Are you thinking of a destination wedding but do not know where to start!  Now you have access to ask a panel of destination wedding industry experts, both Certified Destination Wedding Specialists, Local Wedding Planners at destinations worldwide and resort based wedding coordinators.  You can also check out the owner of Trips Down The Aisle blog or scroll down to find answers to past questions ask of our Certified Destination Wedding Consultants here. 

Hopefully you will find the answers, but if you are unable don't worry you can always ask one of our Certified Destination Wedding Consultants for the right guidance.  Over the many years of taking care of destination wedding couples we have that communication is the #1 factor for a successful destination wedding.  Not only you asking questions of us, but also us asking questions about you.  Let us create a stress free environment for the two of you to sit back and relax. 

You are welcome to speak with one of our specialized wedding coordinators to start planning your personalized destination wedding anytime.  We can work on wedding as far as over a year in advance to two weeks prior.  You can click here to leave us an email anytime or call us.  

Toll Free: 888-929-8693

or

 dwconsultant@tripsdowntheaisle.com

Please click on the picture to be transported to the questionnaire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Destination Wedding?

A.  A destination wedding is when the bridal couple travels to a special place outside of the United States.  This might just include the two of you or a group of family and friends.  This is a great option for couples who have different religions because many overseas weddings are non-denominational, or for second marriage couples, or for people getting married later in life who do not want the fancy hometown instead just a comfortable laid back long weekend celebration, or to celebrate a hobby, or special event in your relationship, or a luxury beachside villa with all of the trimmings.  The choice is endless!  The choice is yours!

Q. Are Destination Weddings cheaper than a traditional one at home? 

A. Yes, depending upon either what theme and/or location you choose.  You could choose a wedding at an all inclusive resort where all the meals and drinks are included in the cost of total vacation price or a private estate or a cruise ship or a villa overlooking the ocean.  There are some resorts that offer a FREE Wedding Ceremony (flowers, the justice of the peace, wedding cake, decorated wedding area plus many more individual resort features), but keep in mind that you might have to pay for the legal fees, stay certain amount of nights and/or stay in a certain room category, so what truly is free?  Other destinations offer wedding plans under $1500 with many features such as a private cocktail party and wedding dinner for up to 20 people.  A destination wedding can be as affordable or expensive as you want.  

Q. What is the first thing I need to do to look into a Destination Wedding?

A. The very first thing is communication.  That means not only between the two of you, but between your families and friends.  Where would they go? Does someone have a medical condition that might limit your choice of locations?  Will they even go?  Get their opinions now in the planning stage.  Explain to them what your wishes are for your wedding.  There has been cases where family members refuse to travel for whatever reason or cannot afford to travel.  You need to know this now because it could make or break your plans.    

Q. If I have a destination wedding, will any guests attend?

A. You would be surprised at the number of friends and family who are willing to travel to a destination wedding. Your best bet is to schedule one no later then 6 months in advance to give your guests enough time for the "vacation" cost and to keep their calendar free.  We have had clients contact their guests more then a year in advance with a "Save the Date" invite.  Since we are not only wedding coordinators but certified travel agents we can assist all of your wedding guests with their travel arrangements and questions. 

Q. Is it legal to get married outside of the United States? 

A. Yes, our government recognizes legal weddings from cruise ships to forgein governments. Our consultants will advise you of the current legal requirements during the first conversation because that can make or break your destination wedding.  We also  make sure that you file the appropriate paperwork, documents and/or tests to make sure everything is official.

Q. How will I know which location is perfect for our wedding?

A. This is where communication between the bridal couple and our certified coordinators is key.  We will assist you in deciding which location is right for you.  Each destination and resort has something unique to offer. Like every wedding, no two are alike. 

Q. How do I tell people about my destination wedding?

A. Just like any wedding you setup a guest list.  But with destination weddings you have two routes you can take.  One, is to send out to guests a "Save the Date" announcements or you can send out traditional invitations. To advise people traveling to your destination wedding a Save the Date could be a newsletter to a formal invite.  We work with many companies that have created a special invite line for destination weddings on a beach, tropical or cruise ship.  Whatever you choose, but make sure it gives them enough time to get time off of work and to afford the cost.  Some bridal couples send these announcements over a year in advance.  You can also refer guests to your personal destination wedding page here web pages here.  We charge a onetime fee of $25 to setup the page with all of your details, pictures of the resort(s), flight times, prices and pictures of the wedding couple.   

