the best
destination wedding locations
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ultimate
honeymoon themes
wedding guest FAQ
expert
advice & tips
Azul Beach Resort The Fives Playa del Carmen, by Karisma
THE STYLE, SERVICE AND SETTING YOU CRAVE IN MEXICO AND JAMAICA Sink your teeth into a Gourmet InclusiveÂŽ Wedding Event by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico or Negril, Jamaica. Your destination wedding is sure to be everything you have been dreaming of because, at Karisma Hotels & Resorts, exceptional quality and style is the standard, the scenery is stunning, and wedding planning is positively effortless.
Contact Romance Travel Group to book your Karisma Experience today! www.RomanceTravelGroup.com 507-267-4857
contents
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5 Congratulations!
18-20 Checklists
6-7
About Us
21-23 Ultimate Honeymoons
8-9
Planning 101
24-25 Introducing‌ Unico 20 87
10-13 Real Hard Rock Wedding
26-27 Guest FAQ
14-15 Where & Why
28-31 Bits & Pieces
W E LC O M E
Congratulations
ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT! We know the excitement you are feeling… you’re getting MARRIED! It is a wonderful time in your life filled with joy and anticipation. But, we know that starting the wedding planning process can be a bit overwhelming. But you know what? We’ve got this! Romance Travel Group is your key to a successful destination wedding, honeymoon or vacation getaway! As industry recognized leaders in the art of destination wedding and travel planning, our team of agents has dozens of awards and accolades, and thousands of very happy brides, grooms, couples and guests. Give us 30 minutes to chat with you, and we will show you just how easy it can be with Romance Travel Group on your side. Our specialists are seasoned pros who want the best for you. We live and breathe romance travel. We can’t wait to help you plan the perfect wedding day, honeymoon or tropical vacation!
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ABOUT US
WHY CHOOSE A
Destination Wedding? W
ho hasn’t dreamed of running off and getting married in some deliciously romantic location? Whether your wedding dream consists of mountains and lakes or beaches and palm trees, just you and your soon-to-be or with a long list of dear family and friends, a destination wedding is the perfect way to begin your life together. We understand the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding in a foreign destination, so our job is to eliminate the stress by taking on the travel planning details for you. Our goal is for you to thoroughly enjoy your destination wedding day, knowing that all of the details have been taken care of for you. With Romance Travel Group by your side, all of the difficulty of destination wedding planning is gone! WE WILL: • Assist with the selection of a destination wedding location that fits your dreams and budget • Help you understand the legal requirements of getting married in your destination • Introduce you to the wedding coordinator at the resort, many of whom we know personally • Make and manage travel arrangements for you and your guests • Oversee the entire destination wedding planning process from start to finish
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Please contact us to discuss your destination wedding plans. While there is a world of options, we specialize in Mexico and the Caribbean for US based couples and our services are complimentary. DESTINATION WEDDINGS ARE . . . EASY! Most resorts have full-time wedding coordinators on site to assist with all the details of your ceremony and reception. The wedding coordinator and Romance Travel Group work together to make your dream wedding a reality. MEMORABLE! Your family and friends will never forget your wedding day experience. They will thank you for hosting such an incredible event. The memories you make will last a lifetime, and the photos will be stunning! COST-EFFECTIVE! Destination weddings are less expensive than traditional weddings. Many resorts have free wedding packages and all-inclusive resorts often include a dinner reception for you and your guests at no extra charge. A PERFECT WEDDING! “Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. After we got engaged, we started looking around for wedding venues and were floored by how
ABOUT US
expensive everything was. We wanted something different than the old boring chicken dinner wedding reception. One of our friends mentioned a destination wedding to us, but we thought for sure something like that would be even more expensive than a wedding at home. Our friend had attended a wedding that Romance Travel Group planned last year and just raved about it. We decided to give them a call to just check it out since it sounded too good to be true. After our first call, we were so excited but still in a bit of disbelief that this could actually work. The next day, we received a list of wedding resorts that our agent matched us up with. I don’t even know why I spent all that time online looking things up on my own, because it was a waste. Our agent nailed it! She took everything we told her during our call and picked out the best resorts in our budget that matched what we had in mind. Our wedding was perfect. Everyone loved the resort. We got to spend 4-5 days with our guests. We ended up taking everyone on a catamaran cruise to celebrate and had a ton of fun. Many of our guests are already talking about going back. Having a destination wedding was the best decision we could have made. We loved it. Our guests loved it. Romance Travel Group made it happen and we will be forever grateful for their guidance and advice. Don’t get dragged down by the pressure to do a traditional wedding! If we did it, so can you.”
WHY CHOOSE
Us? We have planned hundreds of destination weddings, honeymoons and vacations for couples from across the United States.
We are recognized by our peers and colleagues as travel industry leaders. We have been named “Top Agency” by many major hotel chains, travel and wedding companies year after year. We are on location at the resorts we recommend several times each year, ensuring our clients the best experience possible. We personalize our service to each couple. We are not a wedding factory.
Every wedding couple we work with receives a free, personalized website and custom domain name.
Our travel partners offer 24/7 traveler assistance in the event that we cannot be reached. We offer value added amenities such a room upgrades, spa treatments, resort credits, or room discounts at many of our destination wedding preferred resorts. We offer payment plans to assist guests with travel expense budgeting. We can price match nearly any online price. Our services are complimentary. We greatly appreciate your referrals.
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How much... D E S T I N AT I O N 1 0 1
does the average traditional wedding cost?
