SANDALS EXUMA BAHAMAS - Destination Wedding

Here are some of the qustions that came to our minds, when we started planning. I also touch a bit more on some of these questions down below, while explaining our experience at Sandals.

1. WHAT IS A DESTINATION WEDDING?

•  A destination wedding is a wedding that is held in a location that is different from the couple's hometown. Destination weddings can be held anywhere in the world, but they are most commonly held in tropical destinations like the Caribbean or Hawaii. 

2. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING?

•  It is best to start planning a destination wedding at least 12 months in advance. This will give you enough time to secure a venue, book travel and accommodations for guests, and coordinate all of the details. 

3. HOW DO I CHOOSE A DESTINATION FOR MY WEDDING?

•  When choosing a destination for your wedding, there are many factors to consider, such as the cost, the time of year, the weather, and the activities available. You should also consider the needs of your guests, such as the distance they will have to travel, the type of accommodations they will need, and if you are wanting adults only or will kids be allowed as well. We first began by looking at locations that had been on our personal bucketlist & worked down from their.

4. HOW DO I INVITE GUESTS TO MY DESTINATION WEDDING?

•  When inviting guests to your destination wedding, it is important to be clear about the expectations. You should let them know that they will need to pay for their own travel and accommodations. You should also provide them with information about the activities and events that will be available. 

5. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A DESTINATION WEDDING?

•  The average cost of a destination wedding can vary depending on the destination, the number of guests, and the level of luxury. However, a destination wedding can be more affordable than a traditional wedding, especially if you choose a destination that is less expensive. (I touch more on this down below)

When I talk about intimacy, I'm not only talking about you & your spouse (to-be)... I'm also talking about you and the guests you invited and how everyone is treated at Sandals. That's what it's all about, right... the connection?! ❤ 

Take it from us, destination wedding or not; smaller is better when it comes to truly embracing the 'intimacy' piece of your wedding, and having a destination wedding, makes this a little more simple, which I touch on below. Not only did we focus on our guests as a whole, but Nate and I truly got to experience this 'new beginning' in sync with one another (cue the mushy feelings). 

We only had to think about ourselves for those moments, never worrying about what was supposed to happen next, all because our wedding planners were on top of everything! It's incredibly easy to lose sight of this #1 priority when you have a million other things pulling you in 900 different directions (food, cake, DJ, after party, etc), which brings me to our next reason of 'why' we chose a destination wedding... the wedding planner.  

Yes!! Y'all... again, this destination wedding is about YOU. YOU AND YOUR FOREVER. So, why not combine the honeymoon and the wedding to create, what Sandals calls, a WeddingMoon? Not only will you be throwing your special day in an incredibly beautiful tropical oasis (like Exuma Bahamas), but you will already be on your honeymoon as soon as you say 'I DO' (well.. technically before it too)! 

When we booked our room at Sandals Emerald Bay Exuma Bahamas, they were doing an offer for a free wedding if we stayed a certain amount of days ( I believe it was 3 or 4 days)... legit a win-win, and once again this was a huge incentive for us. 

Now... I know what you're thinking... "Free Wedding? This can't be good...", oh yes, but it is! When you book your room, essentially you are paying for your wedding (does this make sense now?). 

Once you book your room and mention that you are getting married on sight, they will have a wedding planner get in contact with you and essentially touch base about wedding documents needed, and then you can start choosing your wedding day specifics. They make this piece incredibly seemless & work with you on every piece of the wedding planning process, all the way to till the day of your ceremony!

In a nutshell, this is what is included with your destination wedding from Sandals:

• Personal wedding planner
• Preperation of marriage documents
• Romantic & picturesque wedding location
• White Chiavari chairs with white cushions
• Pre-recorded music for your ceremony
• 1-hour cocktail reception for you and your guests
• Signature cocktail for the Bride & Groom
• 15% dicount on Red Lane Spa services
• Free gift registry & wedding website
• Honeymoon dinner with white-glove service
• Turndown service on the 1st night of your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon Mimosa & breakfast in bed
• 1 complimentary 5x7 wedding photograph, additional photos & videos will incur additional cost (be sure to have people from your wedding party take as many photos & videos as well, if you are trying to keep costs down)

Here is the website to see what other items you can add for your special day if you want to (additional fees will apply depending on your taste & style). ❤