Question 1

WHY SHOULD WE CONSIDER A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Accepted Answer

A destination wedding is your chance to celebrate your love story in a stunning and unforgettable location. It’s more than just a wedding—it’s an experience! Surrounded by your closest family and friends, you’ll create lifelong memories in a beautiful setting. Plus, many destination weddings are easier to plan and more cost-effective than traditional ceremonies, with all-inclusive packages and expert on-site support.

Question 2

WHEN SHOULD WE START PLANNING OUR DESTINATION WEDDING?

Accepted Answer

Start planning at least 12-18 months in advance to:
 • Research and select your ideal destination.
 • Secure your venue and book top vendors.
 • Arrange travel and accommodations for your guests.
 • Send invitations early so guests have time to make arrangements. This timeline ensures a stress-free planning process and gives your guests plenty of notice.

Can a destination wedding be planned in less time? Of course but we'll need to make sure everyone is on the same page so we can move quickly!

Question 3

WHY DO I NEED A DESTINATION WEDDING TRAVEL AGENT AS OPPOSED TO A DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNER?

Accepted Answer

Here are the main differences between a travel agent and a wedding planner.

Travel Agent: Handles all travel logistics, including flights, accommodations, and group bookings for you and your guests. We help you find the best resort for you and your group, connect you with the wedding team at the resort, coordinate all of your guests' travel from start-to-finish, and address travel-related issues. We keep the train on the tracks from start to finish to ensure payments are made on time, your guests' questions are answered in a timely fashion, and support you with any resort related issues that may arise.

Wedding Planner: Focuses on the wedding day itself, from coordinating vendors to designing your decor. While a planner manages the celebration, a travel agent ensures your journey there is smooth and stress-free. Working with both ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

At Sweet Sights Travel, we luckily can help with both of these things. Travel is our specialty but we are also available to assist in planning your wedding with the resort team. More information about our wedding planning packages will be released soon.

Question 4

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Accepted Answer

• Breathtaking Backdrops: Picture exchanging vows on a pristine beach, in a lush garden, or beside a historic landmark.
 • Affordable Options: Smaller guest lists and inclusive packages often result in significant savings. Remember that on average 60-70% of the people you actually invite to your wedding will actually attend.
 • Stress-Free Planning: Many resorts and venues handle the details, so you can focus on enjoying your day.
 • Built-in Honeymoon: No extra travel needed—you’re already in paradise! You can choose to move to a different hotel for a few days after everyone leaves so you can truly decompress and let it soak in that you're finally married!
 • Unforgettable Experience: It’s a mini-vacation for everyone, making it special for you and your guests.
 • Concessions: These are essentially perks for bringing a group to a resort. There are some stipulations that need to be met in order to earn these, but it's essentially money that will be refunded back on your credit card after travel. We'll chat more about this during our complimentary consultation.

Question 5

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO SET A BUDGET FOR OUR DESTINATION WEDDING?

Accepted Answer

This is critical! But there are 2 budgets to keep in mind:
1. Wedding Expenses: Venue, decor, catering, and photography.
2. Travel Costs: Flights, accommodations, and local transportation for you and your guests. A well-planned budget ensures you can prioritize what matters most and avoid unexpected surprises. Typically your guests do pay for their own travel for the event so being mindful of when your VIP guests can actually travel, will help you ensure your "must attend" guests can make it.
Download my guide to help you start your wedding planning journey!

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Question 6

HOW MUCH DOES A DESTINATION WEDDING COST?

Accepted Answer

Well this is a loaded question and I'm going to dodge it and say - it depends. Since this is a customizable experience, there is no exact answer. When we discuss wedding packages, it's important to remember that we're typically starting with a package with some inclusions and exclusions, and building from there. It's basically a combination of different services that can be tweaked or adjusted to suit your vision.

When you work with the right resort and the right wedding planner (if you want to work with one in destination outside of the resort's team), everything can be modified and customized. Customization is the defining factor between a "good" destination wedding resort from a "great" one. These customizations can be dangerous though, especially if you get caught up in "shiny object syndrome". That's where budgets get blown out of the water.

