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I did a boarding pass STD with basic info -- date, location, wedding website -- sent about 6-8 months before the wedding. Then followed up with a Passport invite about 3 months before the wedding 

It's a gorgeous gown and a great steal for the bride that picks it up!!! 

Welcome dinners are wonderful and always such a good time for the couple and their guests -- without the stress or any timelines of the wedding day

If you're on an AI resort, plan to have a gathering at one of the restaurants or even a bar to keep is casual. If you're on a private property (condo/villa), plan something super casual but festive -- a taco bar is always easy! Or even propose it as a meet and greet for all your guests with just drinks and appetizers. We actually shot a wedding where all the guests were invited to a local restaurant that sectioned off an area for the party and the couple provided non-alcoholic drinks and appetizers, for those who wanted to eat, they had to order. It was fabulous and festive!

Everyone is going to have a great time regardless of how formal or casual it is, they'll all be pumped in anticipation of the big day!!!    Oh and all-white party is an awesome idea, since it will just be you and your hubby-to-be in all white come the Wedding Day!!!

I currently am helping my friend with her upcoming wedding at Dreams Riveria Maya this Sept. While also slowly planning my Riveria Maya wedding for next Fall. We've been looking at photographers and nothing is working into our budget. Everyone is stating 3K and up. Anyone know of great photographers to hire for much lower budget who can still give us great pictures ?

Fortunately, there are photographers these days for nearly almost every budget. I think the first thing is finding a photographer whose style you love, then reaching out to them for a quote. Definitely utilize the vendor sections on this site and take a look at the reviews and recommendations. Cancun/Riviera Maya has tons of awesome photographers for various price point ranges.

Another option is to reach out to a photographer that might be local to you or located in the US. Plenty of brides, including myself, have actually hired a photographer to travel to their destination and photograph their wedding. Sometimes this actually becomes economically feasible if the photographer is willing to work with your budget. It's just a matter of finding the one that fits your needs.

Good luck! 

So honestly, speaking as a former BDW bride -- booking a photographer was one of the very first things I did. This was especially important because our photographer was in high demand and we were flying them out to Mexico from California, so I wanted to make sure there were no conflicts.

It really depends on the logistics of booking your photographer -- are they local to the destination area or are you bringing one to the area. And of course, like TA Kathy mentioned, the good ones go fast! So if you find a photographer you really love, send out that inquiry right away and at least get the ball rolling to find out if they're available.

Speaking now as a wedding photographer -- I can tell you that some photographers are willing to book 2 years in advance where as others will only book a year in advance. Thankfully you have plenty of time to search and find the right one for you! The good thing about sending an inquiry early is that some photographers will honor their current pricing as opposed to giving you rates that will account for expected future markup.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Happy to give you my photographer insight 

Hi there! Welcome to the BDW Forum, this is a great resource as you plan your wedding day

I've never been to Costa Rica before but have always heard nothing but amazing things! I have been to Cabo several times and yes, it's a gorgeous incredible place to get married. I always think brides should follow their heart ~ get married in the place that calls you but is also the best fit for you and your guests.

Definitely utilize the search box at the top of the site and you'll be able to find more info on Costa Rica and brides who have gotten married there in the past. Another good option is to contact one of the forum's travel agents -- they can give you a ton of guidance and tips. If you want to get some ideas of pricing, you might want to try one of the BDW Travel Agents.  They Specialize in Destination weddings.  You can contact them HERE!

Best of luck on this journey ~ whichever place you choose, it will be AMAZING because destination weddings are always the best 

Congrats and welcome to the BDW forum!!!!! This will be an excellent resource to you as you plan your wedding day 

Cuba sounds fabulous!! Definitely use the search box up top with key phrase "Cuba photographers" and you should find some info that will give you some leads and direction. 

Good luck!!! 

So my hubby and I have two anniversaries too!

We did our civil/legal ceremony in court here in California a week before our destination wedding in Mexico. And yes, we dressed up, but nothing too fancy -- just beautiful white attire and we went to have a delicious lunch afterwards 

Then we had our official ceremony in Mexico in front of all our family and close friends -- and that's when we wore our full wedding attire complete with bridesmaids and groomsmen. We recognize that day as our official anniversary because it had all the bells and whistles. BUT we also try to acknowledge our legal date with a small and simple dinner each year -- if we remember, hahahaha.   

Two reasons to dress up and celebrate -- always a good idea 

Hi ladies! I am in love with Beaches Negril (via the website and what I've heard) and I'm wanting to get married there April 2016 anyone attended a wedding there or having a wedding there?  We plan on knowing for sure by this March where we are going to have this celebration! What exactly should my to do list look like and are there rules that say what you have to pay for your wedding party? I apologize if any of these question sound dumb but I'm new to this the biggest even I've planned is a child's birthday party.

Hi there and welcome!!! Congrats on your engagement    and welcome to the BDW Forum. This forum is a great resource of information that will be like a pot of gold as you plan your fabulous wedding celebration! Trust me, I was a DW bride 6 years ago and this forum saved me!!!!    And don't ever feel bad about asking questions, weddings are tough to plan and fortunately this forum is full of great insight and answers!!!

A good place to start when it comes to planning your Jamaica wedding would be to see what past Jamaica brides are saying here: Jamaica Wedding Forum  or Jamaica Wedding Resort Reviews -- that will give you firsthand insight and info from current and past brides.

