Resort Wedding Coordinators

Aside from resorts, traditional hotels also offer wedding packages. These come in all shapes and sizes, from two-person ceremonies to grand affairs with many guests. Many of the same questions that apply to all-inclusives will apply to hotels as well. How many weddings are performed at this property every year? _________________ This question is a trade-off. On the one hand, you want the property to be skilled in planning a wedding, no matter how complex. (Although hotels may have plenty of facilities, some may typically use those facilities for meetings, not for weddings.) On the other hand, you don't want your wedding to feel like part of an assembly line. Is there an on-site wedding coordinator? __ yes __ no While most all-inclusive resorts have on-site wedding coordinators, many hotels rely on local wedding coordinators, which can be a separate cost for the couple. Or properties may have a person on staff who handles weddings but that person's responsibilities may also include groups or conventions. Check to see if the hotel staff person is a dedicated wedding planner; if not, you may be better off hiring a local wedding planner if your wedding will involve many arrangements. How many weddings are typically performed in a day at this property during the month of our wedding? _______ Notes:

Name: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Location: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Per night cost: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Adults only? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Couples only? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Distance from airport: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ On site wedding planner? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Cost of wedding package: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Min. stay for wedding package: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ # weddings performed daily: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Wedding site options: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Reception included in package? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Beach? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Nightclub? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ Favorite sports in all- inclusive package? Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________ What we like about this resort: Resort #1___________ Resort #2___________ Resort #3___________

At one time, destination weddings were primarily a ceremony for the couple themselves, occasionally accompanied by a pair of close friends to serve as witnesses. Today, however, with families spread out across great distances, more and more destination weddings are including a number of guests. Wedding parties often find it just as easy (and sometimes simpler) to meet at a vacation destination for a wedding than to travel to the couple's hometown. What are the resort's guest restrictions? ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Some all-inclusive resorts are for couples only so this rule will apply to day guests as well. Some all-inclusives are adults-only, permitting only guests age 18 and over (or age 16 in a few cases). Would we like our guests to stay in other nearby resorts? __ yes __ no You may not want to bump into your guests throughout your honeymoon. Sometimes the bride and groom stay at one property and the guests at a sister resort. You'll have the option to get together for a meal or a drink but you won't feel like you've got your guests looking over your shoulder throughout your honeymoon. What is the fee for non-guests?________ Guests who are not staying at the resort typically purchase a "day pass" or a "night pass," depending on the time of your wedding and reception. This pass typically allows the visitor to enjoy the same privileges as a guest, from drinks to meals. What hours does this guest pass cover?_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

All-inclusive resorts offer packages covered by one price. You'll pay in advance for your room as well as meals, drinks, taxes, watersports, entertainment, airport transfers, and more. All-inclusive resorts also offer wedding packages; a few are free and most are very reasonable. Most of these properties have wedding planners on staff to help you with all the details. Are we OK about the idea of a wedding on the resort property? __ yes __ no Most all-inclusives arrange for weddings on the property grounds. If you would like to get married elsewhere, you may have to hire a local wedding coordinator. Check with your potential resort to see if they can help you arrange weddings off property if that's your interest. What does the all-inclusive package include? __ officiant's fee __ marriage license __ services of wedding coordinator __ transportation to government offices, if needed __ bride's bouquet __ groom's boutonnière __ champagne __ recorded music __ small wedding cake __ witnesses, if needed __ photos Do we want more than what is offered in the wedding package? __ yes __ no What is the minimum stay for the wedding package? _______ nights How many weddings are performed at this resort every year? _______ How many weddings are typically performed in a day at this resort during the month of our wedding? _______ If individuality is important or if your ceremony and reception will require special attention, check with the property on the number of weddings they host. Will you be one of five weddings at the resort that day or will yours be the only one? What venues are available for receptions? What are the minimum and maximum guest sizes for each venue? Reception site 1 Minimum # guests _______ Maximum # guests _______ Reception site 2 Minimum # guests _______ Maximum # guests _______ Reception site 3 Minimum # guests _______ Maximum # guests _______ How long can we have this reception site? ________________ Make sure you'll be able to keep the reception site as long as you need it; hotels that have booked many functions may only be able to allow you to keep the facility for a few hours. How are these venues typically decorated? What are our options for champagne and other drinks at the reception? What is the per person reception cost? ________________ Is there a curfew on property? __ yes __ no Some properties have a curfew for outdoor functions so other guests can sleep. If you're planning a late-night party, consider an outdoor cocktail function and an indoor reception or an outdoor reception and an indoor meal and music. Notes: