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Welcome to the forum! This is a great resource for destination wedding planning and wedding tips in general.

I highly encourage you to contact the forum's official travel agency, Wright Travel Agency -- one of their experienced agents can help assist you on finding the perfect resort to host your festivities, with your budget in mind. Best of all their services are completely free but you'll have their expertise and guidance to help you determine the best property/venue. To get the process started, just shoot an email to [email protected] -- hope that helps! 😉 

On 2/7/2020 at 6:10 PM, KiaraB said:

Hey everyone!!!

Hoping to get some input from other brides with an above average sized destination wedding. I'm looking to find the perfect venue in Cabo for around 100 people. Preferably have the ceremony and reception in a private grassed area at the resort but open to anything at this point. Let me know if you have any tips or just any resort you've been to that would accommodate this size of crowd! Thank you!

Hi Kiara,

There are a lot of great venue options for large wedding groups in Cabo, it really depends on what you're looking for in terms of budget and location in the San Jose del Cabo/Cabo San Lucas area. A great route in booking a big wedding would be to choose a resort that can both serve as lodging for you and your guests as well as provide the venue space for your celebration -- when you go this route, many venues will actually offer free events, complimentary rooms and free upgrades. So you not only get a wonderful spot to vacation at, but it will also serve as the location for your wedding festivities. 

Feel free to shoot an email to [email protected] -- Wright Travel Agency is the agency that owns and operates this website. Their team of agents have helped thousands of couples plan their dream destination weddings over the past decade and they have worked with with most of the resorts in the Cabo area, so they have great relationships with the resorts' events teams and are familiar with the different properties to ensure that you find the perfect location for your celebration.

Hope that helps!

The use of TA is instrumental in booking a destination wedding for several reasons:

Namely, TAs have special rates and promos they can offer you, including perks of complimentary rooms and upgrades. Wright Travel actually has a Bride & Groom Fly Free Promo, which gives couples up to $1,000 cash back. These are perks you can take advantage of by working with a TA. Also, most agencies also do not charge any service fee, so you are essentially having the expertise and convenience of a travel agent without paying a dime. Experienced agents will also have valuable insight into the best property to host your wedding, and if they are familiar with your resort, they can also offer you and your guests tips on how to make your stay even better. Good TAs will also have close connections wiht the wedding department, essentially benefiting you throughout the planning process. Securing a room block is also important to ensure your resort does not run out of rooms and also to secure a group rate. Lastly, having a travel agent handle you and your guests travel plans is vital so that you don't have to deal with it. Anything can happen when it comes to travel and if you don't have an agent, your guests will turn to you for help. As a former destination wedding bride, I did not work with a TA and I regretted it. Having to answer a million questions from guests on where to stay, where to book, where to go, drove me nuts. When it comes down to the final stretch of the wedding, it was the last thing I wanted to do when I already had a million things on my plate wedding wise. 

Here's a more in depth article regarding the benefits of using a TA. 

https://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/wedding-tips/c/planning/10-reasons-why-you-should-use-wright-travel-agency-for-your-destination-wedding-r2439/

We actually did our legal wedding at home -- a quick and easy ceremony at the local courthouse about a week before our destination wedding. Afterwards, we just went to lunch and shared a few celebratory cocktails 😊We did this so we didn't have to deal with the legal requirements (arriving early, blood test, etc.) you must abide by in Mexico. For us it worked out perfectly and our ceremony in Mexico was our official wedding with all our family and friends. 

1 hour ago, Vernicula said:

Hello!! My fiancé and I are planning on a destination wedding and we are wondering if there are any recommendations for a travel agency to use. I’ve emailed some I found online, but find it tough just communicating through email before we decide where to book. After we book, obviously email is convenient! We are in the Niagara Falls On area and would love to sit and meet with someone but don’t know where to start. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Thank you  

When it comes to having a destination wedding, I think the first and most important step is contacting an experienced travel agent who can help guide you to the perfect location and destination resort to host your festivities.

This forum/website is actually owned and operated by Wright Travel Agency, which specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons. Wright Travel's team of agents have helped thousands of couples plan their dream weddings for more than a decade. This agency does NOT charge any fees to use their services so they're such a great help and resource for couples, but most importantly, their agents are experts when it comes to destination locations and properties. And they can guide you to the perfect location and resort to fit your needs and price point range.