$31,213
highest level ever
National average wedding spend (excluding honeymoon). Source: TheKnot.com 2014 Real Weddings Study. Based on the largest nationwide sample of any bridal study–nearly 16,000 US brides, including luxury and average brides. Highest level ever since inception of TheKnot.com Real Weddings survey. Figures based on respondents who hired a professional vendor for the service.
RECEPTION VENUE
ENGAGEMENT RING
RECEPTION BAND
PHOTOGRAPHER
FLORIST/DECOR
CEREMONY SITE
WEDDING PLANNER
VIDEOGRAPHER
WEDDING DRESS
REHEARSAL DINNER
RECEPTION DJ
TRANSPORTATION
CEREMONY MUSICIAN
WEDDING CAKE
INVITATIONS
FAVORS
GROOM’S ATTIRE
CATERING
$14,006 $2,556 $1,973
$1,206 $1,206 $275
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$5,855 $2,141
$1,794 $1,124 $555
$254
$3,857 $1,901 $1,357 $767
$439
$68 (PER PERSON)
does the average destination wedding cost? 7 nights all-inclusive: $3,000 Roundtrip air: $1,000 Wedding package: $2,500* *includes ceremony location, chairs, semi-private dinner reception, bouquet, cake, officiant. Packages range from $0 to $5,000 or more depending on the resort and your selections.
So! For about
$6,500 you and your fiance can enjoy a tropical, week-long wedding celebration and honeymoon. We can make it happen for you!
D E S T I N AT I O N 1 0 1
DESTINATION
Planning
There are several things to consider when planning a destination wedding. Here is a list to get you thinking: BUDGET
onsider how much you’re comfortable C having your guests pay for a 3 night vacation. Typically, budgets start at approximately $1,000 per person for a 3 night, all-inclusive vacation including air, hotel, transfers, meals, drinks, tips and taxes. Remember though, you get what you pay for.
DATES
our wedding date will determine how much Y the trip will cost. PEAK SEASON = high rates: mid-Jan through Easter, all holidays MID-SEASON = average rates: Easter though August, early January LOW SEASON = low rates: September through early November, early December You also want to make sure you give your guests enough time to plan and save for their trip. Sending a Save The Date a year or more before your wedding is a good idea.
GUESTS
on’t be upset if not everyone on your D guest list can join you due to time or money constraints. Generally, about 40% of those you invite will be able to attend your destination wedding. Most couples have a reception back at home to celebrate with those who were unable to attend.
ry to keep travel times within reason. For T example, you won’t want to plan a Hawaii wedding if guests need to fly for 9 hours and can only stay for 3 nights. Likewise, the more exotic islands can often require multiple airline connections to get there. All guests will need a passport. Most resorts will require the bride, groom and witnesses to arrive 3 full days prior to the wedding ceremony.
RESORT
o you envision something small and D intimate, or something loaded with activities and energy? We highly recommend all-inclusive resorts that include meals and drinks. This makes it so much easier for your guests to budget for their trip. And, many all-inclusive resorts include a semi-private reception with their wedding packages, which saves you money. Perhaps money that could be spent on a nice upgrade to the honeymoon suite!
CEREMONY LOCATION
each, gazebo, garden, chapel? Resorts B usually have many options for you to choose from based on your desires and number of guests. Resorts also have a back up plan and location in case of inclement weather.
CEREMONY TYPE
here are two types of ceremonies for T destination weddings. You can have a LEGAL ceremony, where you are legally married in your destination and receive a marriage certificate that is recognized at home. Legal ceremonies often cost a little more and require extra paperwork and occasionally blood tests. Or, you can have a SYMBOLIC ceremony that has no legal holding. To have a symbolic ceremony, you would be legally married at home by your clergy or courthouse before you travel. At your destination wedding, you will celebrate your union as if it were your actual wedding with flowers, music, vows and other ceremony details. Your guests will not know the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony. Approximately 80% of all destination weddings are symbolic.
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ROCK Your Wedding Ryan LaPlante/ Ryan LaPlante Creative http://www.ryanlcreative.com/
What was most important to you in planning your wedding? The most important factor was to have an easy planning process. Having a destination wedding was the best choice for us because we didn’t want to spend time meeting with local vendors trying to decide who has the best deal, who is available, etc. With a destination wedding at Hard Rock, you have a wedding coordinator who helps you plan everything! When you feel “stuck” in your vision, they are there to offer sug10 |
gestions. It really was the easiest way to plan a wedding and that was very important to us. All my friends who had traditional weddings were jealous of the easy planning process we had. Why did you choose a destination wedding? We chose a destination wedding because it gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with our family and friends for an extended period of time vs. just one day. As we grow up, the quality time with extended family and friends becomes less and less and we wanted to get everyone together in a place we would all enjoy and celebrate this special moment in our
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lives. A destination wedding was always in the cards for me and once I met Seth and he liked the idea too, it was a definite plan! The value of a destination wedding allows you to add some “wow” factors to the wedding celebration and it creates an experience your guests will never forget. Which venue did you use? We got married at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. It was the perfect choice for our family and friends because we had a few kids traveling with us but mostly a lot of adults, so having both the adults-only section and the family-friendly section was ideal. We also liked having Club Heaven right onsite for the late nights and after wedding reception party. Hard Rock Riviera Maya is the perfect balance of romance, luxury and FUN! How many attendees did we have? We had 5 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen. Non-traditional in a sense but we had multiple friends contribute in celebrating our wedding day, including our musicians. We had friends play the guitar and hand drum throughout the ceremony and it was a beautiful touch. What were your favorite resort activities? The entertainment and activities available at Hard Rock made entertaining our guests so easy! Whether it be beach volleyball, hanging in the pool interacting with the entertainment staff, listening to music at the Sun Bar or dancing in Club Heaven… everyone had the BEST time! Which was your favorite resort amenity? Club Heaven and all the entertainment options! This was PERFECT for my group of family and friends. When traveling with 125 people it is great to be able to stay
