Questions Couples Ask About Destination Weddings

Not every couple needs a travel agent. But destination weddings are not something you want handled by someone who mostly books vacations.

Destination weddings involve group contracts, booking deadlines, guest behavior, and resort rules that do not come up in regular travel planning. If someone does not work in this space every day, they are likely to miss important details. Not because they are careless, but because they do not see enough weddings to know what usually goes sideways.

We specialize exclusively in destination weddings and group travel. That means direct resort contacts, dedicated group booking tools, and systems designed specifically for events with guests involved. More importantly, it means preventing problems before they become stressful or expensive.

Before hiring anyone, ask how much of their work is dedicated specifically to destination weddings.
> Read the full explanation here.

Yes. We charge a professional planning fee.

Elopements or very small celebrations that involve a single room start at $499. Destination weddings with multiple rooms and guest coordination start at $1,199. Final pricing depends on the size of the group and the level of coordination involved.

We charge a fee because destination weddings and group travel are not casual bookings. They require contracts, timelines, guest management, and ongoing coordination. This is not something we do occasionally or on the side.

Our fee supports the systems, tools, and hands-on oversight required to manage weddings with moving parts, deadlines, and real financial impact.

When destination wedding planning is advertised as free, it usually means the planner is compensated in other ways.

In some cases, that can include marking up room rates or keeping some or all of the perks tied to your group booking. In others, it means operating in a high-volume model where hundreds of weddings are handled at once. Couples are passed between multiple representatives, and support is spread thin.

Free is rarely free. You are always trading something, whether that is transparency, personal attention, or advocacy when something does not go as planned.

We limit the number of weddings we take on each year so couples have consistent support and a dedicated team from start to finish. That choice shapes how we work and why our model looks different.

The full version of The Aisle + Guide is not a standalone product. It is designed to be used alongside active planning support, where context, timing, and real decisions matter.

That said, we do offer a complimentary preview. It gives you insight into how we think, how we structure decisions, and how we guide couples through the early stages of planning, without asking you to commit before you are ready.

The guide works best when paired with experience, but the preview is a helpful place to start if you are still exploring.

There is no universal number, but many destination weddings cost less overall than traditional weddings at home.

Resort wedding packages are often included when group booking minimums are met, which can offset venue and ceremony costs. Additional expenses depend on guest count, décor choices, private events, and the destination itself.

What matters most is understanding realistic cost ranges early. We walk through budget expectations upfront so nothing feels vague, reactive, or surprising later in the process. > Dive deeper into this topic here

Yes. And they are almost always tied to guest behavior and contract structure.

Missed booking deadlines, guests booking outside the group, or underestimating minimum room night requirements can all affect wedding perks and overall costs. These issues are rarely obvious at the beginning, especially if you have never planned a group event like this before.

Our process is designed to surface these risks early and build a strategy around them, so you are not reacting to surprises later.

Ideally, 12–18 months in advance.

This timeline allows for better resort availability, stronger group pricing, and more flexibility for guests to plan and budget. Shorter timelines are possible, but they often require compromise, whether that means fewer resort options, limited dates, or tighter booking windows for guests.

We tailor the planning timeline to your destination, season, and priorities so decisions feel thoughtful, not rushed. > Find out more here

There is no single “best” destination. There is only the best destination for you and your guests.

Mexico is often the most accessible and cost-effective option, especially for larger guest lists. Caribbean destinations offer distinct scenery and personality, but pricing, flight access, and ease can vary widely. The right fit depends on your guest dynamics, budget comfort zone, travel tolerance, and what you want the overall experience to feel like.

Our role is to narrow the options quickly and realistically, so you are choosing between a few strong fits instead of drowning in endless possibilities.

There is no single “best” destination. There is only the best destination for you and your guests.

Mexico is often the most accessible and cost-effective option, especially for larger guest lists. Caribbean destinations offer distinct scenery and personality, but pricing, flight access, and ease can vary widely. The right fit depends on your guest dynamics, budget comfort zone, travel tolerance, and what you want the overall experience to feel like.

Our role is to narrow the options quickly and realistically, so you are choosing between a few strong fits instead of drowning in endless possibilities.

Yes, and sometimes it makes sense. But it is rarely required.

