"What Actually Happens After You Decide You Want a Destination Wedding?"

A Step-by-A Step-by-Step Guide for Canadian Couples

You said "Yes!"

You've imagined exchanging vows on a white-sand beach, celebrating with family and friends under a tropical sunset, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Then reality sets in.

What happens next?

One of the most common questions we hear from Canadian couples is:

"We know we want a destination wedding, but we have no idea where to start."

The good news is that planning a destination wedding doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, with the right guidance, it can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your wedding journey.

At Destination Weddings with Globetrot, we help Canadian couples navigate every step of the process—from choosing a destination to welcoming guests on wedding day.

Here's what actually happens after you decide a destination wedding is right for you.

Step 1: Determine Your Vision

Your day Your vision

Before looking at resorts or pricing, take a moment to discuss what your dream wedding looks like.

Ask yourselves:

• Do we want a beach ceremony?

• Adults-only or family-friendly?

• Small intimate gathering or larger celebration?

• Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, or somewhere else?

• Luxury experience or budget-conscious option?

• Symbolic or legal ceremony?

Don't worry if you don't have all the answers.

Many couples begin with only a rough idea, and that's perfectly normal.

Our role is to help transform those ideas into realistic options that fit your budget and guest expectations.

Step 2: Establish a Preliminary Budget

Affordability

A destination wedding often costs less than a traditional wedding in Canada, but having a budget is still important.

Consider:

• Your travel expenses

• Wedding package costs

• Guest budget expectations

• Photography and videography

• Décor upgrades

• Private receptions

• Excursions and activities

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every destination wedding costs the same.

The reality is that pricing can vary significantly depending on destination, season, resort, and departure city.

This is why professional guidance can save both time and money.

Step 3: Explore Resort Options

This is where the excitement really begins.

Based on your preferences, we research and recommend resorts that align with your vision.

We consider factors such as:

• Wedding venues

• Available wedding packages

• Flight accessibility from Canada

• Group pricing opportunities

• Family-friendly versus adults-only environments

• Guest amenities

• Resort reputation and service levels

Popular choices among Canadian couples include destinations throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.

Each destination offers unique advantages, and the "best" resort depends entirely on your priorities.

Step 4: Select Your Destination and Resort

Once you've reviewed your options, it's time to narrow down your favourites.

At this stage, many couples choose one or two resorts that best fit their needs.

We then begin the process of confirming:

• Wedding date availability

• Ceremony venue availability

• Reception options

• Group travel opportunities

• Wedding package details

This step is important because availability can change quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons.

Step 5: Secure Your Wedding Date and Venue

Many couples are surprised to learn that selecting a resort doesn't automatically guarantee a wedding date.

The wedding department at the resort must confirm:

• Ceremony date

• Ceremony time

• Wedding venue

• Reception location

Until these elements are secured, nothing is guaranteed.

This is why we always encourage couples to reserve their wedding date and venue as early as possible.

Step 6: Arrange Group Travel Options

Once the wedding date is confirmed, attention shifts to your guests.

This is often where professional planning becomes invaluable.

We work with travel suppliers to explore:

• Group contracts

• Airline seat allocations

• Room blocks

• Promotional offers

• Flexible payment schedules

The goal is to provide guests with a simple booking process while helping secure competitive pricing.

Many Canadian couples appreciate having one central point of contact rather than answering dozens of travel questions themselves.

Step 7: Invite Your Guests

Celebration

Now comes one of the most exciting moments.

Sharing the news.

Most couples begin with:

• Save-the-dates

• Wedding websites

• Email announcements

• Social media announcements

Guests receive information about:

• Travel dates

• Resort details

• Pricing information

• Booking deadlines

• Payment schedules

Clear communication early in the process helps maximize guest participation.

Step 8: Guests Begin Booking

Once registration opens, guests begin reserving their trips.

This stage typically involves:

• Collecting deposits

• Choosing room categories

• Arranging travel insurance

• Confirming travel documents

Having an experienced destination wedding travel team available to answer questions can significantly reduce stress for both couples and guests.

Step 9: Wedding Planning Continues

Ensuring every detail

While guests focus on travel arrangements, couples work directly with the resort wedding team.

Topics often include:

• Ceremony setup

• Floral arrangements

• Reception décor

• Photography

• Music and entertainment

• Wedding cake

• Dinner selections

Most resorts assign a dedicated wedding coordinator to help manage these details.

Step 10: Final Travel Preparations

Travel to Paradise

As departure approaches, guests finalize:

• Travel documents

• Insurance coverage

• Airport transportation

• Excursions

• Packing lists

This is also when many couples create welcome gifts, organize group activities, and finalize wedding week schedules.

Step 11: Wedding Week Arrives

After months of planning, the moment finally arrives.

One of the greatest advantages of a destination wedding is the amount of quality time spent with family and friends.

Instead of a single afternoon together, you'll enjoy several days of shared experiences.

Popular activities include:

• Welcome receptions

• Catamaran cruises

• Group dinners

• Excursions

• Beach gatherings

• Farewell brunches

For many couples, these moments become just as meaningful as the wedding itself.

Step 12: Celebrate Your Wedding Day

Thinking outside the box

The day you've been waiting for.

Whether you're exchanging vows on a beach in Mexico, overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes in Costa Rica, or celebrating in beautiful Jamaica, your wedding day becomes more than a ceremony.

It becomes an experience shared with the people who matter most.

And unlike many traditional weddings, your honeymoon has already begun.

Why Work With a Destination Wedding Specialist?

Planning a destination wedding involves far more than selecting a resort.

It requires coordination between:

• Wedding departments

• Travel suppliers

• Airlines

• Resorts

• Guests

• Group contracts

• Payment schedules

• Travel documentation

Working with an experienced destination wedding specialist helps ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

At Destination Weddings with Globetrot, we guide Canadian couples through every stage of the journey, helping simplify the process while allowing you to focus on what matters most—celebrating your future together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should we plan a destination wedding?

Most couples begin planning 12 to 18 months before their preferred wedding date.

Do guests pay for their own travel?

Typically, yes. Guests generally cover their own travel expenses, while couples may receive group benefits depending on participation levels.

What destinations are most popular with Canadian couples?

Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Costa Rica continue to be among the most requested destinations.

Should we purchase travel insurance?

In most cases, yes. Travel insurance can help protect against unexpected medical emergencies, cancellations, and interruptions.

How many guests usually attend a destination wedding?

Attendance varies, but many destination weddings see between 40% and 70% of invited guests participate.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you've decided that a destination wedding is right for you, the next step is simple.

Let's talk.

Our team specializes in helping Canadian couples plan unforgettable destination weddings throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and beyond.

Destination Weddings with Globetrot

100% Canadian Owned & Operated

✔ Destination Weddings✔ Honeymoons✔ Vow Renewals✔ LGBTQ+ Weddings✔ Group Travel Coordination

Book your FREE no-obligation consultation today and let's start turning your dream destination wedding into reality.