onsite and still have so many types of entertainment available. It took the pressure off us feeling like we had to entertain everyone because we were the wedding couple… the resort does all of that for you! The resort credit was a major bonus as well. Our guests planned the rest of their vacation doing activities they wanted. What was your favorite thing about your big day? Of course it was marrying Seth and celebrating with everyone! But, I have to say all the surprise elements we added to our wedding were 100% worth it! We had fireworks after our first kiss and a full firework display during our first dance. We had a traditional Latin experience, Hora Loca, (crazy hour) come in half way through the reception with dancers and acrobatic entertainment as well as a DJ during our reception and it kept the party going all night. We kept these surprises a secret from all our guests (even our parents!) which was the best idea! When the fireworks shot off, they were all so excited because they didn’t expect it! Describe your day in 3 sentences? Our wedding day was the most incredible day of our lives. From the beautiful setting and the elegant decor to the smiles on each face, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. I know our guests will always remember our wedding! What was the best experience about the planning process? I think going into a destination wedding planning experience you sort of feel like you may be limited on options because you are unsure if your vision can come to life several thousands of miles away from home. That was definitely not the case. Every idea I had and every decor request I made was fulfilled. I really enjoyed having a planner in Miami to work with prior to the wedding and then switching to the onsite wedding team who executed everything for us. It was truly seamless. What was your favorite memory of your wedding day? Our first dance. It was the first moment we got a bit of time for ourselves to slow down and really soak in the moments of the day. We had the fireworks around the dance floor and then a full fireworks display to end the song and it was the moment our guests knew the evening fun was about to start! ROMANCETRAVELGROUP.COM | 13
s n t o i a t n i Des
WHERE & WHY
DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE 2.4 MILLION U.S. WEDDINGS PER YEAR? Of these marriages, 24% of them are destination weddings. That’s 384,000480,000 destinations wedding each year, and that number is growing. The average cost of a traditional wedding is over $30,000. This is the wedding day only, not a honeymoon. The average cost of a destination wedding is under $10,000 (including flights, all-inclusive resort for a week, ceremony, reception.)
Year after year, our couples find that Riviera Maya, Mexico offers the best resorts and the best value for destination weddings. Despite it’s unfair bad press lately, Mexico is by far the top wedding destination for US based brides. Over 35 million people visited Mexico in 2016, putting Mexico in the top 10 visited country in the world. Couples will find that flights to Mexico are numerous, easy and reasonable when compared to most Caribbean destinations. This leaves more room in the guest budget for a higher quality resort. With 5 star properties, world class golf courses, World Heritage sites, genuine hospitality and hundreds of miles of pristine beaches, Mexico is often the best choice for destination weddings. Knowing this, you can expect us to discuss Mexico as a possible destination with you. It is not only the top des-
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tination choice for our brides, it is the top destination choice for our personal travels as well. Time and again, we pack up our families and travel to Mexico for work as well as pleasure. We know and love this destination, and highly recommend it. Before publishing our list of recommended destination wedding locations, we carefully thought of aspects most important when planning destination weddings. We chose locations based on travel time, legal requirements, all-inclusive resort availability, cost and weather. Of course, there are other destinations (St. Lucia, Antigua, St. John, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, just to name a few), and really, the world is yours for the choosing. The destinations we have listed here are the ones most frequently chosen by our wedding couples.
WHERE & WHY
MEXICO:
Our #1 destination for the excellent value and incredible experiences. Mexico is known for it’s great beaches and Spanish hospitality. Flights to Mexico are abundant, making it an easy choice for destination weddings. With so many communities dotting the shoreline, Mexico is sure to have the perfect wedding location for every couple. Civil Mexican weddings are legally recognized in the US. Blood tests for HIV and other STD’s are required and must be perform by a certified, Mexican doctor. Your on-site wedding coordinator will assist in arranging the doctor’s appointment. You cannot do the blood test in the US and bring the results to the Resort. Please be aware that if any of the results are positive, you will not be able to get legally married in Mexico. Do not stress about this! It is super easy and actually kind of fun. They often celebrate this step by popping a bottle of champagne to share while you’re having the tests done. It is part of your Mexican wedding celebration!
ARUBA:
Want a destination wedding in the Caribbean, but don’t want to worry about a hurricane? Think Aruba. Aruba’s the place for couples who want a Caribbean beach wedding and honeymoon, yet don’t want to be concerned that their plans may coincide with hurricane season. The reason? Aruba is located so far south that it is well outside the hurricane belt. Aruba is different from most other Caribbean Islands. It doesn’t have the lush and tropical landscape that some vacationers expect. But it has a beauty and charm all its own. And the temperature averages in the low 80 degrees year-round - perfect for a honeymoon spent getting some sun on the beautiful beaches. All civil wedding must take place before the church wedding, either in the US or in Aruba. Civil ceremonies are conducted inside the City Hall (Bureau Burgerlijke Stand) in Oranjestad.
