Before we dive into the specifics, allow me to answer one of the most frequently asked questions: Do I have to tip at an all-inclusive resort, or are the gratuities included at an all-inclusive resort?   See my blog post about Honeymoon Resorts 
​
The rate at an all-inclusive resort includes gratuities. So, the resort will divvy up a certain portion of your per-night rate amongst the team members. While resorts don’t tell you how much, many of the team members are there for 12 hours or more per day every day. It is a pretty grueling schedule where they could potentially work nine days in a row and then have two days off.  What the resort gives them isn’t equivalent to the amount of work they put in.  

With that said, I highly encourage tipping where you feel led. The resort you travel to and the level of service you have paid for (concierge or butler for example) will affect what you should prepare for regarding gratuities. Determining gratuity expectations is something I assist my clients with as they prepare to travel. 

Let’s get down to some specifics regarding tipping for your all-inclusive honeymoon vacation. 

​Concierge or Butler Service

Waitstaff ​

The bottom line is that tipping should be part of your overall honeymoon budget at an all-inclusive resort.  It should be done based on the service you’ve received. You will most likely receive excellent service regardless, so there is no need to tip excessively. However, if you feel the service has been above and beyond exceptional, that's when it's time to show your gratitude by tipping a little more than normal.  See my blog on Honeymoon Trends.

Having your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort is a great way to go when you're planning your wedding, especially if you are looking for maximum value without sacrificing quality. Here are 7 reasons why I think you should consider having your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort.

If you are planning a destination wedding, you will want to keep reading, because this article is all about how hosting your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort benefits you.
Let’s get to it!

You may be wondering what is included at an all-inclusive resort. The all-inclusive rate includes the accommodation, all food, all beverages (including alcohol), taxes, fees, and gratuities. 

So, you can stroll into a restaurant, sit down, open up the menu, order two different meals (because you can’t decide), have as many margaritas as you want, and mosey out when you’re done. So, when it comes to hosting a destination wedding group, the all-inclusive option is a huge win for your wedding guests as they know the cost upfront and don’t have a surprise bill at check out!

Wedding packages will vary as well as the inclusions, but all-in-all, the wedding packages at all-inclusive resorts are very inclusive and a great value. Especially when you factor in that you have a full wedding planning team at your service to design your dream wedding in paradise. 

​ I love how customizable the all-inclusive wedding packages are and the fun touches that can be offered to bring your wedding vision to life. There are even packages available that guarantee you are the only wedding for the weekend, or unique exclusive experiences for a full
wedding weekend itinerary.  How cool is that?

This may be the reason why you are considering a destination wedding - those
Instagrammable backdrops! I think the beauty of hosting your destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort are the choices.  You could host a welcome cocktail reception, an all-white party, a beach bonfire, a rehearsal dinner, your wedding & reception, and a farewell breakfast all at the same resort, but at
different venues giving you completely different styles and experiences.

When I consult with clients, the vision for the wedding and all of the private events is a big part of our discussion. Keep in mind that there will be venues that will not work for your group based on the capacity, so be flexible.

Imagine that all you and your family have to worry about on the day of your wedding is getting ready and showing up! No worrying about setting up, no exhausting late nights tearing down and cleaning up, and no worries about anyone driving home after the celebration. Ahhhh...pure bliss.

While you will have decisions to make before your wedding, once you arrive, you’ll have a final meeting with the wedding team and they will take it from there. You seriously can just relax and have fun with your guests knowing that it will all come together, and it will be more amazing than you ever imagined.
​
You can focus on each other instead of a list of things to do. You can focus on your guests and create memories with them. 

​If we all took inventory of the weddings we’ve been to over the years, some will be more memorable than others.

When your friends and family look back at your wedding, they will always remember it. They will have fond memories of celebrating with you for several days rather than getting five minutes of your attention on one day. They will remember how fun it was when you all went on the catamaran cruise, played beach volleyball, did shots at the pool bar, went dancing at the discotheque, had a spa day, went golfing at an amazing course overlooking the ocean, and played the silly games with the resort entertainment team.

They will remember the great conversations playing late-night card games and all the “had to be there” moments.

A destination wedding is so much more than a wedding, it truly is a wedcation. And you don’t have to schedule every waking moment. That’s the beauty of the
all-inclusive - your guests can decide how they want to spend their time and everything they need will be at their fingertips.

