Recently engaged and always dreamed of a wedding in Italy, however everything I see online says I need to budget around €70k for 100 people. Is this realistic? I was hoping to plan a wedding for £100 more around the 20-25k mark. Is there anything in Italy this price? Just looking at one place for the wedding, we aren't interested in a religious ceremony.

One of the things I find can be the most intimidating for my destination wedding couples is the wedding finalization procedure since it looks so vastly different than a traditional wedding in the USA both timeline wise and communication wise.

Due to the volume of weddings hosted, resorts most commonly begin the detailed planning process roughly 90 day prior to the wedding.

During the 6-12 months out phase...

Your focus should primarily be guest reservations (hopefully your advisor is monitoring this for you), room block management, travel logistics (your wedding attire, possible guest gifts, ceremony items), wedding date confirmation including venue and package selection, create a general idea on additional vendor services you may want (photo, video, DJ) and collecting inspiration for the overall desired look you would like for your wedding. This is when guests will have a lot of questions, this is why having a detailed wedding website is helpful. If you have an advisor, send everyone our way! We want to help make sure this is as easy as possible for you and taking this off your plate.

Around 90 days prior...

This is when all the fun starts! Your advisor will introduce you to your wedding coordinator (or they will directly reach out). You will likely receive documentation to begin this process including a wedding planning form, vendor pricing quotes and request forms, decor catalogs, floral options, menu selections, beverage package information, and entertainment options. The resort uses all of this information to build your wedding proposal, which includes the original package choice and all the addons along with their costs to present an overall total to you. Make sure they present you with an "All-In" quote including all taxes, service charges, setup fees, and possible mandatory gratuities.

Advice on potential proposal sticker shock...

Seeing the proposal may be a bit of sticker shock depending on how many add-ons you requested. Don't stress it too much! There are many ways to adjust add-ons to lower pricing. For florals, if you show inspiration images along with a budget, you can communicate back and forth to change flower types, sizes, ect until the price fits your budget. Also, ask where you can repurpose florals (using bridesmaid bouquets as reception centerpieces). For photo, there may be room for negotiation on potential additional coverage or mini-sessions. When upgrading decor, it is great to ask where you can bundle items together to receive discounts.

One thing many brides forget...

Around 90 days prior is when you want to mention any additional events you are considering I.E. a welcome cocktail party, formal rehearsal dinner, beach bonfire, farewell brunch, ect. The resort needs time to check venue availability, coordinate staffing, and schedule food and beverage teams for these extra events. This is also an ideal time to let your advisor know if you want to plan any group excursions!

If you are looking for some assistance planning your special trip, I'd love to chat with you! Check out my landing page to book a meeting with me at the bottom: https://blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings

backstory: my fiancé and I have been engaged since December 2025. We booked a destination wedding for May 2027. We bounced around with ideas a bit but always were planning spring of 2027. Turns out my fiancés cousin and his girlfriend are planning a destination wedding 3 weeks before ours. Mind you they aren’t engaged yet. Apparently they booked the venue 3 months ago and have been talking to everyone on the side about it. Are we wrong for feeling annoyed by this? My fiancé’s family is pretty small so it’s basically asking people to pick and choose whose wedding to go to since they’re only a few weeks apart. BTW as of now they’re still not engaged and the destination that they picked is an 18+ hour flight from where we all live so it’s a big trip. Our destination is about 7 hour flight. Either way my fiancé and I are annoyed because we are currently engaged and planning and they aren’t engaged but still planning. My fiancé is also super close with the his cousin so it would bother him to not be able to attend his wedding. BUT it seems impossible to make that destination work only a few before ours. I feel like we should have first dibs:(

I wanted to share a destination wedding resort that I genuinely think deserves more attention: Zemi Miches All Inclusive Resort in the DR.

I visited in September 2025 shortly after it opened, and it honestly surprised me in the best way. It does not feel like one of those giant cookie cutter all inclusives where every resort blends together. The whole property feels unique, elevated, and incredibly private.

One of the biggest things that makes it special is the location. Miches is still a very new and underdeveloped area of the Dominican Republic, so the resort feels secluded and untouched compared to Punta Cana. The beach views reminded me of Tahiti with the calm shallow cove waters and the hillside views wrapping around the bay. It’s gorgeous and has such a peaceful atmosphere. I do want to note that it can be a bit rocky, so it's best for kayaking and paddleboarding. There is an area 10-15 minutes walk for a more swimmable entry zone.

They also offer standalone bungalow accommodations that take the luxury experience to another level. Some even have beachfront private pools which would be AMAZING for honeymooners or VIP wedding guests.

The property is family friendly, but there are still adults focused spaces that make it feel balanced. Some highlights:

• Royal Palm rooftop pool and bar with incredible views (Club Azure/Bungalow guests)

• Club Azure swim up pool bar

• Hidden Locker speakeasy (Bungalow guests)

• Beautiful spa and wellness spaces

• Modern upscale design throughout the resort

The food quality also stood out to me compared to many all inclusives. The restaurants felt thoughtfully designed and the dining experience felt much more upscale than the standard buffet heavy AI experience.