BAHAMAS:
The Islands of the Bahamas is a 100,000-square-mile tropical paradise that claims more than 700 islands and 2500 cays and lies a mere 50 miles off the Florida coast. Once called the “Isles of Perpetual June” by George Washington, the Bahamas is blessed with a tropical climate that makes it a year-round eloping and wedding destination. If you’re considering to elope or having a wedding in the Bahamas do consider the seasons; the best time to visit the Bahamas is in the summer, which falls between June and August. While winter can be surprisingly cold, daily high temperatures in the Bahamas rarely drop below 60°F from December to February, and the sun shines an average of 320 days out of the year.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:
A Dominican Republic wedding can fulfill every dream scenario, from lavish affairs to simple and romantic ceremonies. The island’s charming historical quality and friendly people almost beckon you to choose a Dominican Republic wedding, with its inherently romantic atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. World-class service here will complement a Dominican Republic wedding so that nothing will be left to chance. Before holding a Dominican Republic wedding, couples need to have their legal documents translated into Spanish. We recommend http://www.wedo.com.do/. Because of this requirement and the costs associated with it, the Dominican Republic is the most difficult destination to have a legal wedding.
JAMAICA:
Jamaica has long been a great destination for eloping, destination weddings and honeymoons. Why? In a word - beauty. The sunsets, the beaches, the pampering. It all adds up to one incredibly romantic destination. Although you may not want to leave your resort, there are a great deal of outdoor activities to keep the newly-married couple busy. Those who have their weddings in Jamaica have some great adventures awaiting them as Jamaica has lots of outdoor excitement. Jamaica happens to be one of the easiest destinations to be legally married.
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CHECKLISTS
DESTINATION WEDDING
Preparation
Timeline 1-2 YEARS
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DATE Choose your destination - Choosing the
right destination is the hardest, but most exciting part! Couples can spend months browsing through travel magazines and websites in search of the perfect destination. Budget often plays a major role as couples consider the cost and convenience of air travel to their destination options. Marriage laws and residency requirements for certain destinations also come into play. With so much to consider, couples often struggle with this initial decision. We understand this, and hope that you’ll let our expertise be your guide.
Select your resort - This is another fun
step! Often, couples will fall in love with a resort that they’ve read about and choose it, regardless of it’s location. There are many things to consider when selecting the resort... Do you want it to be for adults
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only, or family friendly? Do you want it to be all-inclusive (highly recommended!) or close to the airport? You can be confident in our resort recommendations, knowing that we will only offer resorts with proven track records. Remember, we’ve been to many of these resorts and destinations and you can rely on our experience.
Confirm your wedding date with the resort- Destination weddings take place
every day of the week, so finding an available date is not usually a problem if you have some flexibility. The more set you are on a particular date, the earlier you should begin planning.
Make your room reservation - As soon
as your wedding date is confirmed with the resort, we will book your room. This seals your plans, giving you the assurance that you in fact are going to have a destination wedding! You can take a deep breath and relax knowing that the major decision making is done.
1 YEAR
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DATE Send Save The Date invitations - Usually
couples will send a Save The Date invitation as soon as their wedding date and location are confirmed. You can choose anything from a Save The Date email to refrigerator magnets to a formal printed postcard. Some couples design a monogram or logo for their wedding. We include a custom wedding website for you free of charge. The possibilities are endless! Since we take on the task of travel planning for your guests, you’ll want to include the contact information for Romance Travel Group so your guests know who is handling their room reservations. We will customize each guests’ travel arrangements to fit their specific needs.
Shop for your dress - If you haven’t al-
ready done so, now is the time! Remember
CHECKLISTS
that you’ll want to carry your wedding dress with you while you travel. It will be one of your carry-ons for the flight. Destination wedding dresses come in all styles from beachy sundresses to formal gowns. Whatever you choose, it will reflect your personality and style. Happy shopping!
Check your passport - If you already have a passport, make sure it will be valid for at least 6 months after you plan to travel for your destination wedding. If you don’t have a passport yet, you’ll want to apply for one now. Also, when making your travel reservations, make sure the name on your passport is what you give for the name on your travel documents.
6 MONTHS
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DATE Talk it up! - A lot of guests have probably
booked their travel by now, but some will wait until your wedding date draws nearer. Keep talking to your family and friends about your wedding. Don’t be afraid to show them your excitement! Usually guests only need a small deposit to lock in their travel reservations. Sharing this with them early and often will motivate them to confirm their trip. We are more than willing to send a note to your guests inviting them to book. It is sometimes nice to get a reminder from someone other than the bride and groom.
2-3 MONTHS
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DATE Finalize the details - The details of your ceremony and reception will start to really take shape. You will be making decisions on things like flowers, menus, music, and decorations. You will also make a contingency plan in case of inclement weather. Resorts have a wedding coordinator on site that we will work with to plan the fine details of your wedding day.
Finalize legal documents - Make sure you have all of the legal documents in order that are required for you to be married. Do you need notarized copies of anything? Do you need anything translated? We will help you with these details early on, but should have everything ready to go at least 2 months prior.
Send formal invitations - Many couples
choose to send a formal invitation to their guests. You may be having a reception at home after your destination wedding. In this case, you can announce your destination wedding and invite guests to your reception. Again, you’ll want to include your website and our contact information so last minute wedding guests can easily make their travel arrangements.
Final payment - Travel arrangements usually need to be paid in full 45-70 days prior to your departure date.
1 MONTH
PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING DATE Finalize everything - All of the details
for your wedding ceremony and reception should be finalized. You should begin a packing list so you don’t forget anything important when you leave for the airport.
RIGHT BEFORE YOU DEPART
Prepare to travel - Make sure you
have held your mail at the post office, set up an out-of-office auto reply for your email at work and home, and have given key people your travel itinerary. Make copies of your passports to keep in each piece of luggage just in case. Double check that you have all legal marriage documents in your carry-on.