Most couples choose their resort confidently based on expert guidance, visuals, and firsthand insight. Site visits take time, travel, and money, and they are not always the best use of energy before a decision is made.

That said, many couples do choose to visit after booking. This gives them the chance to walk their ceremony and reception spaces, meet their on-site team, and talk through menus and décor in person. When that makes sense, we help coordinate the visit so it feels purposeful, not overwhelming.

It starts with a consultation.

We talk through your vision, guest dynamics, budget comfort zone, and non-negotiables. From there, we outline next steps, confirm the right level of support, and begin narrowing resort options that fit what you are actually trying to plan.

We do not rush this phase. Choosing the right resort sets the tone for everything that follows, and it deserves thoughtful attention from the start.

Room blocks are secured through group contracts with the resort.

These contracts outline booking deadlines, minimum room night requirements, and the benefits tied to guest participation. They are not casual holds. They are formal agreements that need to be set up thoughtfully based on how guests are actually likely to book.

We handle the contract setup, monitor bookings as they come in, and adjust the block as needed so it reflects real guest behavior, not guesswork.  > There's a lot more to breakdown here

When guests book outside the group, their rooms do not count toward your contract minimums. That can reduce wedding perks or increase costs for the couple.

This usually happens when deadlines are missed, links are ignored, or guests think they are being helpful by booking on their own.

We reduce this risk through clear instructions, structured booking links, and consistent follow-up with guests, so issues are addressed early instead of after they become expensive or uncomfortable.

You do not have to manage this.

We provide guests with clear booking instructions, timelines, and deadlines, along with direct support for questions, changes, and follow-up. Communication stays consistent and centralized, so guests know exactly where to go for answers.

Questions come to us, not to you. Guests feel informed, and you are not stuck managing group chats or fielding messages at all hours.

Most couples choose a symbolic ceremony.

Symbolic ceremonies avoid residency requirements, medical tests, translation fees, and extra paperwork, while still allowing for a meaningful and personal wedding experience. From a guest perspective, nothing feels different. The ceremony looks and feels the same.

Legal ceremonies are possible in some destinations, but they come with additional steps and strict requirements that not every couple wants to manage while planning a wedding away from home.

We walk through both options early on and help you decide what makes the most sense for your priorities, without adding unnecessary complications.

Often, yes. But it depends on how you approach it.

Many destination weddings cost less overall than traditional weddings at home because resort wedding packages are often included once certain room booking minimums are met. That can significantly reduce venue and ceremony expenses.

Costs vary based on guest count, destination, private events, décor choices, and how long you want the celebration to last. What matters most is understanding the full picture early, not just the headline price.

We talk through realistic budget ranges upfront so couples can make informed decisions and avoid surprises later.

We walk through both options early on and help you decide what makes the most sense for your priorities, without adding unnecessary complications.

Questions Guests Ask About Destination Weddings

Guests book their travel directly through our team.

Once the wedding details are set, guests receive access to a secure, wedding-specific booking page created just for that event. This ensures rooms are booked correctly, count toward the group, and stay connected to the wedding from the start.

All booking details, updates, and support live in one place, including the guest app, so guests are never guessing and couples are not stuck managing questions.

Guests know exactly where to book and where to go for help, and nothing falls outside the group by accident.

We walk through both options early on and help you decide what makes the most sense for your priorities, without adding unnecessary complications.

Yes. All guests will need a passport book to attend a destination wedding.

Passport cards are not accepted for international air travel and cannot be used for this trip, unless you are a citizen of the country where the wedding is taking place.

This applies to everyone traveling, including babies and children. Each guest must have their own valid passport book in hand before travel.

If your passport needs to be renewed or you are applying for the first time, we recommend starting as soon as you receive your invitation so there is plenty of time before the wedding.

Guests should book their rooms as soon as they receive the wedding invitation.

Destination weddings involve a reserved room block that the couple manages with their travel advisor. This block is set for a specific number of rooms, and availability is not unlimited.

To make this easier for guests, group reservations are typically secured with a very low per-room deposit, allowing you to reserve your space without paying in full upfront.

When most bookings come in early, the couple can confirm they have enough rooms for everyone attending. When bookings wait until the last minute, there may not be enough rooms left in the group, even if the wedding is still months away.

Booking early helps protect the couple’s room block and ensures you are included at the group rate.

Destination weddings are typically more relaxed than traditional weddings, but what you wear should still reflect the tone of each event.

We always recommend dressing comfortably for warm weather while keeping the setting in mind. The specific dress code for each wedding event will be clearly outlined in your Aisle + Away itinerary, so you never have to guess.

We will note whether events take place on sand, grass, or solid ground, along with guidance like resort casual, dressy beach, cocktail, or come as you are. That way you can pack appropriately and feel confident you are dressed for both the setting and the celebration.

When in doubt, the itinerary is your best reference point.

Most destination weddings take place at all-inclusive resorts, which means your stay typically includes accommodations, meals, drinks, and access to the resort’s amenities.

Wedding events hosted by the couple, such as the ceremony, reception, and any planned welcome events, will be clearly noted in your Aisle + Away itinerary. If the couple has added anything special or optional, that will be outlined there as well.

By booking within the couple’s room block, you’ll have access to the group rate, the wedding events tied to the group, and the full support of our team throughout your stay.

Your itinerary will always be the best place to check what’s included and what, if anything, is optional.

Yes. We strongly recommend it.

Travel protection helps cover the unexpected both before and during your trip. Life happens. Illness, injuries, family emergencies, or work issues can come up before departure. Once you’re traveling, medical care abroad can be expensive, and most U.S. health insurance plans do not cover treatment outside the country.

We have seen both couples and guests need medical care while traveling, and we have also seen trips canceled for reasons no one could have predicted. Having protection in place helps avoid significant out-of-pocket costs in those situations.

Travel protection can cover cancellations before travel, medical care while you’re away, and certain disruptions during the trip. We provide guidance and a direct link to recommended options so guests can choose coverage that fits their comfort level.

It’s always best to check with the couple before inviting additional guests.

Destination weddings are planned around a specific guest count, and the room block is reserved for the people the couple has invited. Adding guests without notice can affect room availability and group arrangements.

If you’d like to invite someone who wasn’t originally included, let us know as early as possible. We can check whether there is availability within the group rate before any unused rooms are released. If not, we’re happy to help additional guests find a great option outside the group.

And a gentle reminder, you know the couple best. If someone would feel awkward, uncomfortable, or simply not welcome at the wedding or around the couple during the week, this is probably not the time to bring them along. We hate that this even needs to be said, but destination weddings are meant to feel good for everyone involved.

It’s also important to confirm with the couple whether any added guests would be included in wedding events or group gatherings, both on and off the resort.  Guests not listed on Aisle + Away Travel Co.’s official wedding guest list will not be able to attend wedding events.

Yes, absolutely.

Many guests choose to turn a destination wedding into a longer vacation, especially since flights are already booked. We’re happy to help extend your stay either before or after the wedding.

In many cases, the group rate can be extended for up to a few days on either side of the wedding dates. If you’d prefer something different, we can also help you move to another resort or destination so it feels like two trips in one.

For wedding guests who want to extend or customize their stay, we waive our planning fee and are happy to help you explore the best options.

Change and cancellation terms vary by resort and are tied to the group agreement.

All change and cancellation details are clearly outlined on the couple’s wedding website and in your Aisle + Away itinerary, where guests can log in to review their reservation information at any time.

Before the change deadline, updates may be possible depending on availability. After that point, it may still be possible to add days to a stay, but removing nights or canceling entirely is often restricted.

This is one of the main reasons we strongly recommend travel protection. If plans change unexpectedly, coverage can help protect what you’ve already paid.

If you need help, our team will walk you through the options and handle communication with the resort so you’re not figuring it out on your own.

Most questions can be answered here in the FAQ and within your Aisle + Away Travel Co. itinerary, which should always be your first reference point.

If you need additional help, guests should contact the Aisle + Away Travel Co. team directly. Inside your itinerary, you’ll find a Message Advisor button, which we strongly recommend using so your message is linked to your reservation and tracked properly.

To keep communication organized, we kindly ask guests not to text team members unless a member of our team texts you first. This helps us respond efficiently and ensures nothing important is missed.

We also ask that guests reach out to our team rather than the couple with travel-related questions, so the couple can focus on enjoying their engagement and wedding week without unnecessary stress.

Childcare options vary by resort.

Some resorts offer daytime childcare through kids’ clubs or supervised programs. Others may offer in-room or on-site childcare for an hourly fee through a dedicated childcare team. Availability, ages accepted, and scheduling vary by property.

It’s important to note that most resort childcare services end in the early evening, often around 9 or 10 pm. We understand that many parents may want to enjoy the reception later into the night without children.

In those cases, we’ve found it works well for families to plan ahead. Some bring a family member who isn’t a night owl, while others choose to travel with a nanny or babysitter and book them a separate room. This tends to offer the most flexibility and peace of mind for evening events.

We’re happy to help share what childcare options are available at the specific resort once details are finalized.

That’s completely okay. If you’re unsure who you’ll be sharing a room with, we recommend booking the room in your name only to start. It is much easier to add a guest later than it is to change a name or remove someone from a reservation once it’s been booked.

When you do know who your roommate will be, please let us know at least 3 months before travel. This timing is important so the couple can finalize their guest list and ensure everyone is included in the wedding events.

To add a guest, simply click the Message Advisor button in your Aisle + Away Travel Co. itinerary and send us the following details for the additional guest - full passport name, birthday, phone number and email.

We’ll reprice the room if needed, update the reservation, and send you an updated confirmation.

No. Guests are welcome to attend the events that make sense for them.

While the ceremony and reception are the main events, destination weddings often include optional gatherings like welcome drinks, group excursions, or casual meet-ups. These are meant to be enjoyed, not treated as obligations.

To receive the group rate, resorts do require a minimum number of nights, which is set by the resort and applies to all guests booking within the group. This is most commonly three nights, though the exact requirement can vary. Your specific minimum stay requirement will always be clearly stated on the couple’s wedding website.

If you plan to sit out of a specific event, it’s important to let the couple or our team know as early as possible. Couples are often responsible for covering per-guest costs for hosted events, and advance notice helps avoid unnecessary charges.

We understand that some activities are not for everyone. The most common example is water-based events, especially for guests who experience motion sickness. If a catamaran or yacht charter is part of the celebration and you’re not comfortable participating, please let us know right away. We never want anyone to feel uncomfortable, and early communication helps everyone plan accordingly.

All event details and timing will be clearly outlined in your Aisle + Away itinerary, so you can decide what works best for you.

Yes. Airport transportation will be provided for all wedding guests.

We arrange private group transportation, which means when you arrive at the airport, a driver holding a sign will be waiting for you. You’ll only share a vehicle with other wedding guests arriving on the same flight, and you’ll be taken directly to the resort with no additional stops along the way.

We negotiate discounted transfer rates for wedding groups, so by booking within the group, guests typically save money compared to booking transportation on their own. Depending on the resort, transfers may be included in the room rate or listed as a separate line item.

To ensure transportation is arranged correctly, all guests must submit their flight details no later than two months before the wedding. Please use the flight submission link in your Aisle + Away Travel Co. itinerary. Flight details sent by email cannot be forwarded to the transfer company.

Using the itinerary link ensures your arrival is properly scheduled and that transportation is waiting for you when you land.

Most all-inclusive resorts cover meals, drinks, and standard service as part of your stay, and tipping is generally optional.

That said, many guests choose to bring a small amount of cash for things like spa services, off-resort purchases, or optional gratuities for exceptional service. This is entirely personal and not required.

You won’t need large amounts of cash for day-to-day expenses at the resort. If you do bring cash, small bills are usually the most useful.

Any situations where cash, tipping, or additional payments may come up will be clearly outlined in your Aisle + Away Travel Co. itinerary, so you’re not guessing once you arrive.

Dietary restrictions and food allergies can usually be accommodated at destination wedding resorts.

Once your reservation is confirmed, guests will have the opportunity to share dietary needs directly with our team. We relay this information to the resort in advance so they’re aware before you arrive.

Most all-inclusive resorts are experienced in handling common dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. That said, availability and preparation can vary by resort and restaurant.

If you have a severe allergy or specific concern, we encourage you to let us know as early as possible so we can confirm what accommodations are available and help you plan accordingly.

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