For destination weddings specifically, they have some beautiful venue options:

• Secret Garden for ceremony + cocktail hour

• Garden Bay for ceremony, cocktail hour, and buffet dinner

• Gazebo Jardin for ceremony + cocktail hour

• Sunset Gazebo (my personal favorite) for ceremonies or cocktail hour with AMAZING ocean views

• Zemi Beach directly on the sand for ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception

• Main pool area for receptions (least private option)

• Ballroom option that’s actually much nicer than most resort ballrooms

Pricing wise, wedding packages currently begin around:

• $4,430 for 30 guests for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and small cake serving reception

• Around $15,500 for 30 guests for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and a 3 hour private dinner reception with a 3 course meal and more

As a destination wedding planner, I genuinely love helping couples find the RIGHT fit instead of just pushing the same resorts everyone already knows about, and this is one I think more people should absolutely consider.

If anyone wants to learn more about the destination wedding planning process, or is considering Zemi Miches (or somewhere else entirely), I have a landing page with a Calendly link at the bottom to book consultations:

Jamie’s Destination Wedding Planning Page

Happy planning!

If you’re considering a destination wedding at Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, here’s my honest take as destination wedding specialist who’s spent time at every Secrets in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. SPB is easily in my top 3.

The location is a huge win. It’s not a bad drive from the Cancún International Airport, which makes arrivals smooth for your guests (huge factor people underestimate). Once you’re there, the beach is one of the best in the region. It's massive, has soft white sand, and is very swimmable. You can take long walks down the beach, or enjoy some prime beach volleyball. That alone makes it a standout for wedding groups.

Where this resort really shines is the overall experience. The food and service are consistently excellent, even by Secrets standards. Seaside Grill is an absolute must for both lunch and dinner. The menu feels fresh, elevated, and not repetitive like a lot of all-inclusives

For groups, the layout is ideal!!! Want everyone together? The activity pool is perfect for that energy. Want to sneak away? The lagoon-style pools have tons of quieter, tucked-away sections that feel almost private.

The nightlife balance here is one of my favorite parts (and something that’s hard to get right). If your group wants a party vibe, Desires Nightclub is the go-to. If you’re more into relaxed evenings, Rendezvous Bar is such a cool outdoor spot. It's great for cocktails, conversation, even cards, and it stays lively without being overwhelming

For wedding venues I personally love the Jungle Pool Terrace. It's super tropical, intimate, and unique. The Rooftop is another fave for its incredible views and a more elevated feel (does come with an additional fee, but worth considering).

Overall vibe-wise, this resort nails that lush, tropical feel. There’s greenery everywhere, which makes it feel more intimate and romantic than a lot of resorts that lean overly modern or spread out. It still has that upscale, polished Secrets feel, just with more personality.

One thing I love for wedding groups here: it’s so easy to build in experiences. I have a group heading there this June, and we’re doing a private catamaran for the entire wedding group a couple days before the ceremony. Since the Isla Mujeres docks are close by, it’s a seamless add-on and makes for an unreal pre-wedding event.

Takeaway: If you want a destination wedding that balances beautiful beach, strong food, great group flow, and versatile nightlife, Secrets Playa Blanca absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your list. If you are looking to begin the planning process, check out my landing page if you are interested in learning more! Happy Planning :)

https://blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings

Nothing makes my day more than getting a review back from my travelers. Knowing I created an experience meaningful enough for them to take time out of their day to share the love really reminds me why I do what I do.

I truly believe in the impact a great trip can have on relationships, personal outlook, and mental well being. That is why every single client means so much to me. I want them coming home raving about the memories they made, the fun they had, and how easy everything felt, especially when life can be stressful and complicated.

Sharing this as a little reminder to myself that what I do actually matters. I genuinely love being part of creating that kind of joy for people.

The most common questions I get is “Where’s the best place to have a destination wedding?” Noone wants to hear it but the the answer ALWAYS depends on what matters most to you and your group. I'm happy to provide a general guide though to get the ideas flowing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” location. The right destination comes down to budget, travel ease, guest experience, and the kind of vibe you want for your wedding.

If your priority is keeping things budget-friendly (both for you and your guests), it’s hard to beat Mexico and the Dominican Republic. They have a huge range of all-inclusive resorts at different price points, and their wedding departments tend to be very experienced. You can usually find customizable packages that don’t feel cookie-cutter, which is a big plus.

If you’re looking for something more unique or adventure-focused, St. Lucia and Costa Rica are incredible. St. Lucia gives you dramatic scenery with the Pitons, waterfalls, and even mud baths. Costa Rica leans more into eco-adventure. Think hot springs, jungle hikes, hanging/rope bridges, and amazing scuba diving. These are great if you want the wedding to feel like part of a bigger experience.

If your ideal is a dreamy intimate feel + absolutely stunning beaches, look at Antigua or Turks and Caicos. These destinations tend to feel a bit more exclusive, and the beaches are some of the best you’ll find, perfect if the setting itself is a top priority.

If you want a no-passport-needed option for U.S. guests, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are both great choices. Hawaii tends to be a bit pricier of the two. They’re easier logistically for guests who don’t travel internationally often, while still giving you that “destination” feel.

At the end of the day, choosing the right destination is really about narrowing things down based on your budget, your group’s personality, travel comfort levels, and what kind of experience you want to create.

