Tag Archives: Destination Wedding Planning

Everything You Need to Know About Symbolic vs Legal Destination Wedding Ceremonies

When considering your destination wedding – planning a destination wedding is more than just deciding where you’ll hold the ceremony. One of the first questions many couples ask about planning a destination wedding is whether they will be legally married when they tie the knot in their chosen country. You see, all destination wedding couples will eventually come across this issue of having a symbolic wedding ceremony or a legal wedding. It’s important to understand the options you have and the difference between what a symbolic and legal destination wedding ceremony are so that you can make the best decision for you. We will discuss in detail how each style works, and why choosing one over the other could be right for you- and if you have any questions about this topic, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Destination Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever

In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a surge in popularity. So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it.

If you’re planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and symbolic wedding and may be wondering, “what the heck is a symbolic wedding?” or, “is a symbolic wedding legal”, or “what’s the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?”

This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you.

What is Required For a Legal Ceremony Away?

Documents You May Need

Just like you would experience in your State, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others will require translation of the documents into their language.

Ceremony Officiated in Language of That Country

Additionally, when doing a legal ceremony in a country where English is not their native
language, there is no guarantee that your wedding will be officiated in English. In this case, a translator (usually the onsite wedding planner) will translate what the officiant says.

Government Fees:

Then there will be government fees involved, and possibly a blood test done on-site.

Witnesses:

Some countries will require witnesses (who are not related to you) to arrive with you on the same day.

Residency Requirement:

Beyond that, most countries will also require a residency. For example, a requirement may be a 4-day residency and only business days (Monday-Friday) count toward your residency. Others may have a requirement of 48 hours and you can arrive any day of the week.

A Legal Ceremony is Nothing to Worry About:

Don’t let this scare you! Some countries are super easy to get legally married in. It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.

Be Flexible:

I also suggest being flexible. You may be going into planning a legal destination wedding
abroad assuming that you’ll be able to make it legally binding in the destination. Don’t let this pigeonhole you into only a handful of options.

Benefits of a legal/civil marriage:

  • The moment you say “I Do” in front of your friends and family is the real deal.
  • You won’t have to decide which day to celebrate your anniversary.
  • In my book, it’s kind of cool to say you were legally married in “Mexico”

A Symbolic Ceremony:
Second, let’s discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know.
Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn’t legally binding. It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.

Avoiding Extra Hoops to Jump Through:
The purpose of choosing a symbolic destination wedding would be to avoid the legal
requirements to get married in another country. Maybe due to the hassle, or possibly due to the cost.

Can Ensure Everyone Can Celebrate:
Sometimes, couples will have certain family members who won’t be able to travel with them, so they choose to get married in the States before heading to their destination so that those family members can be a part of the union.

You Will Need Proof You Are Married:
No matter your reason, with a symbolic destination wedding you will want to get married before heading to the destination because the country you are heading to will want a copy of your marriage records. To them, your ceremony is like a vow renewal, and they want to ensure you are legally married before officiating your ceremony. Make sense?

Benefits of a symbolic wedding ceremony:

  1. Less expensive
  2. Not as much paperwork
  3. No residency requirements
  4. No translation of documents
  5. Ceremony can be officiated by a family member or friend

Ultimately, both a symbolic and a legal destination wedding ceremony can be valuable in different ways. The most important thing to remember about your destination wedding ceremony, is to do what will make you and your soon to be spouse most happy. A destination wedding is supposed to be a celebration of your love, so make it as hassle free & wonderful as possible. After all, a wedding isn’t all about the paperwork.

If you like the idea of getting married without a lot of extra legal and financial hoops to jump through, then a symbolic ceremony might work for you. On the other hand, if you want or need to make your union official the actual day you get married in your destination, then a legal wedding is going to be better for you!

If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck
and not getting very far, I encourage you to use this link, to schedule a free 30-minute
destination wedding planning strategy session with me
! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding! (Legal or Symbolic)

Unique Ideas for Guest Books That Will Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are few details as important as the guest book. It’s the perfect way to capture memories of your special day and to remember all of the people who helped make it magical. But traditional guest books can be a bit boring, and some couples are looking for something a little more unique. If that sounds like you, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’re going to share some of our favorite ideas for unusual guest books that are sure to make your wedding one to remember.

1. “Wish” Rocks – For this guest book alternative, you’ll need a basket of small, smooth rocks and a few sharpies. Simply ask your guests to write their well-wishes, hopes, or advice onto the rocks, then place them in a pretty jar or box. You’ll end up with a beautiful keepsake that you can display in your home.

2. Jenga Blocks – Encourage your guests to play a giant game of Jenga by using the blocks as a guest book. Provide a permanent marker, and have guests sign or write messages on random blocks. It’s a fun way to create something interactive that you can enjoy for years to come.

