How to Choose the Perfect Resort for your Destination Wedding

When a bride is searching for a wedding venue in her hometown, it's simple to find...just jump in the car and start scouting! However, if you've always dreamed of surf, sand and serenity for your wedding, it's not always easy to find the perfect resort.

Here are some tips to consider when looking for your dream destination.

Location, Location, Location Of all the beautiful islands to choose from, how do you choose just one? I guess my first question would be "what time of year are you planning your wedding?" If you're planning on getting married in the dead of winter, when every sun craved citizen could use a shot of vitamin D, your choice is wide open.

BUT if you're planning a wedding in the summer, keep in mind it is hurricane season in the Caribbean. There are still options, though, like Europe or resorts on the Pacific that generally have a "wet" rather than "hurricane" season. Hey, if the price is right, you may want to take the risk.

Other considerations are:

• What is the culture of the country?
• Are there departures from all of my guests' airports to this destination? For example, guests from Winnipeg may not be able to take a package to Costa Rica.
• How long is the flight?

I Thee Wed

Once you've chosen your location, you'll want to start browsing through brochures to find the resort you want. Keep in mind, not every resort hosts weddings onsite, so make sure it says 'Weddings' somewhere on the page.

Some resorts offer free wedding packages if you have enough rooms booked with your guests. If you're not picky, this is a very cost effective way to host your wedding! Some couples may want to upgrade the packages, though, with steel drum bands, sparkling wine and private dinners on the beach. Shop around for the best package and price for you.

Hotel Amenities

On your wedding day, do you want to hit the Spa with the gals while the groom and his buddies play a round of Golf? Will your guests be bringing their children? It's a good idea to have a Kids Club onsite to give parents a break too. Or maybe you want to choose an Adults-Only resort (it's a not-so-subtle way to say 'no kids allowed!')Pay close attention to what each resort offers.

Cost is King

If you know your guests are on a budget, price is going to be a consideration when choosing the resort. When thumbing through your travel brochure, take a quick look at the range of prices for each resort. If a resort is listed at $2500 + $300 in taxes, and your guests budgets are $1500 in total, there is no point wasting your research time.

However, if it says the same resort 'starts at' $1700 and you're open to travelling in off-seasons, off-days and have enough people for a group rate, it might be doable!

Photo Opp

If the appearance of the ceremony spot is really important to you, you don't want to go in blind. You may prefer white sand to gold or black. Maybe you'd change your mind and hold it in the garden gazebo if you knew how beautiful it was. Scour the internet looking for photos of past weddings - the resort may even have a website to help you plan.

If you are looking for an experienced Destination Wedding Specialist why not contact AffordableCruisesTours.com and let them take care of the details for you. You will be glad that you did.

By Michael Drewell