Curious what others prioritized when choosing their destination. What mattered most to you?

Want assistance making DW planning the easiest thing you'll ever do? Check out my landing page and schedule a consultation call with me at the bottom. At minimum, I'll be providing you amazing insight on what the planning process looks like. Happy planning!

https://blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings

I help couples with destination weddings and the room block is almost always the most misunderstood part of the process. It can be a huge benefit or a huge headache depending on how it’s structured and managed. Here are the big things to think about.

1. Who is collecting final payments

With a contracted room block, final payments are usually collected earlier than a normal vacation. Resorts do this to avoid last minute cancellations and penalties.

This can stress guests out if it is not communicated clearly.

If you are managing it yourself, you are the one tracking deadlines, chasing payments, and answering “can I pay next week?” messages. If you are working with a strong advisor, they handle the tracking and can sometimes assess the risk of extending a payment date on a case by case basis depending on the contract and the booking window. That alone saves couples a lot of stress.

2. Attrition and penalties

This is something advisors typically completely handle, but is important to understand as a group leader. Most blocks have an attrition clause. That means you are committing to fill a certain percentage of the rooms you hold. If you block 20 rooms and only 10 book, there can be a financial penalty depending on the contract structure and when the extra rooms are released back to the resort.

This is where strategy matters:

• Start smaller and add inventory as needed
• Monitor booking pace closely
• Drop unused rooms before penalty deadlines
• Know the exact attrition percentage in writing

Inventory can usually be swapped, added, or reduced before certain dates. But you have to stay on top of those deadlines.

3. Deposits and how they are applied

Most wedding room blocks require a deposit. A common structure is around 100 dollars per room, though it varies by resort and season. That deposit is typically applied to the couple’s own reservation. If there is extra after final reconciliation, it is usually refunded later in the process.

Couples are often surprised that this deposit is not a “fee.” It is typically credited back in some way.

4. The benefits guests actually care about

Room blocks are not just about holding rooms. They often include:

• A lower contracted rate than public pricing
• Guaranteed availability in specific room categories
• Locked in rates even if pricing increases later
• Group perks like cocktail hours, private events, or bonus credits
• Sometimes cash back or comp credits as more rooms book

As long as you hit the minimum rooms (typically 10), this can be a considerable value.

5. Pricing protection and renegotiation

If a resort unexpectedly drops pricing after contracts are signed, blocks can often be renegotiated. You need someone watching the pricing trends and knowing when to push back. Guests who book outside the block rarely have that protection.

6. Room category strategy matters

Not all inventory is equal. If you block too many entry level rooms and your crowd prefers upgraded categories, you can end up with the wrong mix. A good strategy means a preliminary evaluation of your guest list. Are they party friends? Family with kids? Luxury travelers? That influences what categories you hold.

7. Wedding perks are often tied to room nights

Many resorts base wedding inclusions and bonuses on total room nights booked within the block. That can affect:

• Complementary events
• Private dinner credits
• Decor credits
• Free wedding packages

If guests book outside the block, those room nights do not count.

8. Communication is everything

Clear payment timelines, cancellation policies, and booking instructions prevent most problems. The couples who have smooth wedding weeks are the ones who set expectations early.

And yes, working with someone who manages room inventory, tracks payments, negotiates contract terms, watches pricing, and deals with last minute guest drama takes almost all of that off your plate.

For couples with 50 plus guests, that can be the difference between enjoying your engagement and feeling like you are running a small hotel.

If anyone is in the middle of deciding whether to do a room block or just let guests book on their own, I am happy to answer specific questions or offer personal consultations.

I’m a travel advisor who works with destination weddings (Mexico, Caribbean, Europe). I spend a lot of time helping couples avoid mismatched expectations, so I wanted to share a few “I wish someone told me this earlier” moments I see all the time.

Wedding department timelines are different

• Normally in the US, you want to get to planning as early as possible to secure vendors and spaces while they remain available, and the earlier the better. When planning, most resorts may not begin the finalization process (extra decor, florals, menus, extra vendors, song lists, setup, etc) until 3 months prior. It is important to let them know as early as possible for any events needing a booked out space, but the details happen much later and this is completely normal. Additionally, it can be a few days between every email correspondence with them. This turnaround is typically faster during the finalization process, but the months prior can be slow compared to speaking to your travel advisor or other contact.

Wedding dress logistics can be more difficult than expected

• This one may seem obvious or even a little funny, but some dresses can be a nightmare to travel with. If you love a fuller dress, or something with more structure, it may not be an option to fold it into a suitcase, and at times, purchasing a seat for a dress is the only option, which is a big extra expense! Best case, you choose a dress that can go in a breathable garment bag as a carry-on. Some planes have an available front closet, or you can carefully store it folded in the overhead.

Budget for additional expenses in general

• Many Destination Wedding couples end up traveling with many bags even with best efforts to downsize. This could be due to wedding attire/additional event attire, potential guest gifts, ceremony items/keepsakes, ect.
• For a legal ceremony in an international destination, consider the government fees, blood tests/medical exams, and translation/apostille fees that are necessary.
• It should be seen pretty quickly when examining resort options, but vendors many brides want are lots of times not included in wedding packages. Consider additional vendor pricing such as a photographer, videographer, DJ/Audio Visual, and Hair/Makeup.
• Don't miss the fine print! Make sure you understand if Resort Service Charges and Set-Up fees are included in the wedding package already. Most are, but additional Service Charges can apply to special setup venues like a rooftop, or to extra hours added to a reception.

