Resort Comparison Worksheet

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:

Would you like to get married on your honeymoon? Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples who are eager to skip the fuss of a traditional wedding and jump right into the fun. Around the world, you'll find hotels and resorts that offer on-site help to plan your wedding, from details like the wedding license to extras such as music and photos. Whether the special day involves just the two of you or you'll be inviting friends and relatives to join in the occasion, getaway weddings can be a way to create wonderful memories. For some couples, destination weddings are a way to avoid the more than $26,000 presently spent on an average wedding while enjoying all the fun and excitement of a honeymoon in one easy package. For other couples, it's a way to avoid all the fuss of a traditional wedding with its countless details while still planning an event you'll always remember. For other brides and grooms, a destination wedding is a chance to throw an extravagant event with all the bells and whistles of a ceremony at home, but in a destination where friends and family can come from around the world and enjoy both your ceremony and time together in a spectacular location. Whatever type of destination wedding appeals to the two of you, we hope you'll find plenty of ideas in this workbook. We have compiled this book following hundreds of interviews with wedding planners, hotel managers, food and beverage managers, travel agents, and brides just like you. Work through this book together and, like the life that lies ahead of you, tackle the questions one by one to create a day that you'll always remember. On the following pages [Editor's note: Download the PDF file in the sidebar, right], you'll find worksheets, timelines, lists, and questions for the two of you to ask each other and the professionals who will help make your wedding dreams come true. These worksheets will provide a handy way to keep your information organized. When it comes time to travel to your destination wedding, this guide will provide a central source for all your important information--from airline confirmation numbers to the phone number of your wedding coordinator. Toss this book in your suitcase and you'll have all the information you need to get your wedding plans in high gear.

Highlights from the March 2005 issue of Budget Travel Dream Destinations Around the WorldGet the details on travel to seven of the world's greatest wonders. Trip Coach: Romantic ItalyA soldier recently returned from overseas combat treats his wife to a romantic Italian getaway. Spain's New Golden AgeSpain is experiencing a cultural renaissance that is transforming the country from industrial wastelands into vibrant, hip neighborhoods. Road Trip: Mendocino CountyJust hours from San Francisco, Mendocino County features dramatic coastline and rolling inland hills. How to Buy a Bikini in RioIt's no secret that life in Rio de Janeiro revolves around the beach. So if you want to blend in, your first step is to dress the part. Mr. & Mrs. GlobetrotterA round-the-world traveler shares her tips for a successful trip. A Cruise You Can UseThe man behind European low-fare airline EasyJet wants to reinvent the cruise business. Road Trip: The Arkansas OzarksSmall-town America is morphing into suburban sprawl, but not in the Arkansas Ozarks. Confessions of a Hotel ExecutiveA hotel insider gives secrets on getting the best service. All-Star Family CampsFamily summer camps are a great and affordable way to experience the great outdoors without the worry that your kids will fall off a cliff or get fatally bored. The Best Ecolodges in the WorldTourism hurts, but you can make it a bit more environmentally-friendly by staying at one of these recommended ecolodges. Take My Word: Peter Carey on Malaysia The author dishes on a special spot. When Chains Can CharmVisiting a foreign chain can give you a real sense of just how unique a place can be. College Town: Columbia, MissouriDowntown Columbia has an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and music venues that gives the area a remarkably progressive vibe for the middle of the Midwest. Milking Your ManicureFancy spas secretly offer full access to their luxurious facilities--even if you've just come to have your nails done.