Destination Weddings FAQ

Destination Weddings FAQ

Destination Wedding – FAQs

Disney Cruise wedding

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When do I need to book by?
The booking deadline will be listed on the couple’s wedding website or event link. 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 60-90 days prior to travel.

How Should I Book My Trip?
Most couples have a wedding website or event link with information on how to book your trip. This will either have room rates listed, or a quote form for you to fill out. 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. Be kind, book early.

How much is the trip going to cost?
Check the wedding page. Often times, room rates are posted there. If not, just email us @ Bruce@myapollotravel.com. 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 $1,200 to $1,700 depending on the destination, departure city and length of stay. This cost covers flights, resort fees, accommodations and food and drinks for typically 4 nights/5 days. 

Piggy Bank

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. You may always contribute to the “wedding fund” at this link. No matter what, ALWAYS 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 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. Our goal is to have EVERYONE book into the bride and groom’s room block. 

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 a little 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 at their Honeymoon Wishes account. 

What if I run into problems?
One key etiquette tip for guests at destination weddings is to avoid involving the bride and groom in 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. If you have issues with the hotel, we need to solve them while you are there. Very little can be done after you check out. Let us help. Not everything goes as planned, just be flexible and polite. 

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Wedding planning tips

Wedding planning tips

Planning a Destination Wedding – details to consider

There are several things to consider when planning a destination wedding. Here is a list to get you thinking:

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Budget
Consider how much you’re comfortable having your guests pay for a 3 night vacation. Typically, budgets start at approximately $1000 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.

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Dates 
Your wedding date will determine how much the trip will cost.

Peak season = high rates:  mid-Jan through Easter, all holidays
Mid-season = average rates: Easter through 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.

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Guests 
​Don’t be upset if not everyone on your 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.

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Destination 
​Try to keep travel times within reason. For 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.

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Resort 
Do you envision something small and 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!

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Ceremony Location 
​Beach, gazebo, garden, chapel? Resorts 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.

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Ceremony Type 
​There 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 will not know the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony. Approximately 80% of all destination weddings are symbolic.

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