There are numerous planning checklists to plan every facet of your wedding. Instead of sifting through all of those we have narrowed it down to the key components for your convenience:

1. Flight and Hotel Packages

Purchasing your flight and hotel together can save you money. You can also consider contracting group rates for all of your guests. This will ensure your guests pay the same price, and that rooms are available for everyone in your group. When you work with a wedding planner, all of these details can be arranged on your behalf.

2. The Ceremony

Most resorts include the ceremony location in their packages. Many destinations also include free basic weddings when you book a certain number of rooms for your group. Inclusions vary from resort to resort. Be sure to get the details from your destination wedding planner before you make a decision on where to have your wedding.

3. Reception Space

The first thing you need to decide is if you want a private or semi-private reception. Almost every resort will include a semi-private space in their wedding packages, whereas private venues come at an additional cost.

4. Décor

Every resort is different. Some charge for décor by table, whereas other resorts charge by item. Start with what your package includes and then work with your wedding designer to determine how many extras you want to add.

5. Flowers

This is a great place to incorporate the tropical atmosphere of a destination wedding. You can cut cost by working within the constraints of your package; each resort has variations of stunning tropical flower arrangements.

6. Live Music

Music is the perfect way to bring the local culture of your destination into your wedding. Hire a local artist, there will always be several of them available – most of them will be familiar with popular American tunes.

7. Entertainment

If you want to have a true bonanza of a celebration, you can add entertainment such as a fire dancer or fireworks. A competent wedding planner will be able to help you find the best talent in the area, and negotiate the best rates.

8. Adventures and excursions

Make it more than just a wedding for your guests and budget for everyone to take an excursion together. This is a great gift for them and it allow both sides of the family and friends to get to know prior to the main event. Consider your group’s interests and needs when choosing an excursion; popular choices that appeal to a wide variety of people are catamaran cruises and swimming with dolphins.

9. Food and beverage

Just because you are at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean that everything needed for a private party is included, so be sure to talk over these items with your concierge.

10. Cake

Most wedding packages include at minimum a basic cake. If you want to skip the cost of an extravagant cake, include a dessert with your dinner and your guests will be satisfied.