To give you a rough idea of cost, the average Sweet Sights Travel client has between 40-60 guests and spends between $8,000 and $15,000 USD on their wedding and wedding events.

Question 7

WHAT ARE THE BEST LOCATIONS FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Accepted Answer

Well again, it depends. For Canadians, the most popular destinations for all-inclusive weddings are:

Mexican Caribbean, including the areas of Playa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres, Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Punta Maroma, Puerto Aventuras, Cozumel, Akumal, and Tulum

Western Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

The Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata

Jamaica, including Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios

St. Lucia + Other Caribbean Islands

Question 8

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Accepted Answer

In Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, there are really three seasons to consider:

• Peak Season (Highest Cost): Mid-January through Easter, plus all holiday weekends; keep in mind that Americans drive the market so many weekend wedding dates are tough to come by and can sometimes have a surcharge

• Mid Season (Average Cost): Easter through August, early January

• ​Low Season (Lowest Cost): September through early November, just before American Thanksgiving

The other thing to consider are weather events like hurricane season, which is typically the end of May until the end of November. Now that doesn't mean it's going to rain every day as you can have sunshiny days every day. It's just something to keep in mind and nothing to be afraid of. We can talk more about this!

Depending on how much cost-effectiveness matters to you and your guests, this information can be used as a guide to help you plan the right time for you.

Question 9

WHAT IS A ROOM BLOCK?

Accepted Answer

This means that the group has paid a deposit to pre-reserve rooms for your group. Resorts are becoming more strict on having guests all book through the same booking source.

• The couple has signed a contract with the resort and has committed to a minimum number of rooms
 • Only rooms booked with Sweet Sights Travel count toward this contract
 • The resort has a 3-night minimum stay requirement, but you are welcome to come earlier or stay later!
 • We have reserved several different room types for you to choose from. Descriptions follow this FAQ.

Question 10

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T BOOK WITH SWEET SIGHTS TRAVEL?

Accepted Answer

The couple pays a deposit to pre-reserve rooms for your group. They have a group contract that allows them to offer additional benefits for their guests.

The group kindly asks that you book your hotel within our designated group contract here at Sweet Sights Travel.

There are several reasons why you should honor the group's wishes and book the hotel portion with the group:

• The group has worked with me to negotiate a contract for the ENTIRE group. This includes a special set rate and included transportation. It's not necessarily the cheapest option but it holds the pricing for a longer amount of time to allow more people to book within the group.
 • Groups are given priority status at the resort, so you might miss out on some VIP treatment.
 • Groups are given priority room assignments, so if you book directly, you're likely getting a room that couldn't be sold to a group. It will be leftover inventory, probably in a undesirable location away from everyone else.
 • Groups are given priority in terms of an oversold situation. If the hotel over sells, your group is protected but this reservation is not. You could be walked to another location.

Guests who do not book within the group contract unfortunately:

• Will not get the group rates.
 • Will have to pay up front vs. over time.
 • Will not receive any pre-departure, trip support or post-trip support from me.
 • Unfortunately we cannot assist with travel arrangements made outside of the group, nor can we assist in the event of an emergency.
 • Will be required to pay a day pass on property to attend wedding events (even if you're staying on property). Note: Day pass sales are extremely limited due to occupancy restrictions & typically start at $150 USD per person per event.

Question 11

TRAVEL INSURANCE - YES, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT...

Accepted Answer

At Sweet Sights Travel, we strongly recommend protecting your travel investment with travel insurance. Life is unpredictable, and plans can change. Without insurance, all-inclusive group reservations are non-refundable, and cancellations can result in significant losses. Please note that some policies with Cancel for Any Reason coverage requires purchase at the time of booking.

Travel insurance covers a wide range of unexpected events, including trip cancellations, delays, missed connections, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency medical expenses—especially important since most health plans don’t cover international travel. To secure coverage for pre-existing conditions or supplier defaults, policies must be purchased at booking or soon after.