As far as a to-do list, I think what's always most important is to first decide on a location and then an exact date. Of course, what helps to know the pricing and what types of packages the resort(s) you're looking at offer. If you want to get some ideas of pricing, you might want to try one of the BDW Travel Agents. They Specialize in Destination weddings and you can contact them HERE! These ladies are AWESOME and they will lead you on the right path.

When it comes to paying for for your bridal party -- I don't really think there are actual rules that require you to do so. It really depends on the couple and if it's in their wedding budget. I can tell you that I did not pay for my wedding party to attend our destination wedding in Mexico -- they each gladly paid their own travel and lodging and were completely happy to do so just to be a part of our special day. What I did do was gift each of our bridesmaids and groomsmen with awesome gift bags full of things I thought they would like and enjoy -- groomsmen got backpack type beach bags and leather flip flops to wear on Wedding day, while the girls got super cute woven totes and I bought them their shoes and flip flops for wedding day along with jewelry. For all our guests we also created Welcome Bags and they were filled with tons of items they could enjoy throughout their stay/vacation. My husband's parents also hosted a Welcome Dinner at the villa we rented the night before our wedding, so our guests were well fed And of course come Wedding Day, we had a delicious dinner and dessert spread with lots of alcohol -- it was an awesome party. So every gesture we extended was well received and appreciated   No one expected to have their way paid.

I hope that helps a little as you plan your day, just know this is a great place to answer all your questions along the way. Congrats once again and best wishes!!!!

So....we are in the beginning stages of planning a destination wedding and are finding it hard to find good info. If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations that would be incredible. We are planning to have around 60-70 people attend. Has to be kid friendly. We were hoping for something that wasn't too cookie cutter. We are open to the big all inclusives but would love to hear about other experiences as well. We haven't narrowed down a location so Mexico, Dom Republic, Cuba.... Let's hear about them!

 

Thank you all for your time   

Congrats on your engagement! I know planning a destination wedding can be really stressful, but you have come to the right place   I was a destination bride 6 years ago and the BDW Forum was like a pot of gold to me -- it's seriously THE BEST!!! 

This forum is a valuable source full of info full of recommendations and tips from past and present brides/grooms that will help you tons as you plan your destination celebration.

A great way to start the planning process is to get in touch with one of the BDW Travel Agents from Wright Travel, which is the official travel agency for this forum. They are a great resource and can give you the best options and pricing when it comes to picking the best resort for your Wedding! They also specialize in Destination weddings.  You can contact them HERE!

Best wishes and though stressful at time, the planning process can really be fun ~ so breathe, relax and enjoy 

Great to hear you had a wonderful wedding and that you were able to work with so many great vendors! I'm sure this post will be so helpful to many future Costa Rica brides! Make sure to share photos when you receive them ~ I've never been to Costa Rica but have heard only great things. 

Congrats once again!!!

Welcome to the forum and congrats!!! 

This forum is a gold mine for resources and tips, so you are in the right place. Definitely use the search function as it will help you a ton as you begin the journey of planning your dream wedding 

Welcome to the BDW forum, Greece as a wedding location sounds like a dream!

So I would say check out Santorini ~ I have heard and seen nothing but rave reviews about how spectacular a location that is for both vacation and/or wedding! Would probably be good to also ask the BDW travel agents at Wright Travel as I'm sure they could help you with some recommendations and of course travel arrangements!!!

Welcome to the BDW forum and congrats on your destination wedding plans!!!   I would suggest contacting BDW's official travel agency -- Wright Travel, they have helped tons of couples on here and the agents specialize in destination weddings so that will help a ton!! Here's the link to contact the forum agents: BDW Forum -- Contact Wright Travel 

Welcome Jordan and happy planning! You have definitely come to the right place 

Happy planning! I spent two years on this wedding forum before I got married and ended up with the wedding of my dreams, so it's definitely not too early to start the process. Best of luck!!! 

Welcome Jill, you have definitely come to the right place to plan your DW

Congrats Nikki! I got married in that same area of Mexico about three years ago and it was AMAZING! This forum was like gold for me during my two years of planning, so you have definitely come to the right place  Utilize every section of this forum and you will have no problem planning the wedding of your dreams. Best of luck!!!

Tulum is a gorgeous place! We just got back from the Akumal (town about 15 minutes from Tulum) a few days ago. Congrats, I'm sure you will have a wonderful experience there 

Congrats and welcome to the forum! You will find tons of helpful tips on finding a photographer on here in your destination location. Sometimes the resorts will also waive the photographer fee if your photographer stays at the hotel for a certain amount of days. Make sure to ask about this as it might help you out 

I've heard fabulous things about Montego Bay!! Great choice for a wedding ~ congrats and happy planning. You will love this forum!!!!! 

OMG my family and I stopped at St. Thomas during a cruise we went on over the summer. It was our first visit, and WOW the island is so beyond perfect and beautiful!!! You are going to have a glorious wedding there -- what cruise are you taking? Aaahhh, I'm excited for you, St. Thomas is really the most perfect place to get married!

Happy planning 

OMG my family and I went to St. Thomas over the summer -- it was a stop on our cruise. BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL place and definitely one of my favs. Megans Bay is where we spent the day and it was like a dream, I seriously cannot wait to go back and explore the island more. Your wedding is going to be fabulous!!!

Happy planning!!! 

Happy planning, you will love this forum!!! Where did you decide to have your wedding?

Welcome to the forum, Tulum is GORGEOUS!!! Great choice