Click HERE for a If you were on the fence about a destination wedding, my guess is that I have you leaning toward a destination wedding. Well, hold on to your hats, ‘cuz it’s getting even better!

When set up correctly, hosting a group at an all-inclusive resort comes with a ton of benefits, freebies, and amenities.  This will vary by the size of your group, time of year, and any promotions, but let me share a few examples of what you can earn: free rooms, free events like a welcome cocktail, room upgrades, free wedding packages, honeymoon amenities like a candlelight dinner or breakfast in bed, and more. Click HERE for a blog on the Best Time of Year to Book a Destination wedding. 
Here’s the scoop - many couples don’t understand how this works, so they just let their guests know when and where the wedding is so that they can book their trips. The problem is that if your guests all book on their own, you won’t earn any of the amenities you should have.

I suppose this is really just a summary of all the benefits I’ve shared, but I need to emphasize that you can get so much more for your money with a destination wedding. Between the wedding packages, the inclusions with the all-inclusive rate, the fact that it is less stressful, and all the amenities, it is a slam-dunk value!
​
Not to mention that your honeymoon is all wrapped into it - if you want. Whether you stay a few extra days or transfer to another resort in the area, your travel dollar goes beyond the wedding.

In case you need it, I wrote an article about how much a destination wedding costs, you can check it out HERE.

All-inclusive resorts are one of the most popular options for a destination wedding, and it's not difficult to see why. They offer the best of both worlds with a mix of the comforts of a luxury resort along with the staples that you and your guests will need on a fun & relaxing vacation. Depending on your needs, you might find one particular resort has more to offer than another. And I think choosing one is definitely worth the incredible benefits they can offer for your destination wedding.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you get the best value for your all-inclusive destination wedding, I’d be delighted to chat with you. HERE is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation - no strings attached!

As popular romantic destinations, the Caribbean and Mexico* attract honeymoon
couples all year round. One of the most important factors to consider when planning a trip to these destinations is the weather. Like any other place, the Caribbean and Mexico have distinct seasonal weather patterns that affect the kind of experience you can expect during your stay.

Let's take a closer look at what you can expect for weather in the Caribbean and Mexico based
on the seasons.

The winter months in the Caribbean and Mexico are characterized by warm and pleasant temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. This is the peak tourist season, and you can expect crowded beaches, busy resorts, and higher prices.
While the risk of hurricanes is low during this time, there's still a chance of rain. However, it's usually short-lived and shouldn't affect your plans too much. The water temperature in the Caribbean is cooler during the winter months, making it less ideal for swimming. For example, the Bahamas and surrounding islands will have colder water during this time of the year.
Also, certain areas in the Caribbean & Mexico can still have cooler temperatures, so it is best to talk to an expert to get the weather you are desiring.

Spring is a great time to honeymoon in the Caribbean and Mexico as temperatures rise slightly, and crowds start to thin out. The average temperatures range from mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring.  While the chances of rain and humidity increase, it's still not enough to affect your plans significantly. The water temperature starts to warm up, making it more inviting for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The best value for your money is booking your honeymoon towards the end of April through May, as prices begin to dip as high travel season is coming to
a close.

Summer is the hottest season in the Caribbean and Mexico, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. It's also the beginning of the rainy season, with tropical storms and hurricanes more likely to occur. However, the risk is relatively low in June and July but increases in August.
​
Despite the rain, summer is a popular time for honeymooners looking for budget-friendly options and less crowded destinations. The water temperature is warm and perfect for water sports.

Fall can be an ideal time to travel to the Caribbean and Mexico as the crowds dwindle, and prices begin to drop. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, but the chances of hurricanes in September into October are usually the highest.
​
So your best value for the money is in the fall, but your chance of having some less than ideal weather is higher.

While fall is considered the low season, you can still enjoy a sunny and beautiful honeymoon if you plan accordingly.

The water temperatures are still great for swimming, and water sports as well.

If your honeymoon travel dates are during hurricane season, especially August - October, there are destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico that are located outside the “typical path” of a hurricane.

You may want to consider speaking with a honeymoon consultant like myself who specializes in honeymoons to the Caribbean and Mexico to help you pick the right location for you.

The best locations in The Caribbean to travel to during hurricane season are Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao.

The best location in Mexico to travel to in hurricane season is Los Cabos.

Hurricanes can still occur in these locations but it is very rare.

As we wrap this up, it is normal to be concerned about a hurricane ruining your honeymoon, but I always tell my honeymoon couples that just because it is hurricane season doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop.

