When Tayler and Dan started planning their wedding, they knew one thing for sure: they wanted to celebrate surrounded by the people they love most, and do it somewhere beautiful. A destination wedding checked both boxes perfectly.
Why Plan a Destination Wedding?
For this couple, the appeal was simple. “When else in life can you go on vacation with all of your closest friends and family?” Tayler explains. Both passionate travelers, they saw their wedding as a chance to create an extended celebration rather than just one day.
The location choice came naturally. Back in 2021, Tayler and Dan had visited Unico Riviera Maya together after months of quarantine, and the resort left a lasting impression. The natural beauty, modern atmosphere, and exceptional food and drinks made it feel like the perfect setting to share with their loved ones.
Their Love Story
Tayler and Dan’s relationship started in 2016 on a dating app, where their connection was immediate. Their shared passion for good food and drinks turned date nights into adventures, setting the stage for a relationship built on enjoying life together.
When it came time to propose, Dan planned something special at a nearby park with their closest friends there to witness the moment. But the real surprise came afterward when Tayler walked into their home to find a full engagement party with family and friends who had traveled from out of town. It was a preview of what their wedding would become: a celebration that brought together everyone they loved most.
Creating the Perfect Wedding Celebration
From the start, Tayler and Dan had a clear vision: tropical vibes, incredible food and drinks, and above all, a party their guests wouldn’t forget. They invested heavily in florals as their main decor element and splurged on a live band for entertainment.
Personal touches mattered to them. They added a temporary tattoo station and a late-night French fry bar (Tayler’s favorite food) to make sure the celebration reflected who they are as a couple. These details transformed the wedding from a beautiful event into something uniquely theirs.
A Multi-Day Wedding Weekend
The couple designed their wedding as a three-day experience. Thursday night kicked off with a welcome party featuring dessert, cocktails, and karaoke. Friday brought the main event: a ceremony at the resort’s gazebo overlooking the water, followed by cocktail hour and reception. Saturday wrapped things up with a casual pool party.
This multi-day format is something seasoned travel advisors could help couples plan for destination weddings. With guests already making the journey, extending the celebration across several days maximizes time together and creates a more relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere. Experienced agents like the team at Journeys can suggest which events work best on which days based on the resort layout, guest energy levels, and what they’ve seen succeed at specific venues.
Working With a Top Destination Wedding Travel Agency Made All the Difference
Once Tayler and Dan committed to a destination wedding, they turned to their travel agents at Journeys to guide them through the process. The Journeys team helped secure the venue, coordinate with the resort, and manage guest travel details.
“After we decided that we were definitely on board for a destination wedding, we talked to our amazing travel agents at Journeys to start the process,” Tayler shares. “They helped us secure our venue and coordinate with the resort and our guests.”
The team at Unico then stepped in to help book vendors and walk them through planning decisions. “Overall, it was a lot easier than expected, and we had a lot of freedom to make our vision come to life,” Tayler says. “Staying organized was the most important part!”
The Biggest Challenge When Planning a Destination Wedding
The hardest part wasn’t logistics. It was the emotional weight of asking guests to travel internationally. “Our biggest challenge was deciding to have a destination wedding, because we know it was a lot to ask of our guests,” Tayler admits. “We feel so thankful to be surrounded by such loving family and friends who made the trip to celebrate with us!”
Working with a travel agency like Journeys helped ease this concern. The team coordinated all guest travel arrangements, secured group rates on accommodations, and provided personalized support to each guest throughout the booking process. This meant guests had expert help navigating flights, transfers, and room reservations, making the trip feel less daunting and more accessible for everyone invited.
Favorite Wedding Moments
When asked about their favorite moment, both Tayler and Dan point to the ceremony itself. “It was surreal looking out and seeing all of our closest people together during such a special moment. Words cannot describe that feeling!” Tayler says.
A close second? The dance floor once Imperial Band started playing. “We did not leave the dance floor at all once Imperial Band started. They were incredible and kept us partying the entire time!”
Vendor Recommendations That Made it Happen
The couple carefully selected their vendors, mostly from Unico’s preferred list with a few important exceptions:
- Photography: Foto Karlien, a local photographer specializing in documentary and candid-style photography
- Florals: Tulipania brought their exact vision to reality based on inspiration photos
- Production: Mills James handled karaoke setup and lighting, exceeding expectations on both fronts
- Hair & Makeup: Styling Trio delivered professional results that lasted all day and night
- Decor & Rentals: Planner 1 provided lounge seating and long tables for the head table
- Entertainment: Imperial Band was the splurge that paid off in spades. “People are still raving and talking about the band, they were that good!” Tayler explains. “It almost felt like we were at a concert, not a wedding.” While the band came with outside vendor fees, Tayler says it was worth every penny and likely still less expensive than a comparable band in the US.