I strongly encourage you to contact Wright Travel at [email protected] or you can fill out the contact form here: https://www.wrighttravelagency.com/destination-weddings/

Also you can view reviews from past couples who have used Wright Travel here: https://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/reviews/p/21494-wright-travel-agency-destination-wedding-and-honeymoon-specialists/

And lastly, here's an article on 10 reasons why you should use Wright Travel: 

I hope that helps you a little as you begin your search for the perfect location for your destination wedding! This website is also a great source of ideas, insight and guidance as you plan your wedding. Best of luck 😉

If you use the search function for those locations you may better be able to find something. What exactly are you looking for? Recs on photographers?

Hi there! I visited Now Amber PV in February for a wedding event for travel industry professionals. I stayed there for 4 days and they hosted us for several events and two dinners and everything was amazing. Their wedding department staff/team is incredible and the designs/decor were all crafted so beautifully!! There are several wonderful options to host events and I was so impressed by how they utilized and transformed each of the spaces. We had events in the lobby, which has the most beautiful view. On the beach, in the middle area terrace of the resort, and on the pool deck. The service was top notch and entertainment was fantastic. As a resort, it was a great place to spend a getaway. The resort staff is great, the food/drinks were all delicious and the overall vibe of the place is just perfect. Your daughter has picked a wonderful resort to host her wedding! If you have any more specific questions about Now Amber, feel free to ask here! Or shoot an email to [email protected] -- this is the official travel agency of this forum and several members on our team have stayed at Now Amber and had couples book their wedding there 😊

Where are you getting married? Location and resort?

Hi there!! Congrats on your engagement. You have definitely come to the right place to plan your destination wedding -- this site is a gold mine for ideas and tips for destination couples. I was a destination bride myself 10 years ago and lived on this site obsessively for 2 years

For the Dominican Republic, I think a great resort that fits what you're looking for is Now Onyx! They have amazing swimup suites, they are an oceanfront resort and best of all, they have both an incredible adults only section with the best pool area and a family friendly areas as well. The adults in your group will also have access to Breathless Punta Cana, which is next door where they have a great nightclub and casino but they can also use all the amenities there as well (as long as the property has not been bought out for your travel dates). 

I along with a few agents of Wright Travel Agency, which is the official agency of this forum, stayed there for 4 days this past January and I was thoroughly impressed with the accommodations, amenities, food and excellent service. Also, they have an amazing wedding team there that does everything to please couples and give them the wedding of their dreams!

If you want information about this resort and pricing, I suggest you contact Wright Travel Agency and one of their Dominican Republic specialist will get back to you! Wright Travel also has exclusive promos and discounts to many resorts -- including this one. There is a great promo called the Bride and Groom Fly Free credit, which can save you up to $1,000!!! You can contact them here www.wrighttravelagency.com or email directly at [email protected] 

Hope that helps and again, congrats!!! ❤️ 

The most recent post I found for Azul Fives brides is here -- although it hasn't been updated much: 

You can also find a Cancun-Riviera Maya FB group hosted by this forum here, that will have various info you might find helpful! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CancunRMBrides/

Since you are considering Azul Fives for your wedding, I also encourage you to check out this promotion because it could save you a good amount of money on your wedding -- the only requirement is that you use Wright Travel, which is the official travel agency of the BDW forum! But their services are free, so it's a total bonus and will be a huge help as you plan your wedding celebration Hope that helps!!!

12 hours ago, ericayamila said:

Hi MarieSam, yes we had a contract with him and he said that he would have my pictures edited before I left Punta Cana and then I would have to choose the pictures I liked and he would then print them put them in an album and ship it to me.  I called him the night before we were leaving and he said he was having issues with the internet and that he would email them to me a few days later. It's now 5 months and he is still ignoring my calls, texts and emails.  I have been writing negative reviews everywhere I can and It looks like he blocked me on facebook because I cant go onto his page anymore.

This is such a shame, I am really so sorry this is happening to you  Well, I would exhaust all sites you can write reviews on -- Wedding Wire, Facebook, Trip Advisor, etc. If you paid by credit card, can you contest the charge since he failed to deliver the product? Also, maybe contact the venue where you got married -- they may have a working relationship with him and letting them know may force his hand since he wants to keep a good relationship with them. It's really so awful when vendors do this to couples, especially when it comes to a day that means so much to them. Sending good thoughts your way that you will somehow get your photos!!!

