With the thrill of popping the question and saying “yes” still lingering, it’s time to get to work planning the wedding, from drafting the guest list to choosing a date, finding the perfect venue and choosing a caterer, florist, baker and photographer, to name a few. If a destination wedding will make all of your client’s wedding dreams come true, choosing an all-inclusive resort can not only make planning easy, but answer the question of what to do with guests during downtime between nuptial events.
Choosing an all-inclusive resort also makes it easier for couples to spend more time with their guests.
“We knew we wanted to have a destination wedding, as travel is a huge part of our lives, and an all-inclusive resort seemed like the most efficient way to make that dream a reality,” says Aaron Hilf, who married his betrothed, Emily, in Mexico at the beginning of the year. “Plus, we wanted the chance to spend time with all our friends and family — not just one busy wedding evening, but several days of fun and relaxation before and after our nuptials. It was the perfect choice for us and we're so glad we did it.”
Danielle Rothweiler, Owner and Lead Planner of Rothweiler Event Design, says it’s great to choose an all-inclusive resort for your destination wedding, and that is one of the top requirements from her destination couples.
“One of the main reasons is because many guests traveling to the wedding might not know the area, and it's convenient to have everything in one place,” she says. “This way there is no pressure for guests to travel off the resort for anything unless they want to.”
Hilf added that it “put a lot of our guests at ease knowing there was an infrastructure in place to help and support their needs. Asking folks to travel internationally isn't always easy, and many of our guests had never traveled out of the U.S., and had anxiety about the trip. But being able to show them all the resort had to offer, as well as the safety and security measures in place, really put people's minds at ease. I don't think we would have had that peace of mind at a normal hotel or wedding venue.
“Many of our guests told us that it was their first time at an all-inclusive in Mexico and that they would certainly do it again for future vacations,” he adds.
Ease of All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts typically include activities in their nightly rates, which makes entertaining wedding guests easy.
“It's important for couples to work with the destinations to see what they offer and how they can put together options for their guests to enjoy,” Rothweiler says. “Even if the couple is more laid back and not into activities, there should be plenty of activities for the guests and something official with the couple for each night guests will be staying.”
She adds that for those guests staying an extra day, some couples may host a bon voyage-type brunch (without an additional cost incurred) so everyone can get together one last time before the festivities come to a close.
Couples seeking a wedding destination with plenty of sun, sea and sand, not to mention rich history, vibrant cultures and delectable cuisine, should look at Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Our neighbors to the south are easily accessible from throughout the U.S., with an average of more than 6,800 Mexico-bound flights departing from across the country each week, and an average of more than 1,000 weekly flights to the Dominican Republic. And when it comes to timing, Carats & Cake, a subsidiary of ROH and ALHI partner, says that some experts consider the months between (and including) January and May the best months when it comes to the weather in Mexico, while the months falling between December through April sees sun-kissed days and less rain in the Dominican Republic.
“If you're thinking about having your wedding at an all-inclusive resort overseas, do it,” Hilf suggests. “We don't regret any of our decisions and made memories that will certainly last a lifetime.”
Once your clients have set their sights on a destination wedding, it’s time to choose the venue. Here, we look at four ALHI Member all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic that make planning a wedding a piece of (wedding) cake and will inspire your guests to say “¡Si!” to celebrating with you.
Live Aqua Cancún All Inclusive
Live Aqua Cancún, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea, makes a destination wedding easy for wedding guests — Cancún International Airport is less than 20 miles away. Once your guests have arrived and settle into their recently remodeled guest rooms or suites, complete with an aromatherapy menu, they may not want to leave. Fortunately, the resort has plenty to offer when they do venture out, including 11 restaurants and bars, watersports and other activities, the Feel Harmony Spa and, of course, the beach. Live Aqua Cancún hosts one wedding a day, ensuring that every wedding couple and their guests take center stage.
Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
Sitting on the shores of Uvero Alto and flanked by lush groves of palm trees on the east coast of the island of the Dominican Republic, Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana sets an exclusive scene for any destination wedding. All guest rooms and suites at the all-inclusive, adults-only resort boast their own private terraces, some with private infinity pools. Across the resort your guests will find nine restaurants and six bars, pools, gardens the Feel Harmony Spa and a long stretch of uncrowded beach. The wedding team is ready to tailor activities and local tours, which is sure to delight your guests.
Mahekal Beach Resort
Whisk your guests away from Cancún International Airport for a memorable destination wedding at Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen. While the resort’s all-inclusive offering appeals to many, there is also a half-board option that includes meals, but not drinks. When it comes to accommodations, guests can choose from guest rooms, suites, beach houses and haciendas, so there’s something for everyone. In addition to nearly 1,000 feet or private beach, Mahekal also has four pools (in addition to the plunge pools in some of the beach houses and suites), and six open-air restaurants and bars.
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive
Imagine tying the knot with a backdrop of the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean. That serene scene is a reality for couples who choose Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos for their destination weddings. All the all-inclusive resort’s guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, exemplary service and even a golf package for those who’d like to tee off during their stay. In addition to celebrating you, your guests will find plenty to enjoy on their own, including 9 restaurants, six bars, pools and the beach, a state-of-the-art gym and SOMMA WineSpa, the only spa in Los Cabos that incorporates wine into its therapies.
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