As part of a basic package, a good wedding destination should offer a wedding planner. Simply having a list of caterers or florists to choose from will not do. You need someone to communicate with when making decisions about your wedding day.
Unless you have a specific person in mind to marry you, your wedding package should include an officiate. The provided officiate should also be available to you before the rehearsal to discuss the ceremony.
Most resorts include your marriage license as part of the wedding vacation package and will help you in completing the paperwork. Flowers, decorations, a photographer, champagne and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a wedding cake are generally all included. If one or more of these things is not provided or you would like to add some features to the event, do not be afraid to ask. Talk with your wedding planner to find out what is available.
You can fly people in to do specific jobs if it will make you feel more comfortable. Offering to pay a little more or to compensate your wedding planner will go a long way toward helping you to get the wedding package you really want.
Once you have chosen your accommodations, request a group rate. Even if some of your guests choose to stay elsewhere, it will be a kind, money-saving gesture for those who choose to stay in the same place as you.
A destination package may be simpler and less expensive for you, but your guests are going out of their way to attend. Try to secure group airfare rates if possible. Call airline representatives to compare rates and learn your options.
Find out the requirements for getting married at your destination. A tourist information office will have this information for you if your wedding planner does not. Generally, the following are required.
- Birth certificates.
- Passports or picture IDs.
- Divorce papers if either party is divorced.
- Death certificate if either party is widowed.
- Blood test.
- Health exam.
- Short residency prior to the ceremony.
- Tourist cards.
- Witnesses with passports or picture IDs and tourist cards.
- A marriage license fee.
