⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kathy is committed to create for you the vacation of your dreams!!! Her service is outstanding! Call her today! You will not be disappointed! - Shannon Martin
What exactly is a Destination Wedding?
When a couple decides that they want to exchange their vows and celebrate their love in a dream location that they and their guests will have to travel to, they are deciding on a Destination Wedding. Destination weddings range from domestic locations like Las Vegas to more exotic locations like Fiji. These ceremonies often take place in tropical areas such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii. Others decide to celebrate their wedding in Europe, South America, or a domestic seaside location. All of the wedding guests will travel to the destination and enjoy a long weekend - or an entire week - essentially on vacation while attending the wedding.
Why plan a Destination Wedding?
There are many reasons to choose a destination wedding and honestly, the number one reason is because it is more affordable than traditional weddings. Others find it to be an opportunity to create a special and lasting memory for both themselves and each of their wedding guests. For others, a destination wedding provides more time for their friends and family to gather together and get to know each other than a traditional ceremony allows. Often, when looking at a guest list, many people will have to travel from other states or countries anyway. A destination wedding allows them to travel somewhere more exotic and memorable, where they can enjoy a relaxing vacation; as opposed to asking guests to book a flight and hotel in a less exciting hometown. More and more couples decide upon a destination wedding because their friends and family are from different areas of the country, and do not want to decide on one hometown for another, so they opt to go to a location that will, from now on, be somewhere special to each of them. Some couples are in love with the destination, and want to spend the most special day of their lives in their idea of paradise.
Is a Destination Wedding right for us and our Guests? Are there certain people, such as close family or friends, without whom you would not have your wedding?
We suggest that you poll these guests to see if attending your Destination Wedding is feasible for them. Oftentimes, a couple will decide to either have a small ceremony at home prior to leaving, where they can invite grandparents who may have trouble traveling. Other couples have a small reception upon their return for any guests that could not join them at the destination.
Why book your destination wedding with Somerset Tours & Travel?
"Stunning Destination Weddings" We offer a full service "one stop shopping" approach which has one goal in mind - to make the planning and coordination of your Destination Wedding as simple and stress-free as possible. Destination weddings are different from typical weddings and honeymoons, and therefore require the planning of an experienced travel agent, a Destination Wedding Specialist. Additionally, using an experienced company like Somerset Tours & Travel will ensure that you do not become the travel specialist by default. Oftentimes, when a couple opts not to use an expert, they find themselves overwhelmed by inquiries as the bid day approaches. I am highly trained to ensure you can focus on the important details while they handle your guests' travel arrangements. They are willing and able to provide you with up to date information on the status of your guests so that you can be as involved or removed as you would like. Using an agent allows them to be an advocate for you to negotiate a better value for the group as a whole, for you as the special couple, and sometimes even upgrades on some packages. We also offer a complimentary couple’s webpage for you to communicate with your guests. Our goal is to provide excellent pre, during, and post travel support to you and your guests so that your event can be stress free.
How far in advance should I plan my destination wedding?
This varies quite a bit and depends on both the location and number of guests you intend to have. Additionally, it is important to give your guests more time to plan for this type of ceremony than may be required for a more traditional ceremony. Although one to two months may be acceptable for a traditional wedding, we recommend at least 4-6 months for a destination wedding to allow them to get the time off and budget as needed. Speak with me soon as possible if you are considering a destination wedding. I will provide you with a timeline for planning your wedding and can work with you to establish what will make the day perfect for you
How do I decide between "Group Reservations" and Destination Weddings Wholesale Rates?
There are multiple different ways to ensure you and your guests are at your special event. There are advantages and disadvantages to both creating a “group booking” or negotiating a destination wedding wholesale rate. Please speak with your romance travel specialist and they will be able to outline the options for you based on your desires for the event.
Will I need a wedding coordinator to handle the ceremony at my destination wedding location?
Depending on the ceremony details, it is recommended that you work with someone at the location to help finalize the details. Most resorts and hotels have on-site wedding coordinators, who maintain reputable local vendor lists, and can help organize your big day. I will also help you coordinate these details along with ensuring you have access to your destination coordinator. We also have a number of wedding coordinators that we have worked with and can recommend for you, should you want to go beyond what may be provided at your destination. I will help you choose the best wedding coordinator, and will stay involved with you throughout the planning process.
What are the legal requirements when getting married out of the country?
This varies greatly between locations and often changes. Please speak with us so that we can determine the most up to date requirements for the areas you are interested in. We can also provide entry and exit requirements so that you and your guests will know what you need prior to leaving.
Do you have a list of resorts that you work with?
Our first priority is establishing what your vision of this day looks like. After your initial discovery call with me, I will research different options that fit your dream. We can and do work with hotels, castles and resorts around the world. Because of this, we have developed relationships over the years and we know which venues will best take care of you. Nothing is off limits, we encourage you to dream big for your special day.
Do you get the best prices for travel packages?
Yes, because we have developed our professional relationships over the years, we can now offer that value to you and your guests. Beyond price, we like to focus on the value of the event and work diligently to create your dream day at the best price. There is additional flexibility with groups and this will allow us to negotiate on your behalf. Whether it is getting better rates for you and your guests or upgrades for you, I will work with your chosen location to ensure you get the best value.
How are all your services free to me and my guests? What's the catch?
There really is no catch. The travel industry has worked on commissions forever and our suppliers reimburse us so that you do not have to. This is the industry standard, so you do not need to worry about us recommending locations based off of their commission structure…. they all participate. We will establish your dream wedding and then work to make it a reality. I'm concerned about my guests being able to afford to come
What does a Destination Wedding cost for the guests? And do we have to pay for our reservations in full right away?
This is an understandable concern, although it is often less than people think. Destinations for wedding vary greatly and so does the cost for each. There are options for everyone and we will work to ensure we find the best fit for the budgets of your guests. Many guests will be excited and look at it as a vacation. For those that do not, they can plan on the most efficient packages and shorten their stay to just a few days. Depending on your desires and their goals, we can find a reasonable price point to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for all. Additionally, Somerset Tours & Travel allows payment plans so you and your guests can spread the cost of the experience over several months. This has proven helpful in making it more affordable for many. Please Remember: Destination weddings take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. The earlier you begin planning your wedding, the greater the likelihood you will be able to book the perfect property for you and your guests.