Wedding Budget Reality Check
Tayler and Dan stayed close to their estimated wedding budget, and they found their vendors accommodating about working within their financial parameters. Like many couples, they went slightly over once travel costs and extras added up, but they have no regrets about where they invested their money.
The right travel advisor can help you maximize your budget, regardless of how much you’re planning to spend. They know which resorts offer the best value at different price points, when to book for the best rates, and how to negotiate group discounts that can save your guests money. An experienced travel agent will also help you understand the full cost picture upfront, so you can allocate funds strategically and avoid budget surprises down the line.
What They’d Change (Spoiler: Not Much)
The couple has virtually no regrets. The weather cooperated, allowing them to hold the entire reception outdoors. If Tayler could change one thing, she’d add another hour with Imperial Band and would have secured a better rain backup plan. “I was not totally happy with our rain plan, so I think I would have felt less stressed about the weather if we had a better rain plan that did not involve a ballroom,” she notes. Fortunately, Unico has since added a covered patio option for future couples.
Advice for Future Destination Brides
Tayler’s biggest piece of advice? Trust the process. “Everything gets planned quickly, and a lot of the time it comes together pretty close to the wedding. I am very type A, so this was stressful at times, but everything worked out perfectly in the end!”
She also encourages couples to splurge on what matters most to them. “We truly enjoyed every moment of the entire week we were there. I don’t think we were emotionally prepared for how overwhelming and special it is to have so many people travel to another country for you. It was honestly the best week of our lives, and we would do it over and over again!”
How a Travel Agent Helps with Destination Wedding Planning
Planning a destination wedding from afar comes with unique challenges, from navigating language barriers at international resorts to understanding legal wedding requirements in different countries. A specialized travel agency removes much of that stress.
Journeys owner Kim Goldstein is a certified Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist who understands the ins and outs of destination weddings, helping couples create a complete guide for their guests that covers everything from travel expenses to what to pack. The team handles the room block coordination, manages group travel logistics, and works alongside the on-site wedding coordinator at your chosen resort to ensure all the symbolic ceremony details are properly arranged.
For couples planning from afar, having an experienced agency means you’re not figuring out the destination wedding planning process alone. They’ve worked with resorts like Unico countless times and know exactly how to turn your dream destination wedding into reality, handling every detail from packing lists for guests to ensuring legal wedding documentation is properly filed.
Ready to Start Planning Your Destination Wedding?
Tayler and Dan’s experience shows that the right planning partner makes all the difference. Their three-day celebration brought together everyone they love in a place with special meaning, with personal touches and a party that guests are still talking about.
Interested in learning how Journeys can help you plan your destination wedding? Contact us today to start planning your dream destination wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions on Destination Wedding Planning
How far in advance should I start planning a destination wedding?
Most couples benefit from starting the planning process 12 to 18 months before their wedding date. This gives you time to secure your venue, allows guests to plan their travel, and helps you work through vendor selection without feeling rushed. That said, Tayler and Dan found that things came together relatively quickly once they got started with Journeys.
What percentage of guests typically attend a destination wedding?
You can generally expect about 50 to 70 percent of your guests to attend a destination wedding. The actual number depends on factors like your location choice, time of year, and how much advance notice you provide. Tayler and Dan were thrilled with their turnout and felt grateful that so many loved ones made the trip.
Do I need to use the resort’s preferred vendors, or can I bring in outside vendors?
Most resorts have preferred vendor lists, but many allow outside vendors for an additional fee. Tayler and Dan used mostly Unico’s preferred vendors, but brought in their photographer and band from outside. The key is asking about any fees upfront and weighing whether the extra cost is worth it for vendors you really want.
How do I handle guest travel arrangements for a destination wedding?
Working with a travel agent who specializes in destination weddings makes this process much easier. Journeys helped Tayler and Dan coordinate all guest travel, from booking room blocks to managing arrival and departure schedules. This takes the pressure off you as a couple and ensures your guests have support throughout the booking process.
What should I include in welcome bags for destination wedding guests?
Welcome bags are a thoughtful way to thank guests for traveling. Consider including local snacks, a detailed itinerary for the wedding weekend, sunscreen, pain relievers, bottled water, and a personalized note. Tayler and Dan made sure their guests felt welcomed from the moment they arrived at the resort.