1) DESTINATION WEDDINGS USUALLY COST LESS THAN TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS.

Formerly the exclusive domain of celebrities and the ultra-rich, Destination Weddings have in recent years become accessible to more and more couples looking to add an "exotic twist" to their special ceremony. Properly planned, a destination wedding can not only save you upwards of $20,000 off the cost of a traditional wedding, it can also turn your wedding day into an unforgettable "mini-vacation" for you and your guests.

2) YOU CAN DO IT ALL YOURSELF - BUT IS IT REALLY WORTH THE RISK?

Planned right, a destination wedding is truly the most unique way to commemorate your special union. Unfortunately, we've heard quite a few horror stories over the years from brides and grooms who chose to plan their wedding entirely on their own. Missed flights with no emergency number for support. Hidden clauses in hotel contracts leaving couples with an enormous financial liability on their hands. Reservations being dropped by the hotel - forcing couples and their guests into a "2 star hotel in paradise". You name it - and sadly - we've heard it.

3) DESTINATION WEDDINGS CAN BE A FUN AND RELAXING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS - BUT ONLY IF YOU PLAN TOGETHER.

For most of the couples we've worked with over the years, making sure their guests are properly taken care of - and are able to find suitable accommodations, has been just as important as taking care of their own plans. Unfortunately, when guests are left to "fend for themselves" it is difficult to make sure guests get plans that are convenient, affordable, and close to "where the action is." Plus, when guests book on their own through various sources, when a hotel oversells (which happens quite often) – some guests can end up getting moved to another resort and REALLY be out of the loop!

Even worse, without the expertise of a travel professional with an appropriate level of buying power on their side (we've booked over $500 million in travel over the years), couples and their guests are often talked into accepting "group rates" when the individual rates would have been better, or stuck with individual rates when group rates may have been available.

4) "NEGOTIATE" DIRECTLY WITH HOTELS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Although hotels will often give some form of discount for groups of 10 or more if you book directly, it is important to keep in mind that hotels, by necessity, are in the business of maximizing the amount of revenue they bring in on the rooms they book. By working with an experienced destination wedding specialist with appropriate negotiating power, you will not only generally receive a better deal for you and your guests – but you will also have the security of having someone with power in your corner if anything starts to go wrong.

5) CHOOSE YOUR SPECIALIST WISELY.

Although there are many companies out there that will offer assistance with your destination wedding, there are quite a few differences among them. The most important difference is experience – how many destination weddings do they do per year? What awards or other recognition have they received from resort partners and industry media? Have they been recognized by the industry for service and expertise? Your destination wedding is going to be one of the most important events of your life. Make sure that your specialist is able to make your big day a success.