I'm so sorry to hear this  Did you have a signed contract with him? What did he or the contract say the turn around time be? If it is way past the deadline, you have made several documented attempts to contact him, and he has broken your contract and failed to produce what has been promised, you could resort to writing an online review of your experience -- often times, that motivates vendors who've dropped the ball to rectify the situation because it affects other potential clients. 

It's really tough when you put your heart and soul into planning your destination wedding and people aren't supportive for whatever reason. I think maybe letting people know how much it will cost for 2 weeks may be an issue -- a lot of people can't take that much time off and I"m guessing because it's such an extended period of time, the price may seem high to her. A good way of presenting a destination wedding celebration is to give rates based on 4 days, 3 nights -- which is typically what resorts will require for a group booking. This way, people will view it more of an extended weekend celebration and the time off as well as the costs becomes much more feasible to people. More likely, you'll have guests who will opt to stay longer and at that point you just let them know how much the extra cost will be.

I suggest you talk to your best friend straight up about this and let her know how important it is for her to be there and find out what is holding her back. Communication is key!!

3 hours ago, DreamDestination said:

Hi we're planning a wedding for Riu Palace in Costa Rica. The process is going pretty well so far but we're having trouble finding info on rates and reception venues. Does anyone have info about reserving the rooftop terrace for ceremony and reception? We're concerned about lighting for photos. Also does anyone know rates for catering, rentals, flower vendors etc? Thanks!

First of all congrats!!! Costa Rica is a magical place for a wedding  Are you working with a travel agency for your rooms? If not, I would highly encourage you to do so because an agent can often help you get in contact with the wedding department to get that conversation/communication going. I would suggest working with Wright Travel Agency, the official agency of this forum. These agents are specialist in destination weddings and have access to great promotions and group perks in addition to being able to secure the best rates for your group. Best of all the agency does not charge any fees to use their service, but it will take a load off your plate not having to worry about arrangements for travel for you and your guests. Shoot an email over to [email protected] and one of the team members will get back to you and get the ball rolling for your group and the wedding department! Best wishes!!!

For decor and rentals, I would suggest contacting Archive Rentals based in Playa del Carmen. They have incredible pieces, decor and items for rent! http://archiverentals.com/category/?type=riviera

On 1/8/2019 at 3:54 PM, ChanDowney said:

I ran across the same problem!  Did you ever find anyone?

contact Archive Rentals, they are based in Playa del Carmen and have amazing pieces and decor for rental!!!

Welcome to the BDW forum!!! If you want to get some ideas of pricing and insight about this resort, you might want to try one of the BDW Travel Agents.  They specialize in destination weddings and have worked with brides at this resort as well as several others you may be considering.  You can contact them HERE! Best of luck!!!

That's a great tip and what a lovely dress!!!

Welcome to BDW!! First of all, Congrats on your engagement and plans for a New Year's wedding! I would suggest contacting the BDW Travel Agents for this forum as they have a lot of insight and expertise on choosing the best resort/venue to fit your needs and budget.  These agents also specialize in destination weddings.  You can contact them HERE!

Best of luck!!! 😊

I would honestly do some research on photo sessions -- weddings and engagements -- done at your location. Google for photos and if those images appeal to you and inspire you, then go for it! Your photographer will also be a great resource in giving you an opinion on whether it's ideal for photos. If your fiancee's father had a house near the lake a while back, then it's sure to hold sentimental value to your sweetheart and that alone might make it a great spot. But getting insight from your photographer would be a good next step -- he or she can give you some good suggestions on best spots for photos, lighting, etc. 

Having your travel agent speak with the resort is probably your best bet as good agents will often have close working relationships with the weddings department and can often work out an agreement with the resort as long as your photographer is staying at the resort or at the very least get the fee reduced. If that doesn't work, it may just be a cost that you have to eat unfortunately. Best of luck! 

Congrats on finding the perfect person for you! Love is a journey of patience and time Where are you guys planning on getting married?

Plunging necklines are definitely a modern approach and I LOVE them!!!