Unlike your friends that are content to call a banquet hall, chicken and potatoes, line-dancing affair a wedding, you, my friend, are the exception. No, really. One of the many great things about couples planning a destination wedding is that they relish in a departure from the ordinary. You are guided by instinct and love, and maybe the faint wafting of an ocean breeze and promise of a great mojito. Nothing more, nothing less, right?
Okay, maybe not totally. Destination couples are couples first and foremost, who have the same anxieties and worries like anyone else. From debating the best beach or bungalow to tie the knot in, to dealing with in-laws and unruly wedding parties, destination couples can experience a range of emotions and setbacks leading up to the big day. Tack on the not-so-insignificant detail of finding venues and destinations that cater to LGBT couples and their families, and it can quickly seem like an unruly process.
Still, we’d like to think that there are ways to reduce the stress of planning, and ultimately enjoying, your destination wedding. One such avenue to explore is having your wedding at an all-inclusive resort. Before we go any further, let’s specify that we aren’t talking about the dilapidated, cheesy all-inclusives of the 90’s that lacked any style and personality. If you can’t tell from the looks of the Blue Diamond Resort in Riviera Maya below, many boutique and luxury properties offer all-inclusive options.
So what exactly do you get when you chose to stay at an all-inclusive? Well aside from the obvious benefit of cutting costs and not having to match your swimsuit to your wallet, there’s a host of other benefits. Options vary from one resort to the next, but most all-inclusive resorts cover:
Accommodations: This means your hotel room and taxes. Obviously.
Food: And not just the basics. Think everything from room service to pool snacks to that funky Asian fusion lounge that guests rave about. Still, it’s great to check in with your Certified Gay Wedding Specialist to see if certain restaurants require advance notice for reservations.
Drinks: Ah, back to that mojito. It (and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) are included at no extra charge. Be it a swim-up bar or in-room bottle of champagne, you can expect to stay well hydrated.
Activities and Entertainment: These range depending on where you decide to stay, but as a rule of thumb, water sports, children’s activities, night clubs and nightly entertainment are all included. Spa services, motorized water sports, golf fees and excursions are usually not included.
Tips: Gratuities are typically included in the price but hey, you only get married once (hopefully), so consider bringing along a few bills to show the staff your appreciation.
And the perks don’t just end there. Couples who book their destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort sometimes receive a “free wedding” package which covers the cost of the ceremony. Depending on how many guests you bring, there are also plenty of resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Cancun that pamper you in other ways, be it resort credits, complimentary cocktail parties, or couples massages.
So, if you’re officially ready to throw your (metaphorical) wallet to the wind, give our Certified Gay Destination Wedding Specialists a call to see how you can wind up at a gorgeous all-inclusive for your celebration.
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