Planning a Destination Wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean?

Dorothy Johnson/SunLover Travel DFW -Destination Wedding Specialist 

So you got engaged and you already know a traditional ballroom wedding is not for you. Planning a destination wedding in Mexico or Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort might be exactly what you are dreaming of. You want white sand, warm water, and a ceremony your guests will never stop talking about.

Before our first call, sit down with your partner and talk through these questions together. The more aligned you are going in, the faster we can find your perfect resort and start making it real.

Question #1 : Destination Wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean?

Mexico and the Caribbean both offer breathtaking options for a destination wedding in an  all-inclusive resort.  But, they have different vibes, flight times, and price points. Do you have a dream location already, or are you open to recommendations?

• Are you dreaming of Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta)?
• Are you dreaming of the Caribbean (Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Aruba, Turks & Caicos)?
• Have either of you stayed at an all-inclusive resort before? Was there a property or brand you loved?
• Have you done any research on specific destination or seen resorts you love on social media?

Question #2: Timing

Timing affects everything including resort availability, pricing, weather, and how much runway your guests have to plan and save. The earlier you start, the more options you have.

• What year are you targeting for your wedding?
• Do you have a preferred season or month in mind?
• Is there a specific date you want or are you flexible?
• Are there any conflicting dates like another wedding?
• How much planning time do you want before your wedding date?

Question #3: Guest Count

Your guest count shapes everything including which resorts make sense, which wedding packages apply, and how your room block gets structured. You do not need an exact number, but a general range matters.

• Are you envisioning an intimate celebration (under 20 guests), a mid-size group (20–50), or a larger party (50+)?
• Are most guests traveling from the same state?
• Will children be attending? This determines whether you need a family-friendly resort or can consider adults-only properties.
• Do you have any guests with mobility needs or travel limitations to plan around?

Question #4: Budget

Having an honest budget conversation early makes the entire planning process smoother. The more I know about what you are working with, the faster I can match you to the right resort and package for your vision.

• What is your total budget, including the wedding package, extras, and your own travel?
• Who is contributing: just the two of you, or are family members also pitching in?
• Are you planning to help cover any guest travel or room costs, or are guests covering their own?
• Are you flexible on resort tier (luxury vs. upper-upscale) or is a specific level non-negotiable?

Question #5: Wedding Venue

Every couple has a different vision for where they want to say I do. Knowing your ideal setting helps me narrow down the resorts that can actually deliver it.

• Do you picture yourself getting married on the beach with the waves behind you?
• Are you dreaming of a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean?
• Would you prefer a lush garden setting or an elegant outdoor courtyard?
• Are there any settings you have seen on social media or Pinterest that felt like exactly what you want?

Question #6: Guest Travel

A destination wedding is a travel experience for your guests too. I handle the room block, airport transfers, and your wedding website so every guest knows exactly where to go and how to book. Here are a few things worth thinking about on your end.

• Most resort require a 3 night stay. Are your guests able to commit to that?
• Do you have a budget in mind for your guests?
• Are your guests well traveled or do they need extra guidance?
• Are you familiar with the different types of room blocks available?

You do not need every answer locked in before we talk. Part of what I do is help you work through these decisions together. But the more of these conversations you have had with each other ahead of time, the faster we get to the fun part: finding your resort and making this real.