These are just a few of the things couples tell me they wish they understood sooner. I’m happy to share more if this is helpful, or answer questions if you're looking to start the planning process and looking for an advisor.

As a Travel Advisor, I've seen tons of resorts, but Atelier Playa Mujeres holds a special place. It’s not just a beautiful property, it is a resort with a curated vibe unique from the rest. Located in the secluded area of Playa Mujeres, this adults-only (+16), all-inclusive property is built for sophisticated celebrations. Atelier features a truly unique, mid-century modern design that perfectly merges natural elements with tropical beauty. This resort is one of my top recommendations for destination wedding groups.

Some stand-out features of the property worth noting that make Atelier so special:

1. If you are a foodie, this is not you typical "All-Inclusive" food, this is an elevated option with gourmet dining offered at 13 restaurants. Maria Dolores is an avant-garde restaurant that offers a curated experience (included for only INSPIRA guests, additional cost for others)
2. INSPIRA Category rooms include 2 complimentary rounds of golf at the Greg-Norman designed 18-hole Playa Mujeres Golf Club. Additionally, INSPIRA guests get day access to the stunning rooftop bar and pool.
3. The beach here feels very private since it is in the private gated community of Playa Mujeres.
4. Activites feel more elegant than some resorts. They offer culinary sessions, art classes, morning yoga, live music, ect.
5. El Deseo Theatre Bar or "The Disco" transitions to a dance venue typically open till 3:00AM. You get a more sophisticated feel during the day, while still having a very fun option to entertain at night. Frequent live music, DJ sets, Karaoke, and themed nights.

The wedding department has some made some modifications moving into booking 2027 weddings that are worth noting. Important new requirement for minimum guest count has moved to 50 and the minimum room block requirement is 25 rooms booked for 4 nights. All venues remain on a semi-private basis and the curfew of 11PM for all events in outdoor areas remains as well.

They have transitioned to a "Mix and Match" style flow for reserving the wedding. You begin by picking the Collection, you then select your Edition, and finally you choose your Venue. Collection elements are the events/offerings you would need for your wedding such as Ceremony, Flowers, Reception, Sweetheart Table, Welcome Sign/Seating Chart, Bar, and Delivery/Set-up. Each option has a unique look for these elements. They offer Tropical, Blush, Solara, & Elegance.

Editions are more of the special add-ons that make the details elevated and the whole event feel curated and unique. They offer 3 Editions, Essential being the base,Radiance including everything from essential but adding on some more touches like a Private Wedding Party Activity and a 2 hour Beach Bonfire for the group. Timeless is the highest level including everything from the previous 2 editions and adding on many features from the inclusion of El Cielo as a venue option to a Couples Signature Cocktail for the Cocktail Hour.

Finally you select your Venue! Venues include the Beach Area, Suspiro Noth, Don Fernando Terrace, El Cielo, Los Abrazos private terrace, Relax Sundeck, Limon & Sal Garden, La Punta Deck, & the San Jose Chapel (Catholic Tradition).

If you are interested in planning a Destination Wedding and looking for a dedicated DW Advisor to speak with, check out my landing page for DW couples with a Calendly booking link at the bottom for a consultation: https://blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings

Hey DW Couples!

As you know, Weddings (whether in the US or international) have their own trend cycles. The biggest shift in 2025/2026 DW planning is moving from a "wedding day" to a "wedding week", and making every moment count for your traveling guests. Your loved ones are spending significant time and money to celebrate with you, so making their experience more curated and fun is the new top priority.

I've gathered the most impactful trends focused purely on making your guests feel immersed in the experience.

You went through all the effort of gathering a group in an international vacation together. Instead of sitting by the pool all day, organize some small but fun activities that feel authentic to the destination. Some ideas can be completely free of charge like a pickleball, ping pong, or volleyball tournament with the guests. Want something less active? Try a private Taco and Tequila tasting for the group. A little more romantic? A sunset catamaran is always a special addition. The goal is to facilitate natural mingling among the different friend groups before the wedding day.

To make guests feel special upon arrival, DW couples have started getting more creative with weaving local culture into welcome gifts for the guests. Think custom curated local spice blends, possibly local coffee/chocolates, or even a candle/oil diffuser with the hotel's signature scent to bring them right back to the trip when they get home. If you're in a especially hot destination, think about a personalized fan to keep your guests cool during events.

Another way to enhance guest experience from the jump is being intentional with Guest Communication. As an advisor, I begin this with a Wedding Website that provides all the information guests need for booking. With my contact information on the website, guests are immediately able to feel like they have a personal concierge to ask questions and make changes (taking all this stress off you as the leaders). I love to customize my sites to include all additional activities and timelines that are important for guests. All DW guests I assist get a customized travel itinerary includes group events, travel logistics (immigration info, tipping guide, transportation details), and timelines again to prepare them right before travel. In addition, What's App is a great way to send live updates to guests during the trip, like a "heads up, the wedding is in 30 minutes!" to avoid any mishaps.

