Why plan a destination wedding?
There are many reasons to choose a destination wedding. Destination weddings give couples and their families the chance to bond, spend several days together and build memories that will last a lifetime; rather than just a few hours at a reception hall. Destination weddings can be as luxurious or simple as you like, and can be planned with budgets both small and large. Destination weddings combine the best of both worlds because, everyone, including your guests, enjoy the benefits of having a once in a lifetime celebration combined with a vacation at an exciting destination.
What are the benefits of a destination wedding?
There are many reasons to choose a destination wedding. These days many couples opt to forgo traditional weddings in favor of a more intimate affair at a destination they love. Destination weddings give couples and their families the chance to bond, spend several days together and extend their celebration from four hours to four days (or even a whole week), while creating a lifetime of memories with their close friends and family. Because they are often more intimate than traditional weddings, destination weddings can also be more affordable for couples.
Is a destination wedding right for us and our guests?
If you’re thinking of planning a destination wedding, it’s likely important to you that your closest friends and family members will be able to attend. Before you commit to planning a destination wedding, run the idea by family and friends. If there are relatives who you know you want present on your special day, but are unable to attend, you might prefer to have an intimate wedding and a reception at home, so all your loved ones can be a part of the celebration. Make sure to consider your closest family and friends when selecting a wedding destination.
How do I ensure my guests can afford to come to our destination wedding?
The beauty of a destination wedding is that only your best friends and family will attend. Traditionally, the best way to help ensure that your guests can afford to attend your destination wedding is to plan in advance so they have plenty of time to plan and budget accordingly. It’s also important to consider the resort and time of year you’d like to marry. For example, if you go for the off-season months, your wedding will likely be more accessible for your guests than during peak season. Many hotels and resorts around the Banderas Bay are skilled in working with budgets of all sizes. Surprisingly, at times a destination wedding can be more affordable than a conventional wedding.
How far in advance should I plan my destination wedding?
Destination weddings take considerable planning and research, so it’s best to start within 9–12 months in advance. We recommend hiring a wedding planner as soon as you decide to have a destination wedding, so you can start the planning process and take advantage of his/her knowledge, experience and skills. One of the most important things while planning a destination wedding is to secure your wedding venue at least 9 months in advance to ensure you get the best selection and pricing. Of course, if you’re flexible, you can always plan with less advance notice, too!
What is the best month for a beach destination wedding?
The best months to get married in Puerto Vallarta are October through May. The shoulder months of October and May particularly tend to be very popular because they are not within the “rainy season” yet, they still offer low season pricing for traveling during off peak season dates. The weather is ideal between mid November and the end of April. Mexico is popular all year round, but keep in mind temperatures tend to warm up in May, and June-September tend to be the rainy months in the evenings.
Is it necessary to hire wedding planner services, even if the hotel I chose has an on-site wedding coordinator?
We highly recommend that you work with someone entirely devoted to help plan every aspect of your big day. Many resorts and hotels offer complimentary on-site wedding coordinators, who maintain trustworthy local vendors’ lists, and can help organize your wedding. However, due to the long list of weddings they take care at once, correspondence and attention to detail can be compromised.
Should we make a special trip to select our venue and the hotel to accommodate our guest?
Even though it is not necessary to make a special trip to choose your accommodations and venue, we suggest at least one visit to the destination before the wedding. This trip can be planned 9-12 months prior the wedding, that way you can have the opportunity to check out the properties and venues that have potential to hold the ceremony and reception for your wedding, as well as meeting with vendors to discuss your vision and needs.
How can I select the best hotel to accommodate my guests?
There are lots of hotels and resorts along the Banderas Bay. From AAA Five Diamond Award Resorts, to intimate Bed and Breakfast, from European Plan, to All Inclusive. Styles, facilities, amenities and prices can significantly vary . Our suggestion is to focus on the needs of the majority of your guest, and provide them with at least two options for them to pick from.