Destination Weddings and All-Inclusive Honeymoons: An Alternative to Becoming Bridezilla!
If only creating a perfect honeymoon was as easy as waving a wand and saying “Bibbity, Bobbity, Boo!” In between planning, reserving spaces, sampling cake flavors, attempting to get your guy involved in wedding preparations and perhaps dealing with the future in-laws one of the last things on a bride’s mind is her honeymoon; furthermore, trying to navigate endless and overwhelming number of internet travel sites only increases the stress and frustration with honeymoon planning.

It’s common knowledge that using a travel agent is the best way to get the most out of every honeymoon—all research is included, they are experts in their field and best of all, a couple won’t pay anything extra for their services. We sat down with Renee Bridges and the front office staff at KHM Travel for more information about destination weddings and honeymoon planning. They had a lot to say! Most importantly, using a travel agent that is a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist guarantees a perfect honeymoon complete with lasting memories and helps many couples learn the endless options that are available if a couple books an all-inclusive vacation! In this article, we’ll outline the perks and benefits associated with booking an all-inclusive vacation and how a destination wedding at a resort can provide the same amenities as a wedding held at home.

What an All-Inclusive Includes
So, what is an “All-Inclusive Vacation”? According to Renee Bridges, a Personal Honeymoon Consultant, “An all-inclusive vacation is simply that—all-inclusive! Couples pay for their flight, hotel or resort stay, all meals, beverages (including alcohol), taxes and gratuities. Everything is paid for in advance so all couples need to do is enjoy creating honeymoon memories without worrying about any extra hidden fees at check-out.” Breaking it down, that means a lot more savings and a lot less to worry about! It also means there’s extra money left over to spend on what couples really want—upgrades, excursions, spa treatments, shopping, souvenirs, golf, and much more! For many honeymooners, an all-inclusive vacation is the savvy way to get the most out of their honeymoon budget.

Taking Your Wedding On the Road
All-inclusive resorts also host destination weddings, which are becoming increasingly popular. For some brides, the thought of taking vows surrounded by the sound of water gently lapping along the sand with a multi-colored sunset backdrop is simply perfection. Now it’s easier than ever to obtain that picturesque wedding, especially when the most traveling newlyweds will have to do afterwards to get to the honeymoon is just taking a few steps.

Bridges also added that destination weddings appeal to the couple that wants a beautiful, exotic location combined with easier planning. “A destination wedding/ honeymoon package is more affordable than a traditional wedding, potentially saving thousands of dollars.” Typically, she said, resorts offer a basic wedding package that include a wedding planner on-site, the set up and décor of the ceremony location, an officiant with witnesses (if needed), a reception location, cake, photography and videography options. Most resorts also offer many ways to customize their packages to suit every bride and groom’s desire. In addition, they offer personalized touches to make their packages unique, like color palettes and favor options. All this is prepared ahead of time, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your big day!

A Quick Look at the Top Resorts
Bridges mentioned some resorts are more popular than others, although each resort offers something unique. Here is a sampling of just some of many popular resorts available:

• Sandals Resorts are extremely luxurious in their accommodations, complete with candlelight dinners, gorgeous tropical backdrops and pristine, well-maintained and relaxing beaches. Sandals Resorts has properties in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas.
• Beaches Resorts are the sister affiliates of Sandals but are geared towards all-inclusive family fun and relaxation with their WeddingMoons®packages. Their properties are located in Jamaica, Turks and Caicos.
• Dreams Resorts and Spas, located in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, offer round-the-clock Unlimited – Luxury ®. Family-friendly and colorful, these resorts offer a perfect blend of old-world Caribbean and Mexican charm with first-rate service.
• Secrets Resorts and Spas are an adults-only oasis in Cancun, Montego Bay and Cap Cana. The concept of Unlimited – Luxury® is perfected here, with day and night activities, amazing cuisine and discreet concierge service.