best of the best - destination wedding planner

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 57 56 DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM

Niche weddings

All-Inclusives

We asked, you answered. Here are your destination picks and big-day priorities, from all-inclusive resorts to which wedding vendor is most important.

See how you compare to your fellow globe-trotting to-be-weds.

By Erika Hueneke

SPOTLIGHT MEXICAN CARIBBEANBEST FOR CROWD-PLEASERS

BEST WEDDING MONTHS NOV.EARLY DEC., LATE APRILMAYIts what I like to call a something for everyone type of

location, says Tara Soloway of Luxe Destination Weddings. Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a very sophisticated

infrastructure, and accommodations range from large all-inclusives to rustic boutique retreats to exclusive villas. Other big draws: white-sand beaches, friendly locals, direct

airlift and activities from shopping to exploring ancient Maya sites. Even better, says Hurley, the Mexican Caribbean has been in the wedding game the longest, so their hospitality is

bar none, and they understand the American palate.

BEST FOR ONE-STOP SHOPPERSAlmost half of you are planning to go the all-inclusive route. Why the overwhelming appeal? There are very few wild card expenses, and these resorts have been designed to make your planning process and your stay as carefree as possible, says Karen Bussen, author of the Simple Stunning Weddings series and

exclusive wedding designer for Palladium Hotels and Resorts.You dont need to carry cash around with

you, you can eat (and drink!) what you like, and there are options and activities for all. Typically, the room

rate covers the basics: room, drinks, meals and a small ceremony, says Megan Velez, vice president of product

for Destination Weddings Travel Group. From there, packages can be upgraded with details like chairs,

florals, larger guest lists, private dinners or the recent trend of live-streaming your ceremony for loved ones

back home.

CHECKLISTHeres what to ask before booking your all-inclusive.* Are there fees for using outside vendors? How many rooms do we need to book to get the basic wedding package? Are there fees for receiv-ing, delivering and storing any items shipped to the hotel? What percentage of our guests need to stay at thehotel? How much do day passes cost for guests not staying onproperty? What other policies, regulations and fees does the hotel apply for weddings?

%

OF DWH READERS PLAN TO BOOK AN ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTEL

FOR THEIR WEDDING

DWH READERS NO. 2 INTERNATIONAL WEDDING LOCATION

LOOKING TO PLAN A SPECIFIC TYPE OF EVENT,

FROM SAME-SEX TO HINDU?

2015

Reader Survey

of t he Lately there has been in influx of Indian weddings in the Mexican Caribbean. Its also very LGBT-

friendly, and were seeing more and more gay wed-

dings, says Teri Hurley of Endless

Love Travel.

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20% 67% 29%OF COUPLES PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL WEDDING

CHOSE MEXICO

OF COUPLES PLANNING TO MARRY IN MEXICO CHOSE

THE CARIBBEAN SIDE

OF COUPLES PLANNING TO MARRY IN MEXICO

CHOSE THE PACIFIC SIDE


1TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON For tropical destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico, this includes Apriland May, October andNovember. Keith

2USE A TRAVEL SPECIALIST They know how to negotiate special deals and perks. This is why they exist, sowhy not utilize them? Keith

3LOWER YOUR GUEST COUNT Take a good look at your list and pare it down to the people whom you have to have there. Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events

4CHOOSE AN AFFORDABLE DESTINATION For those on a tighter budget, desti-nations like the Dominican Republic and Mexico are wallet-friendly. Keith

5BUY LOCAL Choose local favors to avoid the shipping costs of bring-ing those items. Plus, with a naturally beautiful loca-tion, you wont need to add much decor. Chang

money-saving tips

BEST FOR WALLET WATCHERSBEST WEDDING MONTHS OCT.MAY

Experts agree: English-speaking Jamaica is tops thanks to its affordable all-inclusives and direct flights not to mention its legendary food and

music scenes. Its an absolutely beautiful island, with many secluded beach locations and a rich culture,

says Bussen. Montego Bay, Jamaicas second-largest city, is a major wedding hub, with resort brands like Sandals, Iberostar, Secrets, Hilton and Hyatt. Negril

is also popular for its sunset-facing position, but planner Tracy French of The French Connection

Events favors Ocho Rios: It offers avarietyof great resorts, nightlife and things to do nearby. Regard-less of your chosen locale, keep your event irie with

jerk chicken, live reggae and waterfall climbing.

Jamaica

Best splurge? The room, says Laurie Keith of Romantic Planet Vacations. I got married at

The Beloved Hotel in Playa Mujeres,

Mexico. Guests looked past the flowers,

but the moments my spouse and I spent in our beachfront room will last a lifetime.

MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN SELECTING THE WEDDING

DESTINATION AND HOTEL

COST 89%

WEATHER 88%

TIME OF YEAR 79%

RESORT AMENITIES 73%

DINING 84%

DWH READERS TOP INTERNATIONAL WEDDING LOCATION. MOST POPULAR ISLAND JAMAICA

29% 20%JAMAICA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

10%SAINT LUCIA

%PUERTO RICO

6%CAYMAN ISLANDS

OF COUPLES PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL

WEDDING CHOSE THECARIBBEAN

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BY THE NUMBERS

$22kaverage total

destination-wedding budget

86% of DWH readers have a

valid passport

67%of DWH readers are planning to book a

4-star or better resort for their wedding

8average number of guests attending a

destination wedding

7% of DWH readers

are creating a honeymoonregistry

7average number of

nights the couple will stay at the destination

3average number of

nights guests will stay at the destination

DWH READERS NO. 3 INTERNATIONAL WEDDING LOCATION. MOST POPULAR

COUNTRY GREECE

DWH READERS PLANNING TO MARRY IN EUROPE CHOSE ...