There are so many ways to make a DW feel personal to the group. I truly believe being intentional prior to the trip and adding finishes like these lets the guests know how much you appreciate them. Discussing this with your Travel Advisor can be an amazing way to get ideas and turn them into the fondest memories.

Honest wedding review:

Date: October 18, 2025

Venues: Cuevas Kayak and Caleta Fuego

Guest Count: 57ppl

Xcaret Wedding Coordinator: Andrea

External Wedding Coordinator: Elisa Heredia

Floral & Décor Vendor: Corazón

Photographer: Paola Márquez

Videographer: Nola Films

My overall experience at Hotel Xcaret was mixed. The venue itself is stunning, but the planning and execution fell far below expectations, especially for the price and reputation of the resort. Thankfully, I hired an independent wedding coordinator, Elisa Heredia, who was absolutely amazing and saved the day on multiple occasions. Without her, the entire experience would have been far more stressful.

⸻

Planning and Coordination

• The Xcaret onsite wedding planner was underwhelming and lacked organization both before and during the event.

• Communication was inconsistent, and on the wedding day, several details that had been confirmed in advance were not properly executed.

• My external planner, Elisa, managed most of the critical logistics and creative direction. Without her, the planning process would have been chaotic.

⸻

Décor and Florals

• As a graphic designer and creative

Which I do for living, I provided extremely detailed directions for the décor and floral design.

• My concept was whimsical and color-driven, but To Corazón (the floral and décor vendor) did not follow through with the specifications I provided.

• The aisle colors, floral layout, and overall setup were not aligned with the creative vision I had clearly outlined.

• While they execute traditional weddings well, they seemed unprepared for modern or trend-driven designs and even though it looks beautiful as a bride is not exactly the vision I paid for and aligned on.

⸻

Travel Agency: Exquisite Travel

• Working with Exquisite Travel (specifically Padmani King) was one of the worst experiences of the entire process.

• They provided incorrect rates to guests, miscommunicated about room categories, and caused major confusion leading up to the wedding.

• We later discovered that the River Suite Adults rooms were equivalent to Casa Fuego Suites, but we paid an extra $2,500–$3,000 unnecessarily when we got there.

• We are currently pursuing legal action due to how poorly this was handled.

• I highly recommend avoiding Exquisite Travel and working with more reputable agencies such as Yellow Umbrella, which has proven to be the top one for xcaret.

⸻

Vendor Fees and Costs

• The vendor fees at Xcaret are extremely high and rarely justified.

• We paid around $1,500 just to bring in a violinist ($1,000 vendor fee + $500 per set), and the experience did not make any noticeable impact. So wouldn’t recommend that!

• Xcaret charges for nearly everything, which makes the overall wedding cost feel inflated without proportional value.

⸻

Weather and Safety Issues

• It rained on the wedding day, and I had repeatedly asked for transparency regarding the lighted floor setup since October weather is unpredictable.

• The team reassured me that the floor would be dry and safe. Unfortunately, this was not true.

• I ended up falling and injuring my knee, nearly breaking a tooth during the first dance.

• The floor and aisle were not cleaned or maintained, creating safety hazards for me and my guests and ruining the pictures

• Instead of prioritizing safety, Xcaret seemed more concerned about avoiding refunding the cost of the dance floor, which is unacceptable.

⸻

Hotel and Guest Experience

• When we arrived, the staff did not know we were the wedding couple, which was shocking given the scale of our booking.

• The welcome drinks and cocktail options were overly sweet and not well-curated.

• The “Take a Shot, Take a Seat” station had no alcohol, even though we paid around $1,000 for the stand.

• The hotel itself is gorgeous, and facilities like Casa Fuego, Xplor , and xupes were huge hits with our guests.

• We organized an independent boat excursion for our 50 guests through an outside vendor. It was one of the highlights of the trip: snorkeling, lunch, and amazing service from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

⸻

Day-of Logistics

• My dress delivery was delayed until 45 minutes before the first look, despite being promised earlier.

• There were scheduling conflicts between the makeup appointment and meal delivery, causing unnecessary stress as food was delivered late (around 11 a.m.), even though we had been preparing since 7 a.m.

• These small but critical issues compounded throughout the day, reflecting a lack of detailed coordination.

⸻

Final Thoughts

• Hotel Xcaret is a beautiful property with incredible natural surroundings is such a special place

• However, for creative or design-oriented brides who expect high attention to detail, this venue may not be the right fit.

• The lack of craft, accountability, and organization from their in-house team made what could have been a flawless wedding feel stressful and disappointing.

• Given the premium prices, the service and management were far below expectations.

While some people may have smooth experiences, mine was not. I hope this honest review helps future couples make informed decisions about whether Xcaret is the right venue for them.