Bon Voyage!!! Now go get married! ROMANCETRAVELGROUP.COM | 19
CHECKLISTS
YOUR
Guest List To get an estimate on how many guests will attend and how many rooms you will need to set aside, it is best to divide your guest list up into 3:
A
Guests on your A list are those who you know will be there no matter what. These guests include parents, family, bridal party and your closest friends.
B
Guests on your B list are those who would love to travel with you, but just may not be able to for one reason or another.
C feel obligated to invite, but you
Guests are your C list are those you
know there is a very small chance that they will travel for your wedding. Add together all of your A list and half of your B list to get a close estimate of the number of guests who will travel for your wedding. This is who you will need to set rooms aside for.
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There are no words to describe how perfect our wedding day was! Working with Romance Travel Group made everything super easy and fun. Our guests were well cared for and told us how much they appreciated having help with their travel plans and using the payment plan. Our wedding was incredible. We are so happy with our decision to have Romance Travel Group plan our destination wedding. We couldn’t have done it without them!" "When we contacted Romance Travel Group for a 25th anniversary trip, we just knew we wanted something warm and different. After describing our past vacations and our wants for our anniversary, we received a customized list of anniversary vacation options. We splurged and chose a new overwater bungalow at El Dorado Maroma and had the time of our lives. These ladies are true professionals and know their destinations and resorts inside and out. It is refreshing to find companies who still live and breathe customer service." "After our first call, we were so excited but still in a bit of disbelief that this could actually work. The next day, we received a list of wedding resorts that our agent matched us up with. She nailed it! She took everything we told her during our call and picked out the best resorts in our budget that matched what we had in mind. Our wedding was perfect. Everyone loved the resort. Having a destination wedding was the best decision we could have made. I am in love with our photos!
U LT I M AT E H O N E Y M O O N S
Ultimate Honeymoon COLLECTION
THE
P
lanning a wedding is exciting, but what’s the icing on the wedding cake? The HONEYMOON, of course! Nearly 99% of couples take a honeymoon to celebrate their nuptials. On average, the honeymoon is planned 4 months before the wedding, lasts for 8 days, and costs $4500$9500. Couples are often looking for something a little more unique for their honeymoons, something memorable. We have put together a list of ultimate honeymoon “themes” to get you thinking about your perfect post-wedding celebration. Which of these tops your list?
THE ULTIMATE KARISMA HONEYMOON
No one does honeymoons better than the El Dorado Resorts by Karisma. They offer the perfect blend of quality, gourmet dining, impeccable service and romantic atmospheres that provide the background for the ultimate honeymoon experience. Our Ultimate Karisma Honeymoon comes with some spectacular, exclusive inclusions. Let us show you just how amazing your honeymoon can be! Here's what we'll include for you at no extra cost:
• The Personal Service of our Romance Maître D • Private gourmet four course candlelit dinner on the beach • Romantically decorated suite with rose petals and aroma therapy following private dinner • Chef's special gourmet breakfast in bed morning after dinner • Beachfront couple's sky massage • Chilled bottle of champagne delivered to room upon arrival • 15% discount on spa services • Fresh tropical floral arrangement in room • One night anniversary return stay voucher ROMANCETRAVELGROUP.COM | 21
U LT I M AT E H O N E Y M O O N S
THE ULTIMATE FOODIE HONEYMOON
From private chef's tables and candlelight dinners to 24 hour room service and beach BBQs, being a foodie today is more about fresh and exciting ingredients, relaxed yet attentive dining, wine pairings and local experiences. There are a few resorts that have broken the all-inclusive mold to offer unlimited ala carte dining, expertly trained award-winning chefs and waitstaff, amazing wine and top shelf liquor selections and even cuisines for special diets like gluten free and vegan. We've thoroughly enjoyed sampling dozens of resorts in search of our top pick for the Ultimate Foodie Honeymoon package. Contact us today to discover how we can customize this experience just for you. ​THE ULTIMATE ROMANCE
HONEYMOON
There is no better time to focus on romance than your honeymoon. In our search for the most romantic honeymoon location, we've experienced more incredible resorts, spas, 22 |
suites and activities fit for two than we ever thought possible. Romance shouldn't be boring! Romance is more than just gazing into each other's eyes. It is about sharing amazing experiences, and reminiscing about them later over a glass of wine. It is about letting yourself be pampered and indulging in a great sense of being cared for. It is about quiet moments and unique activities that bring two people together on another level. Our Ultimate Romance Honeymoon is the perfect combination of everything romantic. Let us create this package to fit your newlywed needs. Call or email today for details.
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE HONEYMOON Nothing beats the adventure you begin on the day you say "I do!" For couples looking for more excitement and activities, our Ultimate Adventure Honeymoon is packed with giggly fun, quirky challenges, unique excursions and salty kisses. Cherish all the delights of experiencing something new together
and creating secret memories only the two of you share. Years from now, you'll still find yourselves grinning and asking each other "remember when we...?" Honeymoons are the perfect time to do something new, and our Ultimate Adventure Honeymoon will help you do exactly that. Let us show you how perfect this package is for those with a bit of an adventurous spirit.
