Planning a destination wedding is exciting—it’s where your “I do” meets a dream vacation! But with so many decisions to make (and so many resorts to scroll through), it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. The good news? With the right guidance, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and plan a celebration that’s beautiful, seamless, and stress-free. Here are the three biggest mistakes I see couples make when planning their destination wedding—and how to steer clear of them:

1. Choosing a Resort Based Only on Price

I get it—budget matters. But going for the cheapest option can backfire quickly. It’s tempting to pick a resort solely because it’s the most affordable for your guests, but remember: for most of them, this isn’t just your wedding trip—it’s their vacation too.

You want your loved ones to have an amazing experience from start to finish. If the food quality, beach, or service aren’t up to par, it can affect how everyone feels about the celebration (and let’s be honest, it’ll show in the photos too!).

Instead, focus on value over price. A slightly higher rate at a higher-quality resort can make a huge difference in the overall experience—both for you and your guests. Think of it as setting the tone for your entire wedding week: relaxed, luxurious, and full of joy.

2. Forgetting to Consider Travel Time for Guests

You’ve found the perfect resort… but getting there requires two flights, a layover, and an hour-long shuttle ride. For most guests, that’s a lot.

Keep in mind that the average guest stays around four nights for a destination wedding. When travel days are too long or complicated, it can eat up half their trip (and leave them exhausted before the fun even begins).

To make it easy on everyone, consider destinations with plenty of nonstop flight options from major U.S. cities, and choose a resort that’s within an hour of the airport. The goal? More time for cocktails by the pool, less time spent navigating airports and shuttles.

3. Trying to Handle Every Detail on Their Own

Between coordinating travel, answering guests’ questions, managing RSVPs, and communicating all the wedding details—it’s a lot. Add that on top of planning your actual wedding, and it’s no wonder couples feel overwhelmed!

That’s where I come in. As a destination wedding specialist, I handle all the behind-the-scenes details that make your experience stress-free. I’ll guide you through choosing the right resort, set up your room block, create a custom wedding website for your guests, and take care of all the travel logistics—so you don’t have to.

When your guests have questions about booking or travel, they’ll come to me, not you. That way, you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your love and enjoying the moment with your favorite people.

Ready to start planning your destination wedding the right way?

Let’s make it effortless (and fun!) from day one. Schedule your complimentary consultation call today, and I’ll help you find your perfect resort match.