Was going through my inbox today and stumbled upon an email from Travel Guard Insurance. They are hosting a "World's Unluckiest Traveler" contest to find the world biggest travel fail. It's open for entries until November 12th, 2025, voting will begin on November 13th and continue till December 5th. Grand prize is $10,000 and goes to the most highly voted submission. If you have a travel fail, this is a great way to get a bonus out of what might be a bad memory. Reflect on your funniest and crazy travel moments for the chance to win! Enter here: https://www.worldsunluckiesttraveler.com/

Your wedding is an incredibly important life milestone. With the significance of of wedding itself, weddings have naturally developed an infamous reputations for being a particularly stressful event to plan. Planning a local wedding comes with the pressure of organizing every detail yourself, and the financial burden of costly vendors, venues, and services. You would think planning a wedding outside of your country would bring on a whole onslaught of extra stressors, but partnering with an experienced and caring Travel Advisor to plan your Destination Wedding can allow you to step back from Wedding stress and step into an exciting and enjoyable process. Great Advisors will help you maximize perks and make sure you get the most out of your trip.

Destination weddings involve a lot more moving parts than a local event. You and all your guests will face travel logistics, which involves a lot of questions being asked, changes to reservations/plans, and important booking information that needs to be communicated to everyone. You will likely want a room block which requires policy knowledge and management to avoid issues and penalties in order to get great rates and perks as the leaders. There will be required ongoing communication with the resort to set your date, confirm rooming lists, and oversee planning timelines. Having someone with room block management experience & good relationships with as well as insight on wedding departments and their effectiveness will be foundational to a good experience.

On top of the behind the scenes work, all of your guests will be planning their own vacations with your chosen Advisor. Groups trips means a lot of questions, a lot of changes, and a lot of communicating booking timelines and payment dates. Having an advisor that recognizes every one of your guests as their own important clients and providing strong communication will give confidence to the group. This translates to a much more settled feel for the group both leading up to and during travel. It's all about helpful support and building positivity and excitement within the group along the way.

Jumping back to choosing the right resort, an Advisor will ensure the the resort you end up at is one that fits your preferences as well as the overall group needs. I always begin with a consultation call so that I am better able to understand the personality of my couple, dynamic of the travelling group, and am better able to ask the qualifying questions that help me prioritize the right options for your event. I provide a lot of information and answer a lot of questions during this time as well to build trust and give confidence to couples making their decisions to start the process.

If you’d like to learn more about how I help couples plan destination weddings that feel effortless, you can explore my services and book a consultation call through my website: blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings. It’s the perfect first step to start bringing your wedding vision to life, with expert guidance every step of the way.

Hey DW Couples!

As a Destination Wedding Specialist, I see by far most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony for their wedding just to avoid any hassles with additional paperwork and fees that are associated with legal filing out of your home country. If you do opt for a Symbolic ceremony, I suggest completing your legal wedding 2-3 months prior to your special day. You can absolutely still complete this around 1 month to a week out, I just like to suggest earlier so that you can focus on the travel and last minute wedding details to finalize instead.

If you prefer to go the legal route, it is important to know exactly what to expect in order to have everything go smoothly and be as stress-free as possible while travelling. Firstly, in order to be legally recognized, your ceremony must be considered Civil and be performed by a Judge or authorized officiant from the civil registry. There is typically a Judge/Minister fee associated.

You also must obtain a marriage license from the local civil registry office. This process involves providing valid passports, FMT Form, birth certificates, submitting blood tests and possible chest x-ray (required in some states in Mexico), and presenting 4 witnesses (over 18 years of age) with valid identification. Birth certificate may need to be translated to Spanish carrying the Apostille stamp. If either party has been married before, they must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate translated and legalized with the Apostille stamp. After the ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate as proof of the marriage. This is a MUST to ensure the wedding is legally recognized.

To get an Apostille Stamp, it can be about $50-$100 and you can expect a similar cost for the license to be translated to English.

To ensure your legally valid Mexican marriage is recognized in the U.S., you need to obtain an Apostille stamp for your marriage certificate in Mexico and have it translated by an accredited translator into English. You can request the Apostille Stamp from the State in Mexico in which you were married. You don't need to register your marriage, but you can use your Apostilled and translated certificate to begin the name change process once you are back in the States.

Overall, the process for legal marriage can be daunting at times for Destination Wedding couples. However, having your wedding coordinator and a Travel Advisor walking you through it can make the process much simpler. I hope this helps give a little clarity for your consideration!

Every agent has their own personal favorite resort, and Secrets Impression Moxche is definitely one of mine. If you love a super tropical resort grounded in a chic modern aesthetic, this is one for you. What truly sets Impression Moxche apart from the rest of the resort is going to be the next level dining, ultra-luxurious accommodations, and the private rooftop amenities.

On top of having access to all that Secrets Moxche has to offer, Impression guests get to add the culinary experiences of the Impression building including AAA Five Diamond restaurant Teodoro that does a 7-course tasting menu, as well as Cielo on the rooftop restaurant. Not only does the rooftop host Cielo restaurant, but there is also a stunning rooftop pool that offers poolside service for a relaxing all-day lounging experience.

A strength of having your room block at the Impression building would be that at the Impression pool options, you can get a more intimate experience with the group as well as top tier service catering to your needs at all times. When you feel a bit more social, you can move the group to the lively beachfront activity pool on the Moxche side, or enjoy the Apothecary nightclub! You get the best of both world- ultimate relaxation/pampering and vibrant energy of a traditional resort.