The beauty of today’s technology is that you can know well in advance if a tropical storm or hurricane is on a path to “hit” your destination. Getting quality travel insurance is advised to protect your investment in case you have to postpone, or even leave your destination early.

My personal advice is to manage your expectations and decide that you won’t let anything ruin your honeymoon experience as you have control over how you respond.

In the end, you know your preferences best, and no matter what, you’ll have a
good time on a tropical honeymoon*. The important thing is to make sure that you're comfortable with your plans, and that you make an informed decision about where and when to travel.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your honeymoon planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Below  is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation - no strings attached!

Denise

Destination weddings, destination honeymoons, destination anniversaries --
whatever the special occasion, it can be hard to choose the ideal time of year for a
tropical wedding or tropical vacation.* Is there even such a thing as an “ideal” time
for your special occasion? Well, we'll talk about that later. But first, let's focus on the weather! You can spend hours researching locations and resorts online and compare services, food and drinks and prices...but you might overlook the most important detail: what time of year do you have to visit to avoid hurricanes and tropical depressions. In this article, I've broken down what to expect when you're choosing a wedding date in Mexico or The Caribbean based on the weather conditions.

Let’s jump into the weather you can expect for your destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico based on the time of year that you travel.
​
If you want to know the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico, it is between December to April. This is the region's dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is mild and comfortable, averaging around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.   Hello sunshine!

​While the dry season is safer bet for a weather-friendly Caribbean or Mexico wedding, it’s not a guarantee. Rain and wind can still occur. Additionally, it's essential to note that it's also peak tourist season. This means that flights and accommodation are likely to be higher than at other times of the year. Bummer, I know.
Based on my experience, the most popular months to have a destination wedding are in May and November. This would be considered “shoulder season” where you aren’t really dealing with the higher “peak tourist” prices, but also don’t have as much concern with the weather.   Hooray!

The struggle there is that the dates at the best resorts and venues book very quickly. So, if you want to plan a destination wedding in May or November, do not waste time or you’ll end up compromising on the venue.
So, what happens if the dry season months don’t work well for you and you are hosting your destination wedding in the Summer or Fall months, when hurricanes could develop?
First, let me put your mind at ease. Just because it is “hurricane season” doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop.  Also, there are some destinations that are “safer” during the tropical season, so don’t throw in the towel quite yet!

Here are 5 ways to help avoid having your big day ruined by a storm, here are some tips on how to plan a destination wedding regardless of the season.

As mentioned above, the best way to avoid hurricane season when planning your destination wedding is to choose a date outside of the peak months. If that isn’t possible, consider these general rules of thumb... Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active months being August, September, & October. possible consider a wedding in June, July, Mid to Late November, or even early December.

Each destination has different weather patterns during hurricane season, so do your research before choosing a location. Some islands or regions may be more prone to hurricanes than others. For example, the northern Caribbean islands are at higher risk than the southern ones.  Consider speaking with a travel agent who specializes in weddings to help you pick the right time and location.

Wedding insurance can provide a financial safety net in case of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It can cover unexpected expenses such as cancellations, postponements, or rescheduling fees. It's important to note that not all wedding insurance policies cover natural disasters, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a policy.

Travel insurance is recommended for you and your guests. In case the weather prevents you from arriving to your destination, or requires you or your guests to depart early, it will protect your investment. Travel insurance is always recommended, but during the tropical season, it is much more imperative, so I encourage you to encourage your guests to have the right coverage.

Regardless of the date of your wedding, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather.. When booking your venue and vendors, ask about their contingency plans in case of inclement weather. For example, some resorts may have indoor facilities or covered areas that can serve as backup locations for the ceremony or reception. It’s always a bonus when you love the back-up venue as much as your chosen outdoor venue.

If you're planning a wedding during hurricane season, be sure to stay informed about any potential tropical storms or hurricanes that could impact your wedding plans. Sign up for weather alerts, monitor weather websites, and keep in touch with your vendors and venue. Be prepared to make changes if necessary and I advise to make a swift decision, getting the advice of the onsite wedding team, if things are not looking promising on your wedding day.
If the wedding team at your venue advises you to change to an indoor venue due the weather report, and you choose to move forward with an outdoor event, they will likely have you sign a contract. If weather does disrupt the wedding there will be a fee to set up the wedding décor again in the back-up location.