While we’re not licensed to provide insurance advice throughout the entire country or the US, we’re happy to provide you with a quote or guide you to purchase a policy independently.

Please note that declining insurance requires signing a waiver before your reservation will be confirmed & your deposit processed.

Want a quote? If your group members live in different states or provinces, please share their contact details for individual policy quotes.

Protect your journey—travel with peace of mind!

Question 12

WHY DO YOU CHARGE A FEE?

Accepted Answer

At Sweet Sights Travel, we believe your journey should be as unique and special as your love story. Unlike the impersonal approach of large-scale booking agencies, which often juggle numerous clients and promote high-commission resorts, we take pride in offering a personalized, boutique experience.

By working with a select number of couples each year, we ensure that every detail of your trip receives the attention it deserves. Our commitment to you includes timely responses to your inquiries, honoring special requests, and providing honest, tailored advice.

Investing in our services means investing in peace of mind. Our professional fees reflect the dedication and expertise we bring to crafting your perfect getaway from start to finish. We handle the complexities of travel planning, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories together.

Our couples consistently tell us that our personalized approach is worth every penny. Experience the difference with Sweet Sights Travel, where your journey is our passion.

Question 13

BOOKING INFORMATION & DEADLINES

Accepted Answer

Hello! Rhonda & Ryan have pre-reserved rooms with a special set rate for the travel window of December 3-10, 2024. Guests may extend their stay, pending availability.

*To get the best possible rate, we encourage you to book within the specified room block dates.

Deadlines
After you have discussed your travel dates with family & friends, you are ready to make a deposit! Room deposit of $250 per person is due no later than June 7, 2024 plus the cost of chosen insurance plan (optional). Do not wait to book your room if there is a specific category that you'd like to secure.
Final room payments due no later than September 19, 2024.

Travel Agent
The couple is working with me, Melanie Murray at Sweet Sights Travel, to make this trip fun and stress free. Please read the important information below and contact me to complete your booking and join us!

Question 14

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Accepted Answer

All Inclusive resorts are priced per person, based on how many individuals are booked in a room.

The rates listed are PER PERSON and include:

• Hotel Accommodations
 • All Inclusive Meal Plan - Also includes all beverages including alcohol
 • Round trip shared transportation between the destination airport & your resort
 • Hotel, tax & gratuities
 • All wedding events & activities

Optional travel insurance is available to protect your investment. See insurance FAQ below for more details.

At Grand Palladium Kantenah/Grand Palladium White Sand/TRS Yucatan, amenities include:

• Hydro spa tub
 • Private bath with shower
 • Mini bar with soda, bottled water, juice & domestic beer
 • LCD TV with satellite
 • Purified water
 • Digital safe (laptop size)
 • Individually controlled A/C
 • Coffee maker
 • Direct dial telephone
 • Bluetooth-enabled wireless alarm clock radio
 • Hair blow dryer
 • Iron/ironing board
 • Free wireless internet
 • 24-hour room service

Question 15

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all international travelers are required to have a passport, including infants and children. To learn more about the application process, please visit the Government of Canada's website.(https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html)

A passport BOOK is required - Passport Cards, Enhanced Drivers Licenses or SENTRI cards are not valid for air travel. If you already have a passport, please check the expiration date.

The Canadian Government recommends that international travelers have 6 months of validity remaining on their passport after their return trip date.

PASSPORT PROCESSING TIME is nearly back to normal as of right now, check this site for details and *do not* wait until the last  minute! https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html(https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html)

Question 16

IS COVID TESTING REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL?

Accepted Answer

Entering Mexico: Currently, the Dominican Republic does not require any type of testing or vaccination to enter the country.

Returning to Canada: Effective October 1, 2022, Canada no longer requires a negative Covid test to return to Canada. You can read about any updates via this website.(https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid)

Question 17

TRAVEL INSURANCE - YES, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT...

Accepted Answer

Because group reservations at all inclusive resorts are pre-paid and non-refundable, travel insurance is encouraged to protect your investment. Life is unpredictable; plans can change.

