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There are two types of ceremonies for destination weddings. A legal ceremony consists of being legally married in your destination. You will receive a marriage certificate that is recognized in the United States, but you will still have to file the appropriate paperwork upon your return. Legal ceremonies often cost a little more, require extra paperwork, translations, and occasionally mandate a blood test. A symbolic ceremony is identical to a legal ceremony except no paperwork or blood tests are required. Most couples who choose this route get legally married at home by their clergy or at a courthouse before they travel. A symbolic ceremony will celebrate your commitment as if it were your actual wedding with flowers, music, vows, and other ceremony details. Your guests will not know the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony. Approximately 80% of all destination weddings are symbolic.
Bridal salons typically pack bridal gowns in an extra-long garment bag. We strongly recommend hand carrying your bridal gown. Although lost and damaged checked luggage is increasingly rare, carrying your gown ensures you’ll look your best on your special day. Many times the flight attendant will allow you to hang the garment bag in the first class closet. If not, lay the gown flat in the overhead compartment.
Although every major resort has a wedding collection, most couples want to add something personal to their special day. If possible, we recommend taking a “preview” trip to your resort. In addition to experiencing the resort’s amenities, the couple will meet with the wedding coordinator and confirm the selections for their celebration in paradise. Most resorts offer heavily discounted “preview” rates with the cost of the preview credited to the wedding expenses.
First Discount Travel can assist with recommendations for family friendly resorts where your children will feel as important as the adults. Conversely, if your dream wedding consists of only adults, we will focus on resorts restricted to only those 18 and over. Another popular choice is a blended resort. A blended resort offers an adults-only section as well as a separate family-friendly area. Truly the best of both worlds!
First Discount Travel plans weddings from 2 to 500 guests. We can arrange for witnesses should you decide you want an intimate ceremony with just your significant other, or assist with the party of the year should you decide to bring the whole entourage!
Of course! We are happy to assist with planning a special day for just the guys or gals while you are in paradise. Whether it’s a day at the spa with beachside massages, golfing, chartered catamaran, or barhopping VIP style at the local clubs, First Discount Travel is happy to assist with your vision for the pre-party!
Yes! Unless traveling within the United States, Puerto Rico, certain cruises, or the US Virgin Islands, a passport book with six months remaining validity is required to travel.
No, we are happy to customize each of your wedding attendee’s itineraries. A three night minimum stay is normally required by most hotels. However, if your guests want to turn your wedding day into a weeklong vacation, we are happy to assist with any length of stay.
Most resorts allow a very limited number of guest passes for sale. Pricing typically ranges from $100 to $275 per person, depending upon the resort and duration of the pass.
This varies by the resort chosen as well as how far in advance the decision is made. A small non-refundable deposit (typically $500) is required to confirm the wedding directly with the resort. An additional deposit of $100 per room is normally required to secure the room block for your guests. This deposit is typically refundable if the room block is released at least 125 days prior to arrival. Different resorts and destinations have varying policies so please consult with your First Discount Travel advisor for the most accurate, up to date policies.
