Obtaining travel insurance
To insure or not to insure, that is the age-old destination wedding question. You probably already know what our professional opinion is going to be. Yes, insurance is highly recommended and not just for gloom and doom runaway fiancé situations. Flights get delayed, weather happens, and guests get sick. For the deposit that you’ll spend, you’ll have ample peace of mind knowing that your big day investment is protected from mayhem. Protect your investment with our Cancel-For-Any-Reason Travel Insurance plan, which allows you to cancel or reschedule your travel plans without penalty!
Choosing between a familiar or new destination
We frequently hear from couples looking for advice on how to pick their wedding or honeymoon destination. Like all travel, there are perks to getting married or honeymooning somewhere that you have already been. For one, a certain destination may be the keeper of special memories that you share as a couple and there’s an added ease in knowing that you love a destination ahead of time. Still, if you’re an adventurous, open-minded couple, consider trying a destination that you’ve never been to. And keep in mind, there is really no “wrong” spot when you find the right person.
All-inclusive vs. a-la-carte properties
An important consideration when deciding on a destination wedding is whether you and your guests will stay at an all-inclusive or a-la-carte resort. Certain resorts (particularly those in major European cities) do not include the cost of food in the stay, which can make them more expensive overall. Still, this option offers great flexibility if you and your guests plan to travel around and want to experience different restaurant options in your wedding area without being tied down. For couples who don’t want to worry about keeping a wallet on hand at all times, all-inclusives are a fantastic option. Aside from offering great value, they’re also guest-friendly and help everyone to relax and not worry so much about paying for their next meal.
Booking your travel arrangements with a Specialist
Hotels and flights should be booked as early as possible. A popular method for booking hotels and airfares for a destination wedding is to do a group block. Arranged by the Certified Destination Wedding Specialist, a group block reserves a set number of rooms and flights for your guests, and when done early enough, ensures optimal rates. Still, some couples prefer to let their guests make their own travel arrangements, which is also fine.
Arriving to a destination wedding
To minimize the stress and uncertainty of travel, it’s best not to cut your arrival too close to the wedding festivities if possible. Whether accounting for jet lag or the possibility of bags getting lost and flights getting delayed, it’s good to leave wiggle room in your schedule so you can relax and enjoy all the festivities. An early arrival will also ensure that you have time to check in with the local wedding coordinator and make sure everything is ready to go for the big day.
Tipping at an all-inclusive resort
Tipping customs vary greatly around the world. The destination you select for your wedding will largely determine how tipping is handled during your travels. While there are some general guidelines that will serve you well no matter where your journey takes you, you should always consult your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist for expert advice on your destination. These professionals will be able to give you insider guidance for navigating this etiquette issue.
Before deciding how to handle tipping, be sure to read all your vendor contracts. Some vendors include service charges, service fees and gratuities in your contract. In these cases, there is no need to provide an additional tip. In all other cases, giving a gratuity is at your discretion and should be provided in thanks for exceptional service.