3. Photo Album – Another great way to capture memories of your wedding day is by setting up a photo album. You can have your guests take Polaroid photos and add them to the album along with their messages. You’ll have a beautiful collection of photos and notes that you can look back on for years to come.

4. Canvas Art – Provide a blank canvas (or a few!) for your guests to write their messages on. After the wedding, you’ll have a unique piece of art that you can display in your home. And, depending on your artistic abilities, you might end up with something even more beautiful than you anticipated!

5. Custom Jigsaw Puzzle – Have a custom jigsaw puzzle made with a picture of the two of you and a blank space in the middle. Have your guests sign their names or write messages on the puzzle pieces, then put it together when the wedding is over. You’ll have a beautiful puzzle that you can display in your home.

Your wedding day is a day you’ll want to remember forever, and these unique guest book ideas are a great way to capture memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you choose a canvas art piece, a jigsaw puzzle, photo album, Jenga tiles or wish rocks, your guests will enjoy leaving their own personal touches and your special day will be truly unforgettable!

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, we’d love to be part of your happily ever after! Schedule a complimentary destination wedding consultation here or you can schedule a complimentary honeymoon consultation here.

How to Choose The Best Time of Year for a Destination Wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, with
couples opting for picturesque locations to tie the knot. The Caribbean and Mexico
are two of the most sought-after destinations for a wedding. With their beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding.

However, choosing the right time of year to have your destination wedding is crucial to ensure that you and your guests have the best experience possible. You can spend hours researching locations and resorts online and compare services, food and drinks and prices…but you might overlook the most important detail: what time of year do you have to visit to avoid hurricanes and tropical depressions.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect weather wise for your destination wedding in the
tropics based on the time of year. I’ve even included some tips on choosing the best time of year for a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, if you’re considering tying the knot during hurricane season.

Let’s jump into the weather you can expect for your destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico based on the time of year that you travel.

If you want to know the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico, it is between December to April. This is the region’s dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is mild and comfortable, averaging around 78 to 82 degrees Farhenheit. Hello sunshine!

While the dry season is safer bet for a weather-friendly Caribbean or Mexico wedding, it’s not a guarantee. Rain and wind can still occur. Additionally, it’s essential to note that it’s also peak tourist season. This means that flights and accommodation are likely to be higher than at other times of the year. Bummer, I know.

Based on my experience, the most popular months to have a destination wedding are in May and November. This would be considered “shoulder season” where you aren’t really dealing with the higher “peak tourist” prices, but also don’t have as much concern with the weather. Hooray!

The struggle there is that the dates at the best resorts and venues book very quickly. So, if you want to plan a destination wedding in May or November, do not waste time or you’ll end up compromising on the venue.

So, what happens if the dry season months don’t work well for you and you are hosting your destination wedding in the Summer or Fall months, when hurricanes could develop?

First, let me put your mind at ease. Just because it is “hurricane season” doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop.

Also, there are some destinations that are “safer” during the tropical season, so don’t throw in the towel quite yet!

Here are some tips on choosing the best time of year for a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean to help avoid having your big day ruined by a storm.

Choose your wedding date wisely

As mentioned above, the best way to avoid hurricane season when planning your destination wedding is to choose a date outside of the peak months. If that isn’t possible, consider these general rules of thumb… Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active months being August, September, & October. If possible consider a wedding in June, July, Mid to Late November, or even early December.

Research the Weather Patterns

Each destination has different weather patterns during hurricane season, so do your research before choosing a location. Some islands or regions may be more prone to hurricanes than others. For example, the northern Caribbean islands are at higher risk than the southern ones. Consider speaking with a travel advisor who specializes in weddings to help you pick the right time and location.

Consider Wedding & Travel Insurance

Wedding insurance can provide a financial safety net in case of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It can cover unexpected expenses such as cancellations, postponements, or rescheduling fees. It’s important to note that not all wedding insurance policies cover natural disasters, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a policy.

Travel insurance is recommended for you and your guests. In case the weather prevents you from arriving to your destination, or requires you or your guests to depart early, it will protect your investment. Travel insurance is always recommended, but during the tropical season, it is much more imperative, so I encourage you to encourage your guests to have the right coverage.

Have a Backup Plan

Regardless of the date of your wedding, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather. When booking your venue and vendors, ask about their contingency plans in case of inclement weather. For example, some resorts may have indoor facilities or covered areas that can serve as backup locations for the ceremony or reception. It’s always a bonus when you love the back-up venue as much as your chosen outdoor venue.

