A destination wedding is a perfect combination of a good holiday and a big event. That also often means going through a chaotic planning process, which can take time and effort. Unless you start early and have a clear overview of what you need, the next steps can be confusing. With top destination wedding planners, such as Beach Bridal Vacations, you can streamline the process and share the workload. How do you compare packages for your big day? We have shared a few details below.
- Define your goals: First things first, consider the theme of your wedding. Do you want a tropical vibe or want to consider a more intimate event? Are you interested in doing some adventurous stuff to make the holiday memorable? Are you okay with sharing the resort with another event? If you know exactly what you need, you will easily eliminate packages that don’t fit the bill.
- Set a realistic budget: Another good way to compare destination wedding packages is to set a fixed budget. The budget will cover everything, right from venue and vendor costs to travel and accommodations. Remember, you will probably go a tad over the planned amount, which means the budget should have a share for contingencies. Knowing what you can spend will help shortlist options.
- Compare destinations: There are all sorts of destinations for beach weddings, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Hawaii. Consider what may work best for you, keeping factors like visa rules and flights in mind. Next, check season patterns and climate because you wouldn’t want to endure rain on your big day. Double-check safety if there are current travel advisories and specific permits and requirements.
- Review what is included: What does your package include? Ask the wedding planner if the price is inclusive of ceremony setup services, reception essentials, food and beverage options, and other things like makeup, guest arrangements, and photography. When more things are already a part of the deal, you won’t have to tweak your budget.
- Compare tiers: You should also check and compare all sorts of packages. Wedding planners often have tiers and deals to cater to different budgets. You have to choose what works for your needs, but if paying a tad more gets you a better deal, that is worth considering. The general rule of thumb is more customization means more costs.
- Check add-ons: Many wedding planners go above and beyond to satisfy their guests and keep clients happy. For instance, you may have a deal where two additional nights of stay are included for the couple, or maybe the planners have managed to get you a honeymoon deal. Just looking at the price doesn’t allow you to evaluate what makes one deal or package better than the other.
- Guest services: Destination weddings require spending on guest travel, accommodation, and other things, and if you have a long list of people attending, you should certainly consider bulk discounts. Check the package to see room categories, whether you can upgrade when required, and if special arrangements can be made for selected guests.
- Reviews and ratings: We strongly suggest working with a capable wedding planner who has credible experience handling beach destination weddings. Don’t just compare packages but also what a planning team can do and whether they can go over and above standard work. A wedding planner with numerous positive reviews and a long list of successful events is always worth paying more.
While packages are great for setting a baseline for your destination wedding, you may need more services as the event unfolds. Ensure you have selected a package from a trusted wedding planner that allows you to tweak smaller details or request more things if necessary.