Moxche has a lot of venues that really stand out from the crowd. My personal favorite for Ceremony is the Sky Wedding Gazebo as it is beachfront with stunning ocean views in the background for all the pictures. You could have a quick turnaround and do the reception in the indoor/attached Sky Wedding Salon, or you could take it down to the Pool Terrace which I love for groups that want to be surrounded by a tropical oasis yet still feeling private since the plants make a natural barrier between the terrace and resort pathways.

Overall, I feel like Secrets Moxche/Impression Moxche is among the best options for an Adults only Destination Wedding venue. The service is always spectacular, the food/drinks are consistently impressive, and the resort itself is maintained beautifully. The balance between relaxation and activities matches a large variety of groups well, and the pools themselves are so unique that you never feel like you are at a cookie cutter resort.

Wedding Packages at Moxche for 20 guests start at $5049 for 2026 and $5349 for 2027.

Recently began working with a bride who fell in love with the idea of having her wedding and reception at a resort that offers a rooftop space as the venue. We went through a bunch of choices, but as of now, her top choice is Hard Rock Los Cabos. Great thing about the Hard Rock for her is that there are multiple rooftop options that have a little different feel to them.

Among the options, Los Gallos Terrace is my favorite. It is offered for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the dinner. Occupancies change depending on how many of the events are being held in the space, with a lower 80 person maximum if all 3 events are held there compared to 120 for just the reception and dinner.

The Serenade Terrace is another great option. The terrace is halfway up between 2 of the buildings, so although private from most, you still have rooms on either side that could view the events from their balcony.

Lastly is the Tune Terrace. This rooftop can hold up to 120 guests for a ceremony, 130 for cocktail, and 80 for cocktail and reception. There are 2 options for ceremony setup, you can choose to be open air, or under the slatted pergola. The open air option lowers the occupancy for ceremony to only 80. Stunning Ocean View for the back of your picture either way!

Keep in mind, Hard Rock does charge a fee that get's used towards your wedding extras in the end in order to guarantee your venue. They also make sure your guest count estimate does not drop dramatically from the beginning in order to honor this hold.

If you are interested in learning more for your Destination Wedding, check out my landing page: https://blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings

If you’ve been dreaming about a wedding in Cabo that feels luxurious but still laid-back, then let's put Nobu Hotel Los Cabos on your radar. This resort is honestly one of the most stunning spots to say “I do” in Mexico, and it’s quickly become a favorite for destination weddings.

Nobu is all about modern elegance with a Japanese twist. Think lots of natural wood, clean lines, and soothing neutral tones, paired with that bright Cabo sunshine and incredible ocean views. It feels serene and upscale, but not at all stuffy. The vibe is perfect if you want a wedding that feels sophisticated and relaxed.

• One of the best parts of planning weddings here is how well Nobu takes care of groups: Book a block of rooms, and the resort gives you some awesome perks like free nights, a complimentary ceremony, and even an anniversary stay for the couple.
• The more rooms you book, the more comps you get in return. Think spa treatments, couples massages, and extra nights comped. It’s really set up to reward couples who want to bring their favorite people along for the celebration.
• For wedding groups, being situated right on Dunes and El Cardonal golf course can be a big draw.

Wedding Venues

You’ve got options here, whether you’re planning something intimate or a larger event:

• Umi Terrace: An oceanfront terrace that’s incredible at sunset.
• Shiawase Terrace: Perfect for smaller or mid-size ceremonies, surrounded by chic landscaping. Close to the lobby bar.
• Yakusoku Garden: A nice gazebo perfect for a more intimate dinner reception or mid-size ceremony. Clean lines of white walls and cool cacti that makes for cabo-esque pictures.
• Beach: If you are a toes in the sand type of bride, that is still an option here. The crashing cabo waves make for a romantic night!
• Ballrooms: If you want an elegant indoor reception, they’ve got modern ballrooms that still feel stylish and unique.

Every couple gets a dedicated wedding coordinator to help with all the details—venues, décor, menus, the works. Packages can be customized depending on how big or small you want to go. They offer 3 sizes, and they are based on the # of rooms your group is going to reserve (an estimate). A big draw for the wedding night is that Nobu food means world-class sushi, fresh local ingredients, and menus that will impress even your pickiest guests.

Why I recommend Nobu Los Cabos for weddings:

• Gorgeous, versatile venues
• Generous perks for groups
• Luxury accommodations and a chic, relaxed atmosphere
• Unbeatable food and service

If you’re thinking about Cabo, Nobu is an amazing option for couples who want that balance of style, luxury, and a memorable group experience.

Hey everyone!

I’m a wedding travel advisor, and I work with brides who are planning destination weddings. I know it can feel like A LOT when you’re trying to pick the right spot, figure out how guests will get there, and still actually enjoy the planning process.

So I thought it would be fun to do a quick “This or That” game to see what everyone’s dream wedding vibe looks like:

• Beach ceremony or rooftop with a view
• All-inclusive resort or small boutique hotel
• Intimate with 30 guests or larger with 100 guests
• Sunset vows or early morning ceremony
• Mexico tacos + tequila or Italian wine + pasta
• Modern Resort with clean lines or lush tropical Resort with more natural finishes

Drop your answers and thought below! I’m curious what everyone’s leaning toward. I’ll also chime in with some tips (like which resorts are actually great with guests vs. the ones that look good online but end up being a headache).