THE ULTIMATE OVERWATER HONEYMOON Now with more options than ever, our Ultimate Overwater Honeymoon is well within reach. There is no longer a need for a 14 hour flight to Tahiti to experience a private bungalow perched above your own slice of clear blue oceans. With unobstructed views out to sea, glass-bottom floors, outdoor showers, and a balcony with steps leading you down into the shimmering ocean, these accommodations will instantly fill you with feelings of tranquility, calm and relaxation... just what you need after a year of wedding
U LT I M AT E H O N E Y M O O N S
planning! Experience a honeymoon suite like no other with our Ultimate Overwater Honeymoon package. The sea is calling. Will you answer?
THE ULTIMATE SPA HONEYMOON
You haven't experienced a spa until you've experience the spa at a world-class, international resort. Our Ultimate Spa Honeymoon offers everything from hydrotherapy, herbal therapy, facials, body treatments and reflexology, to a nearly infinite variety of massage treatments culminating in the iconic and wildly romantic, oceanfront couples Sky Massage. Take time out to pamper yourself and each other and really connect as husband and wife with your mind, body and soul with our Ultimate Spa Hon-
eymoons. Call us today to begin planning your honeymoon retreat.
THE ULTIMATE FIRST CLASS HONEYMOON
Want to go all out like never before to celebrate your new life together as husband and wife? Our Ultimate First Class Honeymoon is just for you! Start your honeymoon experience off right with first class air and private, luxury transportation to your resort. Check in to your very own presidential suite where you'll enjoy butler or personal concierge services throughout your stay. Indulge in unique experiences like private chef's table dining, private romantic dinners on the beach, luxurious couples massage and more. Let us create the Ultimate First Class Honeymoon of your dreams, no holding back!
THE ULTIMATE SAILING HONEYMOON
Set sail on your very own world class, private yacht, complete with staff and everything you need for a week-long honeymoon of your dreams. Explore endless beaches, snorkel and dive to your heart's content, swim with the turtles, watch dolphins play in the bow wave, hike the mountainous terrain, dance the night away to the endless rhythm of the islands, meander through and shop in the island ports. Or, do absolutely nothing. Relax, sit back, and simply enjoy sailing and cruising on some of the most beautiful waters in the world: The Virgin Islands. Sound like a dream? We can make it a reality! Call us today and we'll help you cast off on this amazing Ultimate Sailing Honeymoon.
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NICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya was born out of a desire to create an entirely new category of all-inclusive, defined by relaxed luxury and cultural immersion. At UNICO 20˚87˚, guests will meet modern Mexico face-to-face and experience rare access to the region’s most exciting locales and lesser-known wonders, offering travelers an unfiltered view of Mexico and a deep connection to the region. The pristine beaches of Riviera Maya make for a perfect matrimonial backdrop. A wedding at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya is one-of-a-kind, filled with personalized details and artful touches inspired by the region. The planning process becomes stress-free with the aid of our dedicated wedding specialist, Marylen Exposito. Couples can achieve the wedding of their dreams with the expert guidance of her seasoned team, who specialize in the careful design and execution of transcendent weddings and events. UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya offers artfully curated experiential wedding packages with unique inclusions, such as unpacking services with preparation of wedding day attire, personal valet concierge for the preparation process and phone valet to allow for a more intimate and unplugged ceremony. Whether a bohemian inspired beachside service or an elegant traditional ballroom reception, UNICO 20˚87˚ allows couples to tailor their special day to reflect their own signature aesthetic while maintaining the vibrancy of the Riviera Maya. Couples can choose from a wide variety of unique venues including elegant beach and oceanfront gazebos as wedding ceremony locations, beach and ballroom locations for receptions, as well as other private events.
Riviera Maya’s natural elegance to create a setting unlike any other. Our wedding packages are topped off with unique inclusions which are designed to create lasting memories, such as ceremony location and décor, bouquet and matching boutonniere, non-denominational minister to perform symbolic or vow renewal ceremony, violin, guitar or saxophone soloist for ceremony, wedding cake, menus and place cards for wedding reception and event consultant and onsite wedding coordinator to name a few. A complimentary wedding package is also available. Our Executive Mixologist infuses local flavors and ingredients to craft specialty cocktails for the big day upon request. All weddings packages include the complimentary “UNICO 20˚87˚ Honeymoon Experience” with in-room breakfast in bed or on your balcony, a bottle of artisanal mezcal or sparkling wine, and local artisanal sweets. Guests can celebrate the newlyweds by embracing the contemporary culture of the region, through a real, unfiltered experience in a luxurious setting. To inspire spontaneity, impromptu pop-up programming can include mezcal tastings and cocktail hour by our Executive Mixologist, custom beer gardens, Art Attack competitions and acoustic sunset jams. Departing from the traditional all-inclusive, the experience will encompass all food and beverages, select spa treatments, beauty salon services and off-property excursions, unlimited golf and more. Romance Travel Group is an award-winning partner of UNICO 20˚87˚ having received recognition as “Top Agency” year after year. If your wedding vision is that of UNICO 20˚87˚, call Romance Travel Group at 507267-4857 to put your dreams into motion.
UNICO 20˚87˚’s wedding collections offer an immersive experience that is taken to the next level with an added layer of luxury, incorporating the Proud Local spirit with ROMANCETRAVELGROUP.COM | 25
W E D D I N G G U E S T FA Q
Destination Wedding Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED BY GUESTS When do I need to book by?
The booking deadline will be listed on the couple’s wedding website. You’ll get the most options and best rates if you book early. The bride and groom have a lot of details to plan, so it is best to be considerate of their time and book at least 6 months prior to the wedding date. This gives them the time and numbers they need to make and finalize their wedding day plans and budget. As long as the hotel has rooms available, we can book. The deposit gets paid when you make your reservation. Final payments are due 45-70 days prior to travel.
