VIP Vacations Inc.

Are you finding yourself stressed and needing help to start planning your destination wedding? Look no further. We are here to help with a few tips from our travel experts!

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1. Give yourself time

Nothing is more stressful than doing things last minute.  VIP Vacations suggests that 12-18months in advance is best to begin the process of finding the perfect destination and getting prices.

Send out your save-the-dates once everything is set! This gives your guests time to save money.  VIP will send our wedding couples a detailed calendar, including a checklist of when things need to be done prior to the wedding. Resorts book up early and the most coveted times/dates are often booked a year in advance.  I find that the happiest wedding couples got the date they wanted early, received an early saver group rate on their hotel rooms and gave their guests plenty of notice so many of them could attend.

2. Enlist the help of a destination wedding expert

One of the key reasons VIP has such rave reviews from our wedding clients is because we are truly here to help relieve stress and guide you through the whole process.  Having been a destination wedding bride, I can relate to what my couples are going through and give them REAL expectations so their hopes do not turn into disappointments.  For the past 15 years, I have been planning and assisting couples in planning destination weddings and though some things have changed, the basic questions are still the same.  I also think that finding an agent who is enthusiastic about weddings is key!  I am very passionate about weddings that passion continually drives me to look at the new trends, visit the new resorts and keep up to date on everything wedding related!   If you are currently looking for an experienced destination wedding agent, make sure you look at their qualifications, reviews and testimonials from other wedding couples.

3. Have a back up plan for bad weather

Mother nature is not always on your side when getting married in paradise. Having a backup plan just in case bad weather strolls in, simply makes the planning easier.  Sudden surprises and rush decisions are never a good thing where weddings are concerned! Before you commit to a specific resort or even destination, check the weather forecasts for the predicted amount of rainfall during the month you are traveling and ask the resort if there is a backup location.  Resorts often photographs of their inside location that they can send you so you can prepare a plan B!   I also love the website weathertrends360.com which is a techie version of the Father’s Almanac.

4. Know the legalities and deadlines for paperwork

It is easy to get wrapped up in the wedding planning and forget the deadlines for completing the wedding paperwork.  Many destinations have fees if you turn these  papers in late and sadly some destinations do not allow paperwork after a certain time prior to arrival.  If you are planning a legal wedding, it is best to get all of your legal paperwork and documents together so you are not rushing around or spending more money to get documentation expedited.

5. Remember your guests

The best destination weddings usually result in happy people sharing fabulous memories.  Keep your guests in mind and plan meeting times, excursions, and group activities. This guarantees that you will share memories together.  Welcome bags, welcome letters, and being aware of food allergies is another way you can make your guests feel special. You are sure to be considered a gracious host!

To get in touch with a VIP Vacations Inc travel agent click here.