Choosing An All Inclusive Destination Wedding Package

Choosing a wedding package for your destination wedding seems like it should be simple. But once you start looking at all the options, it gets complicated. A destination wedding package includes everything you need for a basic wedding ceremony and reception. Most resorts offer more than one package, though.

Some resorts offer a lot of packages! At one resort alone, you might be offered 4, 5, 6 or even more packages to choose from. They all look great. They include so many things, and they’ve all got fancy names. Tropical Bliss, Champagne Dream, Love in Paradise - how are you supposed to know which package is the right one for you?

Don’t worry - you can sort it out. You just need to use some strategy. When you start to look at wedding packages, first of all, realize that most resorts offer the same basic items in every package. Next, start to narrow down your options by deciding what you need to have. Last, think about your budget and decide if you’ll add any extras to your package.

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What’s Included in a Destination Wedding Package?

When you start to look at a resort’s wedding package list, it can get pretty confusing. Especially if you’ve already looked at 2 or 3 other resorts.

Whatever you do, don’t get distracted by all the extra options. All the choices usually boil down to 3 types of packages, at 3 different price points. The main difference will be the number of guests. The basic, lowest priced package is typically for up to 10 guests. The upgraded package is usually medium priced, for 10 to 20 guests. The luxury package will be the highest priced for 20 to 30 or more guests.

If the resort offers more than 3 packages, they’ll usually be for the same number of guests, but with upgrades or extra services. For example, most resorts include a bouquet and a boutonniere for the bride and groom. A bigger package might include bouquets and boutonnieres for your entire bridal party. Bigger packages will usually include upgrades, as well. With an upgraded or luxury package, you’ll often get premium flowers, extra decorations and fancier chairs for your ceremony and reception.

Typically, every wedding package will include:

On site wedding planner
Officiant for a symbolic ceremony
Chairs for your number of guests
Decorations for the ceremony
Bouquet and boutonniere for the bride and groom
Sparkling wine and cake for your number of guests
Semi private dinner in one of the resorts’ specialty restaurants

Upgraded or luxury wedding packages will include:

Bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party
Hair and makeup for the bride
Photography package
Cocktail hour
Private dinner
Upgraded decorations
Premium menu

What Do You Need in Your Destination Wedding Package?

Most resorts pack a bunch of stuff into their wedding packages, so it looks like you’re getting a lot for your money. And you usually are. Most packages include lots of great stuff. When you buy it all together, you’ll get a fantastic wedding, for the best price.

Just make sure the package has the things you actually need. There’ll be a lot of nice extras - like turn down service or free beach totes. But what you really need is enough chairs and cake for your guests.

Decide what you need before you start looking at wedding packages. Then you can see at a glance if the wedding package has what you actually need for your wedding.

How many guests will you have?
Do you want a legal ceremony or a symbolic ceremony?
Do you want a private or semi-private dinner?

What’s Not Included in a Destination Wedding Package?

While the package will have everything you need for a basic wedding, lots of couples like to add a few extras. If you’re on a tight budget, the all inclusive package is absolutely enough to have a gorgeous wedding. If you’ve got the room in your budget, it’s nice to include some of the extras.

Legal Wedding Ceremony

One thing that surprises a lot of couples is the extra cost for a legal wedding ceremony. A foreign wedding ceremony will usually be considered legal in the US or Canada, as long as the requirements of the foreign country were met. To avoid language barriers and extra paperwork, a lot of couples have their legal marriage done at home, ahead of time. That way they can enjoy their symbolic ceremony at the beach, without worrying about a foreign legal system.

Destination wedding packages usually include a symbolic ceremony only. If you decide to have a legal ceremony at your destination, your wedding planner will help you meet the requirements. There’s usually an extra cost for a legal ceremony, so remember to include it in your budget.

Wedding Photographer

Some wedding packages include a photographer and a certain number of photos. You’ll get 10, 30 or 100 pictures, depending on which package you choose. The resort photographer usually does good work and you’ll have some nice photos of your wedding. But if photography is important, a lot of couples decide to hire an outside photographer. If you’re looking for a certain style you can find independent photographers who do amazing work at your destination.

The cost for an independent photographer will range, depending on your location and the photographer. As well as the photographer, you’ll also need to pay a vendor fee to your resort. If you hire anyone from outside the resort, most of them will charge you a vendor fee. The cost can range anywhere from $25 to $100 or more. It can be worth it to pay the fee and get the wedding photos you want. Just remember to ask ahead of time and include it in your budget.

For more on choosing your photographer, read this next Destination Wedding Photography: Hiring Your Photographer.

Private Dinner at Your Reception

Most basic wedding packages include dinner in one of the resort’s specialty restaurants. Some of the restaurants have private or semi private areas reserved for weddings. But if having a private dinner is important to you, you might have to book an upgraded package, or pay extra to have a private reception. Read the small print in the package description to be sure what type of reception is included.

Package Add Ons

Most resorts offer a catalog of extras that you can add to any wedding package. You can add all kinds of entertainment for your guests. Some popular add ons are fireworks, musicians or dancers for your wedding reception. You might be offered other extras like premium menus, specialty food or alcohol and late night food stations.

Some resorts in Mexico offer great extras, like a Mariachi band, tequila tasting, or traditional dancers. In Jamaica, some resorts offer a steel band, reggae or rum tasting. If you’ve got the budget, choosing some extras can add local flavor and fun to your destination wedding reception.

How Do You Book a Destination Wedding Package?

For a resort wedding, you’ll have two people helping you: a travel agent and an on-site wedding planner at the resort.

Your travel agent will help you choose your resort and book your flights. When you book a group trip, you’ll get a lot of bonuses and perks, especially for a wedding group. Your travel agent will make sure your contract includes all your extras. And they’ll make sure your guests stay on track for deposits, payments and final details.

Once you’ve booked your trip, you can book your wedding. You’ll send the payments for your wedding package directly to the resort. The on-site planer will book your wedding date and set up all the details for you.

When you first start to look through wedding packages, stick to the basics. Make a short list of packages that have what you need for your wedding and fit your budget. Once you’ve figured out which ones work for you, start to consider the extras.

Most packages include lots of great perks. They’ll offer room upgrades, turn down service, spa treatments or extra activities. Once you’re sure that a package fits your needs, you can start to consider all those nice bonuses before you make your final decision. If you’ve got questions, you can talk to your travel agent. Or email the planner at the resort. They’ll usually email you brochures, catalogs and price lists, so you can make sure you’ve got all the info.

Choosing your package is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. There’s a lot to consider, so take your time. Once you’ve chosen the right package, for you and your guests, everything else will fall into place. Before you know it you’ll be packing your bags - and flying off to get married on a tropical beach!

Destination Wedding Planner Book

Planning your wedding at an all-inclusive resort? The Destination Wedding Planner makes it easy to get started. The book is packed with information and comparison sheets to help you choose the best resort for you and your guests. Plus checklists, worksheets, tips and tricks for everything from choosing your wedding package to packing your bags.