Q. Is an all inclusive resort better then a resort that does not have anything included in the rate?

A. Yes, with an all inclusive resorts you could include your rehearsal dinner and wedding dinner without an additional cost to you.  Also an open bar is already there so that is another cost saved.  You can also save peoples emotions.  Everyone pays one set fee, no questions regarding check out.  Your guests will enjoy your wedding instead of having the last thought to be a battle of the bill and everyone remembers the great wedding.

Q. Can we write our own wedding vows? 

A. Yes, you can write your own vows.  But I have to warn you that this matter is left to the individual presiding over your wedding.  We have had some justice of the peace/ministers who are not comfortable with this or want them translated into their native language too.  You have to respect the custom of the country you are getting married in.  Your best bet for no problems is to advise the them of your wishes ahead of time.

Q. What do we wear? And can I require my guest to wear something?

A. You can wear whatever you like and feel comfortable in.  We have had brides wear simple white beach dresses to off white or white formal with a train.  And the groom in tropical shirts with shorts to full tuxes.  You can have a formal wedding on the beach.  Or have a casual wedding surrounded by tropical gardens.  Just keep a thought to what season you getting married in.  A tux during the humid rainy season might be a bit too much.  With regards to your guests that is tricky.  You can mention what type of wedding style you are going for but require not in good taste.

Q. What if it rains at the time of the wedding?

A. We always plan this factor into your wedding by talking about this upfront at the beginning. Over the years we have found that if we have a prepared plan as to what the bridal couple wants takes out all of the questions.  And they can still enjoy the day.  They know that it is taken care of.  Because you never know in the tropics when a little rain wants to attend an outside wedding. 

Q. What do I do with my wedding dress when I fly?

A. This question unfortunately is really left up to the airline and/or charter flight crew.  Normally destinations that have many weddings are prepared for wedding dresses, however the way airplanes are configure there might not be space.  Many take out the traditional section for hanging items to make more room for people.  So be prepare for anything.  We advise brides to make sure that you have a vinyl jacket for dress and to not leave it in a plastic bag.  Also go out and purchase a traveling steamer to take out the wrinkles because you never know if dry cleaning will be available or trust the service.  You might have to put the dress in an overhead compartment or check it in.  We have had some brides use those Space Bags and get their wedding dress in the carry on bag.  So just be prepared to check it in or find another solution.

Q. Can I have a rehearsal and/or wedding dinner at the resort? 

A. Many resorts can provide you a wedding dinner location included in either the wedding package rate or could be managed under an all inclusive plan.  Please keep in mind that larger groups and having a special site set aside may cost a setup fee by the resort or an extra per plate charge.  The rehearsal dinner could also be an extra fee at many resorts too. However with both the rehearsal and wedding dinner we can work with the all inclusive resort to include these dinner(s) within their package. If you have a larger group and/or bridal party we do strongly recommend that you look into our Traveling Travel Agent program (see below).  

Q. What is your Traveling Coordinator Program? 

A. This is a great program for a bridal couple that has over 20 guests traveling.  What we do is have one of our consultants travel with your wedding group to handle all of your questions and to make sure your group is well taken care of.  The agent will stay with your group until the day after your wedding or up to a week.  We have had bridal couples plan a whole week of activities for their guests where the agent is the coordinator.  Or couples with large wedding parties our agent will coordinate a rehearsal the night before.  These same groups love that we can work with the resort for special touches, dinners and last minute weather problems right at the resort not from a phone call far away.  We have a whole list of special services to offer you.   Email us for more details, travelingcoordinator@tripsdowntheaisle.com

If you have any questions that where not answer here, please email our consultants.  They would love to assist you find the answer.

Toll Free: 888-929-8693

or

 dwconsultant@tripsdowntheaisle.com

Bridal Questionnaire

Click on the above Contact Us and fill our our customized bridal questionnaire.  This form will ask you details on what you are looking for in your wedding so we can give you an accurate quote and more specific wedding services.  We ask that you fill out this form so we can assist you better in personalizing your wedding ceremony or give you information on what destination to pick from due to your needs and wants.  So try to be as detailed as you can.  If you have any problems with the form please email your request to  dwconsultant@tripsdowntheaisle.com 

Please click on the picture to be transported to the questionnaire.