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Niche weddings
All-Inclusives
We asked, you answered. Here are your destination picks and big-day priorities, from all-inclusive resorts to which wedding vendor is most important.
See how you compare to your fellow globe-trotting to-be-weds.
By Erika Hueneke
SPOTLIGHT MEXICAN CARIBBEANBEST FOR CROWD-PLEASERS
BEST WEDDING MONTHS NOV.EARLY DEC., LATE APRILMAYIts what I like to call a something for everyone type of
location, says Tara Soloway of Luxe Destination Weddings. Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a very sophisticated
infrastructure, and accommodations range from large all-inclusives to rustic boutique retreats to exclusive villas. Other big draws: white-sand beaches, friendly locals, direct
airlift and activities from shopping to exploring ancient Maya sites. Even better, says Hurley, the Mexican Caribbean has been in the wedding game the longest, so their hospitality is
bar none, and they understand the American palate.
BEST FOR ONE-STOP SHOPPERSAlmost half of you are planning to go the all-inclusive route. Why the overwhelming appeal? There are very few wild card expenses, and these resorts have been designed to make your planning process and your stay as carefree as possible, says Karen Bussen, author of the Simple Stunning Weddings series and
exclusive wedding designer for Palladium Hotels and Resorts.You dont need to carry cash around with
you, you can eat (and drink!) what you like, and there are options and activities for all. Typically, the room
rate covers the basics: room, drinks, meals and a small ceremony, says Megan Velez, vice president of product
for Destination Weddings Travel Group. From there, packages can be upgraded with details like chairs,
florals, larger guest lists, private dinners or the recent trend of live-streaming your ceremony for loved ones
back home.
CHECKLISTHeres what to ask before booking your all-inclusive.* Are there fees for using outside vendors? How many rooms do we need to book to get the basic wedding package? Are there fees for receiv-ing, delivering and storing any items shipped to the hotel? What percentage of our guests need to stay at thehotel? How much do day passes cost for guests not staying onproperty? What other policies, regulations and fees does the hotel apply for weddings?
%
OF DWH READERS PLAN TO BOOK AN ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTEL
FOR THEIR WEDDING
DWH READERS NO. 2 INTERNATIONAL WEDDING LOCATION
LOOKING TO PLAN A SPECIFIC TYPE OF EVENT,
FROM SAME-SEX TO HINDU?
2015
Reader Survey
of t he Lately there has been in influx of Indian weddings in the Mexican Caribbean. Its also very LGBT-
friendly, and were seeing more and more gay wed-
dings, says Teri Hurley of Endless
Love Travel.
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20% 67% 29%OF COUPLES PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL WEDDING
CHOSE MEXICO
OF COUPLES PLANNING TO MARRY IN MEXICO CHOSE
THE CARIBBEAN SIDE
OF COUPLES PLANNING TO MARRY IN MEXICO
CHOSE THE PACIFIC SIDE
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1TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON For tropical destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico, this includes Apriland May, October andNovember. Keith
2USE A TRAVEL SPECIALIST They know how to negotiate special deals and perks. This is why they exist, sowhy not utilize them? Keith
3LOWER YOUR GUEST COUNT Take a good look at your list and pare it down to the people whom you have to have there. Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events
4CHOOSE AN AFFORDABLE DESTINATION For those on a tighter budget, desti-nations like the Dominican Republic and Mexico are wallet-friendly. Keith
5BUY LOCAL Choose local favors to avoid the shipping costs of bring-ing those items. Plus, with a naturally beautiful loca-tion, you wont need to add much decor. Chang
money-saving tips
BEST FOR WALLET WATCHERSBEST WEDDING MONTHS OCT.MAY
Experts agree: English-speaking Jamaica is tops thanks to its affordable all-inclusives and direct flights not to mention its legendary food and
music scenes. Its an absolutely beautiful island, with many secluded beach locations and a rich culture,
says Bussen. Montego Bay, Jamaicas second-largest city, is a major wedding hub, with resort brands like Sandals, Iberostar, Secrets, Hilton and Hyatt. Negril
is also popular for its sunset-facing position, but planner Tracy French of The French Connection
Events favors Ocho Rios: It offers avarietyof great resorts, nightlife and things to do nearby. Regard-less of your chosen locale, keep your event irie with
jerk chicken, live reggae and waterfall climbing.
Jamaica
Best splurge? The room, says Laurie Keith of Romantic Planet Vacations. I got married at
The Beloved Hotel in Playa Mujeres,
Mexico. Guests looked past the flowers,
but the moments my spouse and I spent in our beachfront room will last a lifetime.
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN SELECTING THE WEDDING
DESTINATION AND HOTEL
COST 89%
WEATHER 88%
TIME OF YEAR 79%
RESORT AMENITIES 73%
DINING 84%
DWH READERS TOP INTERNATIONAL WEDDING LOCATION. MOST POPULAR ISLAND JAMAICA
29% 20%JAMAICA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
10%SAINT LUCIA
%PUERTO RICO
6%CAYMAN ISLANDS
OF COUPLES PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL
WEDDING CHOSE THECARIBBEAN
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Tracy French
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BY THE NUMBERS
$22kaverage total
destination-wedding budget
86% of DWH readers have a
valid passport
67%of DWH readers are planning to book a
4-star or better resort for their wedding
8average number of guests attending a
destination wedding
7% of DWH readers
are creating a honeymoonregistry
7average number of
nights the couple will stay at the destination
3average number of
nights guests will stay at the destination
DWH READERS NO. 3 INTERNATIONAL WEDDING LOCATION. MOST POPULAR
COUNTRY GREECE
DWH READERS PLANNING TO MARRY IN EUROPE CHOSE ...