Stay Updated on Weather Forecasts

If you’re planning a wedding during hurricane season, be sure to stay informed about any potential tropical storms or hurricanes that could impact your wedding plans. Sign up for weather alerts, monitor weather websites, and keep in touch with your vendors and venue. Be prepared to make changes if necessary and I advise to make a swift decision, getting the advice of the onsite wedding team, if things are not looking promising on your wedding day.

If the wedding team at your venue advises you to change to an indoor venue due the weather report, and you choose to move forward with an outdoor event, they will likely have you sign a contract. If weather does disrupt the wedding there will be a fee to set up the wedding decor again in the back-up location.

In conclusion, while the Caribbean and Mexico offer stunning wedding destinations,
it’s important to be mindful of hurricane season. By following these tips for choosing the best time of year for a destination wedding and doing your research, you can plan a beautiful and stress-free wedding. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the region’s stunning beauty, indulge in outdoor activities, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Here is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation!

The Ultimate Planning Guide: 6 Destination Wedding Essentials You Need to Know

Congratulations on your engagement! This will be one of the happiest times of your
life, as you start planning your destination wedding! But, thinking of everything that you
need to pull together to host a destination wedding can be overwhelming. There are
so many different things that you will have to manage for everything to run smoothly.
How do you make the choice of location, venue, transportation, and all the other
destination wedding essentials that you need to concern yourself with?

This destination wedding guide will help you navigate the 6 most important details of planning a destination wedding that will truly be fabulous! It can be an arduous journey, but this will ensure that both you and your partner come out not just surviving, but actually thriving during the destination wedding planning process!

Ok, so let’s jump into these six destination wedding essentials!

Get Started Right Away

In today’s post-COVID environment, dates & availability are booking up faster
than ever before! Many couples are eager to finally say “I DO!” in an amazing
location, just as they had hoped before the pandemic! Now dates are booking
up fast, so don’t procrastinate, start researching resort wedding venues &
availability now!

2. You Don’t Have to Know it All

You may think you have to know everything about planning a destination
wedding before you begin, but that’s simply not true! You don’t need to have it
all figured out to get started. The two most important things you need to start
working on is making a list of potential destinations you would like to get
married, and then, a list of potential resort wedding venues to hold your
wedding & wedding group at.

3. Consider Doing a Pre-Wedding Planning Trip

Hey, Who doesn’t like the samples at Costco, before you buy a 12-pack of hot
chocolate bombs? Right?

Once you have a destination wedding location chosen, then it’s time to figure
out which wedding venue & resort to have your ceremony and host your group.
One of the most effective ways to choose a wedding resort & venue is to visit it
first before you decide. In fact, many resorts offer special “wedding visit”
packages to encourage you to visit their resort, hoping you will choose them for
your destination wedding.

Get a New Email Exclusively for Wedding Related Conversations

In order to have a successful destination wedding, you have to be organized. I
always suggest that you create a special email address exclusively for your
wedding & honeymoon. This way all of your wedding correspondence &
conversations will be in one spot! Believe me, this will save you so much time
and probably money in the end. The last thing you want is a confirmation email
requesting you to verify your wedding date & time at the resort, and you miss it
in a crowded inbox sandwiched between emails from Peloton & your uncle’s
gallbladder surgery!

Consider Getting a New Credit Card that Earns Miles

As long as you are going to be charging your wedding expenses, you might as
well earn some reward miles to help you pay for your travel. This is a great time
to open a new credit card that will earn you miles or points for future or even
current travel. You could actually get your airfare paid for if you play your credit
cards right!

Consider Working with a Destination Wedding Specialist

If you want to ensure that your destination wedding will be planned correctly,
and reduce the stress and frustration you may feel when trying to plan this all
on your own, it may be worth it to invest in a destination wedding designer or
planner. A destination wedding planner or designer knows the ins and outs of a
destination wedding and has plenty of experience setting up wedding groups,
negotiating contracts, and managing all of the logistics for you and your guests.
They will also make sure that you receive ALL the amenities & perks you will
qualify for as well. Things that many resorts won’t tell you unless you ask.

I hope this destination wedding survival guide helps make your wedding planning a little less stressful and more fun. At the end of the day, you want your destination wedding to be a celebration that everyone will remember! (In a good way) By knowing these destination wedding essentials, you can ensure that your destination wedding experience will be everything you hoped for, as well as one of your fondest memories as a couple.

And, by the way, If you feel like you need a little help planning your destination wedding, or you’re ready to have all of this lifted off of your shoulders, then I encourage you to schedule a free 15-minute strategy session with me!

I would be honored to help you figure out everything you need for your dream wedding to come true!

5 Steps to Planning the Most Magical Destination Wedding on ANY Budget