The combination of fun, excitement and relaxation a destination wedding in Mexico or The Caribbean* can offer is an unbeatable experience. We hope you have found this article helpful and that it answered some of your questions about wedding dates, weather and time of year to visit.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Here is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation - no strings attached!

​Your honeymoon planning is never to be taken lightly. The stress, planning, and expectations involved are enough to put any newly married couple off their honeymoon bliss. This is where a honeymoon travel specialist can help. They will offer you the best chance to have romance, relaxation, and fun, while not having to worry about the little details! 
​Let’s dive into five reasons to work with a travel advisor who specializes in honeymoon travel.

Honeymoon travel specialists have knowledge of a variety of destinations & resort
brands that are a cut above other types of resorts & properties for an amazing
honeymoon. honeymoon destinations 
Resorts that will offer you...
          a. Privacy
          b. Romantic extras like candlelight dinners and a couple’s massage
          c. Perks/amenities
          d. Romantic & pampering suites
          e. Amazing spa experiences
All of these details are vitally important when it comes to having a great
honeymoon experience.

A honeymoon travel consultant knows the best honeymoon packages that will enhance your honeymoon and the requirements to qualify for them! 
​ Honeymoon packages 
Too often, couples think that they can show up and receive the honeymoon amenities without understanding the qualifications or how to set it up in advance. Unfortunately, they are highly disappointed when they don’t get any of the perks and that is a sour way to start your happily ever after.

A honeymoon travel consultant not only can do all of the above, but also will
recommend, design, & set up unique and special experiences for your honeymoon.
Note: If you are working with a “honeymoon specialist” who doesn’t guide you or
recommend special experiences for you to enjoy on your honeymoon, then you are working with the wrong person.
Here are a just a few of the special experiences a honeymoon specialist can design and set up to take your honeymoon from good to AMAZING!

          ● Set up a private upgraded transfer with VIP service.
          ● Schedule a couple’s massage/breakfast in bed/picnic on the beach.
          ● Set up off-site excursions, like a cultural tour, ziplining, swimming with
             dolphins, rum tasting, and so much more
          ● As well as many other recommend must-do activities, & sites to see, or
              places to eat that you can only experience in your area.

Your honeymoon consultant can make sure you and your new spouse are wowed upon arrival from the minute you step foot on your resort by...
​          a. Personally contacting the resort concierge and sales team to notify them                   that they have VIP honeymooners arriving.
          b. Sharing any special requests that you may have with the appropriate team
              member to make sure they are implemented! (It’s not just a comment on a
              booking that we hope gets seen).
         c. Following up on the honeymoon amenities to ensure you receive them.

Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced the 1-800 “call center” with the random agent who doesn’t know you or your honeymoon from Adam! You’re just a number to these types call centers, and the last thing you want is for an error to happen during your honeymoon planning. A true honeymoon consultant, such as Windermere Getaway will be with you from start to finish and care about you and every detail of your honeymoon. WE will listen to what you want in a honeymoon experience so that we can recommend a destination and resort that is the perfect fit for you, Every question.
Any special requests? Even needs you may have while in your destination or after your honeymoon is complete. Let’s face it, no online booking engine is going to do that.

Planning your honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning process; however, it can also be extremely stressful. There are many options available to you and many decisions to be made. But don't worry, using a honeymoon travel specialist to help you along the way will make this process seamless and stress-free!

If you’re in the midst of planning your honeymoon and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 30-minute
strategy session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything
you need for an amazing honeymoon! Remember this isn’t just any vacation, this is the start of your new life together!

As a destination wedding planning specialist, we are often asked about destination weddings and if a couple should have a symbolic or legal wedding, or how it works to get married in another country.  Destination weddings are huge, with couples deciding to travel to far away location to say "I Do", and it's important to know exactly what your options are so that you can make the best decision for yourself. 

In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a splurge and popularity.  So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it.
 
If you're planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and a symbolic wedding and may be wondering, "what the heck is a symbolic wedding?"  or,  "is in symbolic wedding legal?" or "what's the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?"

This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you.

Just like you would experience in the state, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others would require translation of the document into their language.

Additionally, when doing a legal ceremony in a country where English is not their native language, there is no guarantee that your wedding will be officiated in English. In this case a translator (using the on site wedding planner) will translate what the officiant is saying.

Then there will be government fees involved, and possibly a blood test done on-site.

Some countries will require witnesses (who are not related to you) to arrive with you on the same day.