BEST FOR HOPELESS ROMANTICSBEST WEDDING MONTHS APRILJUNE, SEPTEMBER

Europe was a newcomer to our survey this year, and Greece surprised us by handily beating out Italy, despite recent

headliners like George Clooneys Venice vows. There is a romantic sense of antiquity on the Greek Isles that is untouched,

notes photographer John Sargentof John Cain Photography. In contrast to Western Europe, its a little farther and more

alluring. Where to go? The volcanic island of Santorini, with its famous sunsets, blue domes and sugar-cube buildings, is the most iconic spot, but Velez also touts the island of Rhodes (host to the pretty St. Pauls Bay Chapel) and Zakynthos for its affordability. To simplify the process of marrying abroad, Velez recommends

working with a destination-wedding specialist who can organize travel, negotiate hotels and seek out group deals.

Greece

OF COUPLES PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL

WEDDING CHOSE EUROPE

12%

GREECE ITALY

IRELAND

U.K.

SPAIN

25% 17%

8%8%

8%

If anything, this should make Greece

even more popular; the current exchange rates make it more affordable, says

Velez. Just do your due diligence, advises Sargent. Bring cash in

various quantities and bills, and review your con-

tracts carefully.

SHOULD GREECES RECENT FINANCIAL CRISIS HAVE AN IMPACT ON COUPLES

CONSIDERING THE COUNTRY?

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WHICH OF HAWAIIS FIVE

MAIN ISLANDS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

JAMIE CHANG OF MANGO MUSE EVENTS BREAKS

THEM DOWN.

OAHU The most populated, touristy

and city like, Oahu gives couples the

most options when it comes to venues, vendors, activities

and dining.

MAUI Maui is the most popular for weddings because it has a bit of the city

feel of Oahu, but its also what most

couples picture when they think of Hawaii.

KAUAI Quieter and the most green, Kauai has a very lush look and is arguably

the prettiest. Its home to Waimea Canyon,

the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

HAWAII ISLAND The Big Island, home

of Volcanoes National Park, is for couples who never want to

leave their resort or who like a small-town

country vibe.

LANAI Remote Lanai is for those who want privacy, seclu-sion and exclusivity there are only two

full-scale resorts on the entire island

(both Four Seasons).

island glossary

BEST FOR NATURE LOVERSBEST WEDDING MONTHS APRILMAY, SEPT.OCT.

No passports, no currency exchanges, no language barriers, and yet an exotic South Pacific backdrop Hawaii is your top domestic

destination for a reason. The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their aloha spirit, an attitude of friendly acceptance and way of life, says photographer Evonne Wong of U Me Us Studios. Most couples head

to the Aloha State for a beach bash, but Hawaii also offers mountain ranges, tropical bamboo forests, rustic upcountry ranches, historic

cathedrals, traditional churches and private oceanfront estates. Another plus: the abundance of direct flights Hawaiian Airlines

alone offers nonstop service from cities like Seattle, Portland, SanFran, LA, Phoenix, Vegas and NYC.

DWH READERS NO. 1 U.S. WEDDING LOCATION

PLAYTIMEKeep the kiddos occupied during the reception to free the grown-ups for PG-13 fun.1GO CLUBBING Pick a venue with a kids club that offers preplanned services and activities. Bussen2DIVIDE AND CONQUER Arrange a separate pizza party or movie night for the kids. Soloway3SEND REINFORCE-MENTS Check with your venue or wedding planner for recommended baby-sitting services. Bussen

BAG IT! Give kids a favor package filled with activities, crayons and other age-appropriate items. Soloway 5GET CREATIVE Have the kids work on a little art project for you. Chang

WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VENDOR TO DWH READERS?

PHOTOGRAPHER 38%

PLANNER/DESIGNER 18%

ENTERTAINMENT 8%

FLORIST 3%

CATERER 15%

The kids are alright

FAMILY-FRIENDLY VS. ADULTS-ONLYWhen it comes to the age-old debate of to-kid or not-to-kid, youre split

relatively even. For the adults-only camp, its always a bit of a tricky situation, says Soloway, who recommends choosing an 18+-only resort, spreading the news via word-of-mouth and being prepared for certain

guests to simply opt out of attending. Providing child care is a great idea for adults-only affairs, she adds, although we strongly recommend it for all-ages affairs too. Your guests with younger children will be able to enjoy

themselves and be present at your wedding, rather than chasing around their toddlers in a sweaty panic.

KID-FRIENDLY ADULTS-ONLY53% 35%

The photographer is the vendor who spends the most

time with the couple on location, says

Wong. Knowing he or she can make the

couple laugh and feel relaxed is priceless. Choose one who is self-sufficient,

prompt and respon-sive, says Sargent. You dont want to have thoughts like,

Are they even at the airport yet?

DWH READERS PLANNING TO MARRY IN THE UNITED STATES CHOSE ...

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