors in place, minimizing the likelihood of hiccups on your special day. Drawing from their past successes, they can provide recommendations for photographers, florists, and entertainment services. Furthermore, experienced resorts typically have contingency plans in place to address any unforeseen disruptions, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of your wedding celebrations.


10. Perks and Amenities for Hosting Your Wedding at the Resort


Catamaran boat sailing at sunset

Numerous resorts extend exclusive perks and amenities to couples hosting their weddings on-site. These offerings may comprise complimentary room upgrades, spa indulgences, secluded dinners, and discounted activity options. Beyond mere value addition, these perks elevate the overall experience for both you and your guests. When evaluating the cost of destination wedding packages, factor in the supplementary benefits provided by the resort.


These perks and amenities contribute to making your stay even more extraordinary and memorable. Seek out resorts that present honeymoon packages, potentially featuring romantic dinners, couples’ massages, and bespoke room arrangements. Some resorts go the extra mile with personalized gestures like welcome gifts for your guests, a designated check-in area for the wedding party, or farewell brunches. Such additional benefits not only enhance the celebration but also convey your gratitude for your guests' presence.


Selecting the ideal destination wedding resort marks the first step on your journey. Through thoughtful consideration of these top 10 factors, you can discover a venue that embodies the perfect blend of romance, convenience, and elegance. As a destination wedding travel agent, it's not just my profession but also my passion to curate the finest resort wedding venues tailored perfectly to you and your group!


Here's to a truly enchanting wedding day and a lifetime of joy together, brimming with unforgettable moments and treasured memories. If you are currently trying to plan or figure out your destination wedding or just need help to keep moving forward in your wedding planning, go ahead and schedule a free 45-minute destination wedding strategy session with me. Remember, this isn't just any vacation; this is your wedding and It has to be perfect!



If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us Don't forget to join our exclusive Facebook Group

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