Beyond that, most countries will also require a residency.  For example, a requirement may be a 4-day residency and only business days (Monday-Friday) count toward your residency.  Others may have a requirements of 48 hours and you can arrive any day of the week.

Don't let this scare you!  Some countries are super easy to get legally married in.  It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.

I also suggest being flexible.  You may be going into planning a legal destination wedding abroad assuming that you'll be able to make it legally binding in the destination.  Don't let this pigeonhole you into only a handful of options.

Second, let's discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know.  Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn't legally binding,  It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.

The purpose of choosing a symbolic destination wedding would be to avoid the legal requirements to get married in another country.  Maybe due to the hassle, or possibly due to the cost.

Sometimes, couples will have certain family members who won't be able to travel with them, so they choose to get married in the States before heading to their destination so that those family members can be part of the union.

No matter your reason, with a symbolic destination wedding you will want to ge married before heading to the destination because the country you are heading to will want a copy of your marriage records.  To them, your ceremony is like a vow renewal, and theyd want to ensure you are legally marred before officiating your ceremony.  Make sense?

Ultimately, your destination wedding should be about two things only: You and your Partner!  It doesn't matter how you decide to get married; what maters is that it is done in a way that makes you both comfortable.  The ceremony itself can have any format you like - legal or symbolic - so long as it has special meaning for you.  After all, a wedding isn't all about the paperwork.

If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you're stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to click the link below to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me.  I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding (Legal or Symbolic)

Your honeymoon is considered to be one of the most exciting times in a couple's life, second only to their wedding day.  Years from now, your fiends and family will still be asking you about memorable events of your honeymoon.  So with that said, I have put together a list of the Top 7 Honeymoon Trends for 2-23.  Enjoy!

Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to book their honeymoon around 6 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are doing what I call "revenge travel!" for all of the lost and postponed trips couples have had to deal with these last two years.  In 2023 there will be higher demand and lower inventory, which also drives up prices.
BOTTOM LINE:  '"The sooner you can discover the destination & resort you want for your honeymoon and book it, the better!

In 2023, couples will be putting a premium on pampering luxury, and service.  They are looking for great value.  Not a low price, but a honeymoon that includes extra touches of service, (See my blog post on Honeymoon Packages) such as a private airport shuttle, having a butler welcome you with a refreshing drink and moist towel, and then entering your honeymoon suite to see a chilled bottle of champagnes, with gourmet snacks waiting for you as you enter your honeymoon suite.

In 2023 couples are looking to do a bucket list experience with their honeymoon. More and more couples are expecting their honeymoon to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience including staying in the over-the-water bungalow and luxury honeymoon suite or even renting a private yacht. (See Top 6 Honeymoon Resorts) Many couples now want their honeymoon to include some type of archaeological tour or visit to historical landmarks or cities. 
 
PRO TIP:  If you don't quite have the budget for a full 7 or 14 night stay in an over- the-water bungalow then I always suggest to my clients doing a split stay.   Maybe start your honeymoon off with the bang at a more expensive WOW factor room, and then finish your honeymoon in a room that allows your whole honeymoon to fit your budget.

No, this isn't a honeymoon for swingers but many couples who had to postpone their weddings or honeymoons during the pandemic want to make up for the missed opportunities to travel, as well as now being new parents.  They still want a big fund celebration, and therefore they are now bringing their closest family and friends to join them to celebrate with them on their honeymoon.

Many couples will be planning their honeymoon with a focus on regenerating both mind and body. These honeymoons will include an itinerary of farm-to-table food experiences, eating at local fresh food restaurants and markets, as well as pampering spa treatments, sunrise yoga sessions, meditations, and activities that prompt all around health and vitality.

​With rising inflation, and couples looking to have an above average honeymoon experience, many couples will create a honeymoon registry for fun that their family and friends can give as a wedding gift to help them pay for their dream honeymoon.

 
In 2023, couples will consult and hire a honeymoon specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value of their honeymoon. Couples are busier than ever before as they work, start their family, buy a new home, and try to fit in time for each another, all while trying to plan their wedding. It's worth the investment to spend a little extra get their honeymoon planned right, and take the rest and frustration of planning the perfect honeymoon off their plate!

Sure, your honeymoon will still give you time to be alone in the world and enjoy each other's company. However, these seven trends are not likely to fade out anytime soon, so you can assume they will be popular options to think about for your honeymoon. If you're planning to tie the knot anytime soon (or simply have an eye for what could become a honeymoon norm in the future), then it's worth taking note of these trends so you know what to expect. After all, who doesn't want the best for their dream honeymoon?