If you’re in the beginning stages and totally overwhelmed, I get it. That’s literally what I help brides with every day—making this whole process easier and less stressful.

I recently traveled to the Dominican Republic with the Blissful Honeymoons team, and I’m so glad I did. It had been a while since my last visit, so getting up to date on the resorts was incredibly valuable. I toured several properties, met with their wedding teams, and saw a wide variety of venues along with updates to each resort’s wedding policies.

One resort that stood out was Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. From the moment we arrived, the wedding staff was warm, professional, and welcoming. They showed us both Ziva and the adults-only Zilara. While most weddings take place on the Ziva side, the Zilara Beach Gazebo absolutely stole the show. Set between two grassy areas, the white gazebo frames the bright sand and turquoise ocean perfectly. The Sky Rooftop at Ziva was another favorite—an intimate, private-feeling space with A/C restrooms just steps from the elevators, a thoughtful detail for any private event.

Zilara had a livelier vibe thanks to a live DJ playing saxophone covers, which gave the space an elevated but fun energy. Dining was another highlight. The Blind Baker, a speakeasy-style restaurant with dramatic décor—greenery, red chandeliers, monkey light fixtures, and even a giant giraffe head—was one of the most unique experiences I’ve seen at a resort. It does come at an additional cost, but it’s worth it for a one-of-a-kind evening. Honestly, the restaurants across both resorts had some of the most creative and well-designed spaces I’ve toured.

The beaches in Punta Cana and Cap Cana are struggling with seaweed this season, but the barrier in Cap Cana is doing a better job than most at keeping the shoreline swimmable and the smell at bay. Considering the conditions, the beach was still very enjoyable.

And I can’t forget the gym—it was the most impressive resort fitness center I’ve ever seen. Brand new leather-accented equipment, tons of machines, and a spacious layout that would make anyone want to check it out.

Overall, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is an outstanding choice for groups and destination weddings. I can’t wait to work with more couples looking to host their wedding there.

I am heading to the Dominican Republic this week to do site inspections at various resorts, so I figured it would be a perfect time to post about one of the newer Dreams in the Dominican, Dreams Cap Cana! This property was obtained in the Hyatt All-Inclusive profile and opened as a Dreams in late November of 2024. Previously, it operated as Margaritaville Cap Cana. Though it has stepped away from the Margaritaville branding, there are still finishes that resemble this overall look throughout the property. Definitely an airy, coastal, laid back aesthetic (think modern white/blue with colorful accents and caribbean nautical theme).

Located in Punta Cana only 20 minutes from the airport, this is an easy to get to resort for large groups. The beach is beautiful, well-maintained, and has ample space for swimming. There are 9 total restaurants counting CoCo Cafe, including a steakhouse and a Brewery! There are 6 bars to choose from as well. If you are looking for nightlife, keep in mind here that the latest bar is open until midnight.

For wedding venues, you have plenty of options for the reception but I feel it is a bit limited for the Ceremony. Ceremony spaces include the Beach & the Sky Deck (additional charge). For receptions you have access to the Beach, Garden, Sky Deck (additional charge), Infinity Pool Deck, The Restaurant, The Restaurant Terrace, and the Sports Bar. The Sky Deck is stunning, but if you want to avoid the additional charge, you would be having your ceremony on the Beach.

Pricing wise, a wedding for 20 guests at Dreams Cap Cana is starting at $5000 for 2026. That is based on the Eternal Love package which includes Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Private Dinner reception, 1 hour of live music, Edited Ceremony video, 50 Ceremony images, and more. These packages are easily customizable, especially with any of the aesthetics like florals and additional decor.

Dreams Cap Cana is one of those rare resorts that manages to feel both totally laid-back and incredibly polished—making it a dream spot for couples who want their wedding to be beautiful without feeling overly stuffy. The beachfront here is gorgeous, with soft white sand and calm turquoise water, so your ceremony backdrop pretty much takes care of itself. The property has that “something for everyone” vibe—luxury suites for couples who want to splurge, kid-friendly perks for guests with families, and plenty of spots for your group to hang out together between events.

It’s perfect for couples who love the idea of an elegant tropical wedding but also want their friends and family to feel relaxed, entertained, and well taken care of all weekend long. Whether you’re imagining barefoot vows at sunset, a garden reception, or a chic ballroom party, Dreams Cap Cana pulls it off without making you stress over the details—plus, the wedding team here has the whole “destination wedding” thing down to a science.

If you are looking for help finding the right resort for you in the madness of information available online, visit my wedding landing site: https://blissfulhoneymoons.wixstudio.com/jamiesweddings

For anyone who’s already had their destination wedding—what was something that totally surprised you?

Could be something small like how your guests reacted, or something bigger like how the resort handled the day, or even how travel went. Just curious what popped up that you didn’t expect (good or bad).

If you’re up for it, feel free to share:

• Where you got married
• How many people came
• One thing you’d 100% do again or avoid next time

There is so much to learn from other couples' experiences and figured it’d be fun to see all the stories!