BEST FOR HOPELESS ROMANTICSBEST WEDDING MONTHS APRILJUNE, SEPTEMBER
Europe was a newcomer to our survey this year, and Greece surprised us by handily beating out Italy, despite recent
headliners like George Clooneys Venice vows. There is a romantic sense of antiquity on the Greek Isles that is untouched,
notes photographer John Sargentof John Cain Photography. In contrast to Western Europe, its a little farther and more
alluring. Where to go? The volcanic island of Santorini, with its famous sunsets, blue domes and sugar-cube buildings, is the most iconic spot, but Velez also touts the island of Rhodes (host to the pretty St. Pauls Bay Chapel) and Zakynthos for its affordability. To simplify the process of marrying abroad, Velez recommends
working with a destination-wedding specialist who can organize travel, negotiate hotels and seek out group deals.
Greece
OF COUPLES PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL
WEDDING CHOSE EUROPE
12%
GREECE ITALY
IRELAND
U.K.
SPAIN
25% 17%
8%8%
8%
If anything, this should make Greece
even more popular; the current exchange rates make it more affordable, says
Velez. Just do your due diligence, advises Sargent. Bring cash in
various quantities and bills, and review your con-
tracts carefully.
SHOULD GREECES RECENT FINANCIAL CRISIS HAVE AN IMPACT ON COUPLES
CONSIDERING THE COUNTRY?
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WHICH OF HAWAIIS FIVE
MAIN ISLANDS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
JAMIE CHANG OF MANGO MUSE EVENTS BREAKS
THEM DOWN.
OAHU The most populated, touristy
and city like, Oahu gives couples the
most options when it comes to venues, vendors, activities
and dining.
MAUI Maui is the most popular for weddings because it has a bit of the city
feel of Oahu, but its also what most
couples picture when they think of Hawaii.
KAUAI Quieter and the most green, Kauai has a very lush look and is arguably
the prettiest. Its home to Waimea Canyon,
the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
HAWAII ISLAND The Big Island, home
of Volcanoes National Park, is for couples who never want to
leave their resort or who like a small-town
country vibe.
LANAI Remote Lanai is for those who want privacy, seclu-sion and exclusivity there are only two
full-scale resorts on the entire island
(both Four Seasons).
island glossary
BEST FOR NATURE LOVERSBEST WEDDING MONTHS APRILMAY, SEPT.OCT.
No passports, no currency exchanges, no language barriers, and yet an exotic South Pacific backdrop Hawaii is your top domestic
destination for a reason. The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their aloha spirit, an attitude of friendly acceptance and way of life, says photographer Evonne Wong of U Me Us Studios. Most couples head
to the Aloha State for a beach bash, but Hawaii also offers mountain ranges, tropical bamboo forests, rustic upcountry ranches, historic
cathedrals, traditional churches and private oceanfront estates. Another plus: the abundance of direct flights Hawaiian Airlines
alone offers nonstop service from cities like Seattle, Portland, SanFran, LA, Phoenix, Vegas and NYC.
DWH READERS NO. 1 U.S. WEDDING LOCATION
PLAYTIMEKeep the kiddos occupied during the reception to free the grown-ups for PG-13 fun.1GO CLUBBING Pick a venue with a kids club that offers preplanned services and activities. Bussen2DIVIDE AND CONQUER Arrange a separate pizza party or movie night for the kids. Soloway3SEND REINFORCE-MENTS Check with your venue or wedding planner for recommended baby-sitting services. Bussen
BAG IT! Give kids a favor package filled with activities, crayons and other age-appropriate items. Soloway 5GET CREATIVE Have the kids work on a little art project for you. Chang
WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VENDOR TO DWH READERS?
PHOTOGRAPHER 38%
PLANNER/DESIGNER 18%
ENTERTAINMENT 8%
FLORIST 3%
CATERER 15%
The kids are alright
FAMILY-FRIENDLY VS. ADULTS-ONLYWhen it comes to the age-old debate of to-kid or not-to-kid, youre split
relatively even. For the adults-only camp, its always a bit of a tricky situation, says Soloway, who recommends choosing an 18+-only resort, spreading the news via word-of-mouth and being prepared for certain
guests to simply opt out of attending. Providing child care is a great idea for adults-only affairs, she adds, although we strongly recommend it for all-ages affairs too. Your guests with younger children will be able to enjoy
themselves and be present at your wedding, rather than chasing around their toddlers in a sweaty panic.
KID-FRIENDLY ADULTS-ONLY53% 35%
The photographer is the vendor who spends the most
time with the couple on location, says
Wong. Knowing he or she can make the
couple laugh and feel relaxed is priceless. Choose one who is self-sufficient,
prompt and respon-sive, says Sargent. You dont want to have thoughts like,
Are they even at the airport yet?
DWH READERS PLANNING TO MARRY IN THE UNITED STATES CHOSE ...
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25% 15%
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