If you are in the midst of planning your honeymoon and feel like you're stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use the link below to schedule a free 30 minute strategy session with me! I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for a relaxed and trendy honeymoon!

​

A beautiful destination wedding will be one of the highlights of your marriage celebration!  But every year, there are new trends and shifts in destination wedding travel.  After compiling and analyzing data across various sources, and seeing the new requests that have come from my own destination wedding couples, I have predicted that these are going to be the top seven destination wedding trends of 2023.

1. Plan EXTRA EARLY:

Before the pandemic, it was customary for a couple to reserve their wedding resort venue and room block around 12 months out, but as the world has opened up again, many couples are finding resort and venue space filled up for the dates they originally want.  In 2023 and beyond, expect higher demand and lower inventory, which also drive up prices.  Post on Destination Wedding Costs.  Couples are now looking at least 15 months our in order to get the room inventory & price that they need.
​
BOTTOM LINE: The sooner you can discover the destination, resort & wedding venue, you want for your destination wedding, and reserve your date the better!

In 2023, brides are looking to get married in an Instagram-worthy location, with a breathtaking backdrop, but they DON'T want their feet in the sand.  Many destination wedding venues now are putting in beautiful above-the sand platforms, sky weddings garden gazebos, and over-the-water gazebos which are growing in popularity.

In 2023 couples are looking to do private, exclusive experiences with their wedding groups, such as private receptions to welcome their guests complete with a mixologist who creates a special cocktail for just your group.  Couples are also scheduling their own private events such as fire shows beach parties, tequila or rum tasting, private casino, and even a private tour or excursion for just your wedding group.

As I mentioned above, more and more wedding couples don't want their feet in the sand, but they still want the breathtaking backdrop.  One wat to achieve this is to have an over-the-water ceremony.  Many resorts now contain wedding venues that are built over-the-water.  This not only gives the normal amazing view but also adds a 3-demensional beauty to the ceremony.

Many couples will be incorporating local & cultural traditions into their destination wedding experience for both them and their guests!  Today's couples want to do more than just have a "wedcation" they want to give their entire wedding group an authentic experience with the location they have chosen for their destination wedding!

Along with my previous trend of including cultural traditions in their wedding, many couples also include local cuisine and cocktails in their wedding evens.  For example, in Mexico, blog post Pro & Con of a wedding in Mexico, there is a special liquor call Mezcal.  Couples will hire a mixologist to use a liquor like that in creating a cocktail native to the location they ae getting married in.  In addition to a cocktail, they may also include some type of authentic delicacy on their menu.

In 2023, couples are choosing to consult with a destination wedding specialist to help them make sure they are getting everything they want and the maximum value out of their destination wedding.  The reason is that wedding couples are busier than ever, as they work, finish school, start their family, and possibly move to a new home, all while trying to find some time for each other.
​Today's couples believe it is worth the investment to spend a little extra to get their destination wedding planning right and take the stress & frustration of planning their destination wedding off of their plate!

My prediction is that we will see these destination wedding trends growing in popularity both this year and into the future.  While it's entirely up to you to decide which trends are best for your destination wedding, I hope that my list has given you some food for thought as you move forward in your wedding planning. 

If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you're stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this LINK to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me! I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for a magical & trendy destination wedding!

If you live in the Chicago Area and planning a Destination Wedding, contact us and let me answer some of your pressuring planning questions.
​https://calendly.com/windermere-wedding/free-discovery-call

1. Create a “Honeymoon Wish List” ​

A honeymoon is a fabulous time of FINAlLY getting away, just the two of you,
​where you can relax, be pampered, and just focus on each other.    By taking this honeymoon planning guide to the heart and putting these 8 steps in place, you can ensure that your honeymoon experience will be everything you hoped for, as well as one of your fondest new memories as a couple.
But, if you feel like you need a little help planning your honeymoon or just want this lifted off of your shoulders, then I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me!  I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for your dream honeymoon to come true!  

No matter how much you plan for your destination wedding, there's bound to be something that will come up that you weren't prepared for. This doesn't have to ruin your wedding, you just need a solid resource to help you through these challenges when they show up…
…If you feel like you could use the help of a destination wedding designer, to help take all of this planning off of your shoulders? 

I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with me!  I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for your dream wedding to come true!  

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