Q&A with Destination Wedding Planners

Daniel Meza, Dreams Las Mareas’ Wedding Manager

Why should couples lean on the expertise of an onsite wedding planner?

It is simple. The onsite wedding planners know best what do to and react to unexpected changes happening during an event. Especially in terms of weather, vendors, daylighting and, of course, the know-how onsite.

What mistakes do couples often make when planning a destination wedding?

Hiring vendors on their own. The onsite wedding planners will always recommend what is best for their most important day of their lives. 

What are some of the unique amenities, incentives and activities that your resort offers couples?

We provide very secluded locations surrounded by nature and national parks. Weddings are intimate events, so we make sure you have the privacy you desire.

Resorts often have several spaces available for weddings — what should couples know before choosing one?

First, having a good idea on the number of guests is helpful. And, of course, what elements the venue has that can be incorporated into the general wedding design and vision to play with the pre-existing elements.

What advice would you give couples who wish to have an off-site wedding?

Most of the locations for off-site weddings are remote, difficult to access or simply unknown. It is important to do a site visit to get an idea of the general experience both the couple and their guests will have at the location.

Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Director of Weddings and Romance, Sandals Resorts International

What mistakes do couples often make when planning a destination wedding?

They underestimate the opportunities they can explore and are oftentimes not open-minded to weaving in cultural dynamics into the weddings. Like, they could infuse local music with a reggae or steel-drum band, or local cuisine with jerk chicken. Also, they neglect to add excursions. Excursions make their time at the destination fun by taking advantage of the adventurous side of their wedding and honeymoon.

What are some of the unique amenities, incentives and activities that your resort offers that couples might not know about?

First off, Sandals offers a free wedding for anyone who stays three nights or longer. That’s an important one. Also, the more rooms you book, the more incentives you get. Many different elements become complimentary the more rooms you have. Finally, envision beyond the wedding day. Some couples are so focused on the big day that they fail to plan out the rest of their time at the destination. Add in an intimate couple’s massage or more to enrich the marriage beyond the I do. Or include a sporting activity like learning how to scuba dive, so that way they have a new hobby to do together after the bliss of the honeymoon.

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What are some of your favorite customization options for couples?

We believe in customization – each wedding should be as unique as the love shared by the couple. If they have a favorite color, we can weave it in using flowers or linens. Another favorite customization option is including an event or activity to thank your friends and family for coming, like a fire dancer or a catamaran cruise.

What advice would you give couples who wish to have an off-site wedding?

The ones who choose to go off the resort are often couples who wish to have a religious ceremony at a local church. However, Sandals is proud to offer overwater chapels at our resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia, giving couples the best of both worlds. They can still have the tradition of a chapel ceremony with an ideal Caribbean backdrop. Plus, they get to walk over water – it’s simply magical.