What to Look for in a Destination Wedding Package

Destination wedding?! Count us in! We love it when couples choose to have a destination wedding. They’re often in beautiful, exotic locations like Santorini, Greece or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They’re also often smaller and more intimate due to travel restraints, budget and guest list size. Not to mention – they’re a wild amount of fun. 

Once you’ve decided on a location, you’ll probably start looking at venues. Oftentimes, resorts will have a “destination wedding package”. This is good – you don’t want to deal with managing vendors in a faraway place or foreign country (if you aren’t going with a package, get a wedding planner!). Destination wedding packages can encompass a number of different options for your big day. It can be overwhelming, but when you know what to look for and what has to be a part of it, it’s simple! We’ve compiled a list of things you absolutely need in your destination wedding package (and what some awesome extras are!).

What You Need

It’s important to make sure your package has a majority of your key vendors. If you aren’t sure what your key vendors are, they typically include a planner or day-of coordinator, a venue, rentals and décor, caterer (in most destination packages, this includes food, drink and dessert), an officiant and a photographer. These are considered must-haves. 

If your package is missing decor, but your venue can hook you up with a local florist, then you’re good. If a photographer is an add-on, but you’ve found someone who will travel to you, that’s also fine. What matters most is that there is venue space, food, drink, dessert, coordination and some sort of décor included within your package.  

Fun Add-Ons 

What are some great add-ons to a destination wedding package? Many places will include a photographer or videographer. While their style or quality might not be the same as bringing someone in that you’ve chosen, it certainly adds to the value of the package. Another great add-on? If you’re at a resort, suite upgrades are a great add-on. Many times, a luxury room or suite with extra privacy and romantic amenities will be added on to your package. Similarly, you might receive a free excursion or a free meal at one of the resort’s restaurants (if you resort isn’t already all-inclusive). Often live music or a DJ might also be added to the packages. 

What to Do If Something’s Missing

Let’s say you’ve found the perfect resort, but their package is lacking something you need. First, talk to a representative. They will often create custom packages based on your needs. If what you want isn’t available through your resort, they should offer you recommendations or a preferred list. Also, doing your research is so important. If you have a wedding planner, they should be offering you recommendations as well, but without one, Google is a very good friend. You can find great talent, just be careful to look at number and quality of reviews before booking anyone. 

Planning a wedding a plane ride away can be stressful, but not impossible! Your destination wedding package should have all the important things you need to have a spectacular day in paradise with those you love! And if your loved ones can’t make it, be sure to live stream your wedding with LoveStream.

 Photo Credit: The Stewarts Roam