The cost of insurance is based on your age, your province of residency and the total cost of your trip. Due to this, travel insurance prices will be quoted for each individual guest.

Without insurance, there are no refunds should your plans change

Without insurance, you will also not have any medical coverage for mishaps or catastrophic events. Your extended benefits, provincial health care and/or your credit card insurance may not be sufficient; please read the FAQ below for more detail.

We have a limited amount of Sunwing Worry Free vouchers available for purchase. You can read all the details here (https://www.sunwing.ca/en/be-worry-free)& note which voucher you prefer when you book your trip.  It must be paid for at time of booking & is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We also have access to a more robust plan through Manulife as well. Please request additional information when you book your trip for a quote.

Question 18

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Initial deposits are due no later than June 7, 2024. You will receive a monthly payment reminder from my system & you can either ignore it or make an interim payment at that time, if you like.

There are no set requirements for payments, as long as final payments are made by the deadline.

Final payments are due on September 19, 2024 & no changes may be made after this date.

Question 19

I AM SHARING A ROOM WITH ANOTHER INVITED GUEST. HOW DOES THAT WORK?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please coordinate with your roommate and designate ONE person to fill out the reservation form. You can fill out the information for multiple credit cards so you can each pay your own portion.

Reservation forms should be one per ROOM, not one per person. When I get your form, I will email both of you and explain next steps.

If you and your roommate live at different addresses, please make sure to include the second passenger's contact info. This can go in the notes field.

Question 20

CAN WE COME EARLIER OR STAY LATER THAN THE CONTRACTED DATES?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! ​If you would like to stay for dates before or after this date window, that is no problemo!

Please include your requested dates in your reservation form and I will confirm availability! Note: rates outside the room block dates may differ from our group rates quoted here & are subject to availability.

Question 21

WHAT IS A ROOM BLOCK?

Accepted Answer

This means that the group has paid a deposit to pre-reserve rooms for your group.

• The couple has signed a contract with the resort and has committed to a minimum number of rooms
 • Only rooms booked with Sweet Sights Travel count toward this contract
 • The resort has a 7 night minimum stay requirement, but you are welcome to come earlier or stay later!
 • We have reserved several different room types for you to choose from. Descriptions follow this FAQ.

Question 22

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T BOOK WITH SWEET SIGHTS TRAVEL?

Accepted Answer

The couple has paid a deposit to pre-reserve rooms for your group. They have a group contract that allows them to offer additional benefits for their guests.

The group kindly asks that you book your hotel within our designated group contract here at Sweet Sights Travel.

There are several reasons why you should honor the group's wishes and book the hotel portion with the group:

• The group has worked with me to negotiate a contract for the ENTIRE group. This includes a special set rate and included transportation.
 • Groups are given priority status at the resort, so you might miss out on some VIP treatment.
 • Groups are given priority room assignments, so if you book directly, you're likely getting a room that couldn't be sold to a group. It will be leftover inventory, probably in a undesirable location away from everyone else.
 • Groups are given priority in terms of an oversold situation. If the hotel over sells, your group is protected but his reservation is not. You could be walked to another location.

Guests who do not book within the group contract unfortunately:

• Will not get the group rates.
 • Will have to pay up front vs. over time.
 • Will not receive any pre-departure, trip support or post-trip support from me.
 • Unfortunately I cannot assist with travel arrangements made outside of the group, nor can I assist in the event of an emergency.
 • Will be required to pay a day pass on property to attend wedding events. Note: Day pass sales are extremely limited due to occupancy restrictions & typically start at $100 USD per person per event.

Question 23

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Accepted Answer

Email is the best way to reach me as I'm frequently on consultation & supplier calls.

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Melanie Murray
hello@sweetsightstravel.com (hello@sweetsightstravel.com)

Business Hours
Monday to Thursday 12 pm to 8 pm Mountain Standard Time
Friday & Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mountain Standard Time

I am available outside business hours by appointment only.

Let's get Social!

Instagram @sweetsightstravel (https://www.instagram.com/sweetsightstravel/)

Frequently Asked Questions