How Should I Book My Trip?
Most couples have a wedding website with information on how to book your trip. Their website will either have room rates listed, or a quote form for you to fill out and send to us. The couple often receives amenities for their wedding based on how many rooms are booked. They are looking to us to organize all the rooms and keep count. The right thing to do is work directly with us to ensure smooth planning and organization for the couple. Also, make sure you book your trip on time. The bride and groom have a wedding to plan and cannot get an accurate guest count until everyone is booked. We all love good deals, but you want to avoid last-minute problems. Unfortunately, for destination weddings, last-minute guests just add last-minute work for the couple, causing them to scramble to get extra décor, extra seats and extra dinners.
How much is the trip going to cost? Check the wedding website. Often times, room rates are posted there. If not, just submit 26 |
a quote request. Be sure to include all of the details. To do an accurate quote, we need to know how many people are sharing your room, how many nights you are staying, and where you are flying from if air is to be included. For guests, a destination wedding can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the destination, departure city and length of stay. This cost covers flights, resort fees, accommodations and food and drinks for typically 3 nights/4 days.
What if I can’t afford it?
We understand, and so do the bride and groom. Not everyone will be able to attend the wedding, and that’s ok. Please just let the couple know.
What’s not included with my all-inclusive trip?
You’ll want to bring a bundle of 1’s and 5’s with for tipping around the resort. Gratuities are technically included with your travel package, but based on our travel experience, you’ll want to tip something to the bartenders and waiters taking care of you. Be prepared by bringing small bills with so you have them if you choose to tip. The shuttle driver is not a hotel employee and will expect a tip, as will the airport employees. Tours, excursions and spa treatments are not included. You can pay with cash or credit card for these at the hotel. Again, US cash for tips is fine. Insurance is not included, but it is optional when booking your trip. All liquor is included unless you order a full bottle of a specific liquor. This will cost extra. Some destinations, like Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, require a small country tax
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to be paid locally. This is not included, but we will be sure to let you know about it.
What if I find a cheaper price online?
We work hard on getting you the best price. If you see a less expensive price for the exact package - dates, airline, airline times, taxes, insurance, transfers, etc. - give us the opportunity to see if we can get the same price. This way we can book your reservation and you can still be counted as part of the wedding party. Usually online prices are lacking something, like transfers or taxes. Please give us the opportunity to help you with this. Please let us know which website you are looking at, and send us a screenshot of the flights, hotel room, and dates so we can recreate it.
What do I wear to a destination wedding?
Since it will be warm, dress cool. For men, khaki slacks, linen shirts, and nice sandals are all appropriate. You will see very few suits and even fewer ties. Ladies, find a nice sundress or capris with sandals. Unless otherwise noted by the bride and groom, destination weddings are more casual than traditional weddings, but if you’re unsure, ask the bride or groom. Sometimes couples have planned special dress codes, such as “all white,” so the last thing you want to do is arrive at the hotel with the wrong outfit.
Should I bring a gift?
If you’re attending a destination wedding, you don’t have to bring a wedding gift. Some couples tell the guests that their presence is gift enough but a card is still a nice touch in these cases. Check with us about adding a tour or a room upgrade as a gift from you. This can often easily be done. If you still want to give the couple a monetary or boxed gift, give it to them before the wedding or after you come back.
What if I run into problems?
One key etiquette tip for guests at destination weddings is to avoid involving the bride and groom over travel or room issues. If your name is spelled wrong on your documents or you missed your flight, call us. Likewise, if your room isn’t ready or the view isn’t perfect, don’t complain to the couple or other guests. This just creates a frenzy. There is no need to add extra stress to the couple. If you have a problem, call or email us. Our travel partners have 24/7 help desks. Their phone number is listed on your travel documents. Not everything goes as planned, just be flexible and polite.
Have more questions? Call us at 507-267-4857 or email us!
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DESTINATION WEDDINGS-
Legal or Symbolic Ceremonies? T
of vows are also performed by a minister but they do not have legal bearing and couple must be previously married.
here are two types of ceremonies for destination weddings. You can have a LEGAL ceremony, where you are legally married in your destination and receive a marriage certificate that is recognized at home. Legal ceremonies often cost a little more and require extra paperwork and occasionally blood tests. Or, you can have a SYMBOLIC ceremony that has no legal holding. To have a symbolic ceremony, you would be legally married at home by your clergy or courthouse before you travel. At your destination wedding, you will celebrate your union as if it were your actual wedding with flowers, music, vows and other ceremony details. Your guests would not know the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony. Approximately 80% of all destination weddings are symbolic.
required. A religious ceremony has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the binding Civil Marriage. Religious ceremonies or renewal of vows ceremonies are symbolic. They are performed by a non-denominational minister. The bride and groom will receive a symbolic marriage certificate without legal bearing.
BAHAMAS: Civil and religious ceremonies are performed by a minister. Both are legally recognized. If the ceremony is civil the minister will not mention God. Symbolic weddings and renewal of vows are also performed by a minister but they do not have legal bearing.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Civil
formed by a judge and it is legally recognized and must be performed in City Hall The religious ceremonies and renewal of vows are performed by a non-denominational minister and they are not legally recognized. The couple need to have their marriage certificate in order to perform this ceremony.
MEXICO: Only the civil ceremony
JAMAICA: Civil and religious cere-
is legally recognized and must be performed by a judge. A blood test is
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ceremonies are performed by a judge and Catholic ceremonies are performed by a catholic priest. Both ceremonies are legally recognized. All paperwork must be notarized and translated into Spanish. This typically adds $500-$800 to the wedding costs. Renewal vows are symbolic weddings, they are performed by a non-denominational minister and it does not have a legal bearing. monies are performed by a minister, both are legally recognized. Renewal
ARUBA: The civil ceremony is per-
COSTA RICA: The civil ceremony is performed by a judge and it is legally recognized. The religious ceremonies and renewal of vows are performed by a non-denominational minister and they do not have a legal bearing.
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TRAVELING WITH
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estination weddings are more popular than ever. Whether you are headed for the beach, the mountains, or your hometown, you want to make sure that your gown arrives safely. With a little advance planning, you will be able to relax and enjoy the trip. Wedding gowns are large! Fitting them into tight spaces is often a challenge. Bridal salons carefully pack bridal gowns into extra long garment bags with the train folded up (usually there is a bust form to hold the bodice of the gown in place). Although some brides like the idea of shipping their gown ahead to their destination, we definitely wouldn’t recommend it. No amount of insurance will take the place of your gown if it does not arrive safely. Hand carry your bridal gown - it is too important to entrust to anyone else. Traveling by plane can be tricky with their endless restrictions on luggage,
Your Dress
and they change all the time. The best thing to do is to check with your airline shortly before your trip for their specific requirements. The most important thing to know is that you should NEVER put your wedding gown in checked baggage! The risk is too high that it could arrive damaged, or heaven forbid, not at all. Then what would you do?
With any luck, the flight attendant might allow you to hang the garment bag in the first class closet (everyone has a soft spot for brides). But, even these closets are small. Gowns are also often layed flat on top of the bags in the overhead compartments. One bag that is growing in popularity among destination brides is the WALLYBAG. Most brides find the 66 inch WallyBag is perfect for their dress and accessories, but larger and smaller bags are available based on how much dress you have.
The bag folds 3 ways and is secured with side release buckles, fits easily in overhead compartments and accommodates various length garments for men and women. The WallyBag can be found on Amazon for about $100. It is not only your wedding gown that you should make plans for - your accessories are also very important. Pack your shoes, veil, and other accessories into a carry-on bag. With all the limitations these days, you may have to ask your fiance or maid of honor to take your bag as one carry on item (remember, you also have the garment bag). . Be sure to keep your wedding jewelry in your purse. You should never let any jewelry out of your sight, but especially not your fabulous wedding jewelry! So remember, carry all the important wedding day items with you at all times! ROMANCETRAVELGROUP.COM | 29
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! e e t a th e D v g a S ddin e W
at h t s t men e c n rder u o o n i n e an ding r d a e s w tial rd n e a r e c s u t s e Dat ur fu are e e o y h y t f e sts o e. Th Save ng. i e e r d u f d g y we l da your n a i o i c t m r e info stina ur sp e o d y ep ing a n n to ke a n pl whe
S
Save the Dates are generally sent to guests approximately 12 months in advance. This allows your guests to make the necessary plans to attend your wedding. Flights can be booked 330 days prior to travel. Rooms at the resort can be booked much earlier than that. Guests will probably need time to budget and save vacation days at work. You may be surprised by how many guests will turn your destination wedding into an entire family vacation. All of this takes time and planning, so let your guests know as early as possible.
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Use your imagination! Save the Date are not meant to be formal. There are many design options available. A lot of couples design magnets, brochures, post cards, multiple layers, or booklets. You can add photos or embellishments for a personal touch. There are very creative “passport” and “boarding pass” Save the Date cards. The magnets are popular, too. We have a huge collection of great ideas on our Pinterest page. Your Save The Dates must include your names, your wedding date, your destination and most
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importantly, your website address! We set up your website to include all of the details your guests need to know about your wedding. The website is where they will go to get a quote, or to book their room. Skip the RSVP’s! As your guests book, we keep a list of everyone including who they are traveling with and when. This list serves as your RSVP list. We have found that doing a traditional RSVP for a destination wedding results in too many “false positives, “ or guests who want to attend, but just can’t. Letting us keep track for you is the most accurate way to generate a confirmed guest list. We like to use this wording: “To RSVP, please visit our wedding website and make your room deposit by October 1.”
TIP! On average, we see about 40%
of invited guests actually travel. This means that if you invite 100 people, you can expect 40 to show up. Don’t be shy with your invite list! Here’s a good example of wording for your Save the Dates:
mean so much to us. We hope that you will “Save the Date” and prepare for a wonderful vacation! We will be married at the luxurious El Dorado Royale, located in the Mayan Riviera, on June 10, 2018. To RSVP, please visit our wedding website (www....) and book your room by October 1. See you in Mexico! Here’s an example of wording for your invitation: It is with great joy that we, Jessica and Justin, invite you to share in the celebration of our love as we exchange our marriage vows on Saturday, the 20th of February, 2017 at the Secrets Royal Beach Resort. What could be more romantic than a wedding in beautiful Punta Cana, Dominican Republic surrounded by family and friends as we say our vows and celebrate this most joyous occasion. We hope that you will be among those who share in this very special event.
We’re having a Destination Wedding!
For those who will not be able to attend, we completely understand and know your love and support will be felt across the miles.
We would love to share this special occasion in paradise with the people who
Love, Jessica and Justin
THIS IS NOT JUST A RESORT,
THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE. At El Dorado Maroma, by Karisma the experience goes far beyond elegant amenities and breathtaking beach views. Discover unparalleled luxury, service, and refined Mexican hospitality, all within our Palafitos-Overwater Bungalows.
RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO
Travel Romance Ad_Palafitos.indd 1
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