At Dreams Resorts & Spas, we understand that planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if it isn’t being held close to home. To make things easier, we have compiled our top 10 tips for planning your dream destination wedding at Dreams Resorts & Spas!

1. Plan well in advance

Before choosing a destination, you need to know how many people you will be accommodating. When planning a destination wedding, it is critical to give your guests as much advance notice as possible. Start by sending out “Save the Dates” or a link to your personal wedding website at least 5-6 months before, so that they can have plenty of time to make travel plans.

2. Determine a budget

In planning any wedding, establishing a budget is extremely important. Talk with your significant other and decide on a reasonable price limit. It can be a rough estimate at first, but after getting quotes and choosing the venue, decide on a fixed number and stick to it!

3. Find your perfect destination

The location of your wedding determines not only the mood, but also the travel time and budget required for you and your guests. Dreams Resorts & Spas offers locations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and, coming this November, Costa Rica and the Virgin Islands! With so many different venues and atmospheres available, be sure to do extensive research to narrow down your options and find the perfect location for you and your significant other!

4. Check the weather

Be sure to check the seasonal weather for the destination that you choose. Dreams Resorts & Spas are known for their year-round beautiful weather, but precipitation and temperature can vary mildly. Plan accordingly and research weather for the date you select.

5. Hire a wedding planner

Planning a wedding is stressful! Get some much needed extra help by working with our dedicated wedding coordinators who are all more than happy to help you deal with logistics and day-of event issues. Dreams Resorts & Spas offers an on-site wedding coordinator in each of our wedding packages to help you from start to finish. They will go above and beyond to make sure your wedding is everything you dreamed it would be.

6. Take a Trip

Consider taking a trip to the destination of your choice a few months before the wedding. This will give you the opportunity to check out the venue and meet your personal wedding coordinator to confirm details such as ceremony and reception spaces, accommodations for guests, catering, and floral arrangements. This is an optional trip, but highly recommended if it fits within your budget.

7. Research local marriage requirements

The laws for getting married in a different country can vary so be sure to research the legal requirements to avoid any last-minute complications!

8. Know what’s included

Dreams Resorts & Spas include various wedding packages for you to choose from in the planning stages. Be sure to review each option carefully to find the perfect fit for you, your significant other, and your family. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—that’s what our wedding coordinators are there for.

9. Take care of guests

Your guests are generously giving their  time and money to be at your destination wedding, so be sure to take care of them. In addition to arranging group rates for flights and rooms, give other important travel information, such as transport services, beforehand to keep their lives simple. It’s also a nice touch to give guests welcome bag gifts for their rooms, full of essentials for the trip, like suntan lotion, water and bug spray.

10. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Planning a wedding is complicated, and constant worrying will take away from the beauty of the day and the reason you are celebrating in the first place. If you feel like things are going wrong in the planning stages, just breathe. You have an on-site wedding coordinator by your side to handle the details and the amazing support of friends and family that are here to celebrate your happiness. Enjoy it every moment!

Start planning the wedding of your dreams at Dreams Resorts & Spas!