You're engaged! After celebrating the exciting news, one question naturally comes to mind: where do we begin?
Planning a wedding involves many decisions, but you don't need to figure everything out immediately. Understanding the first steps will help you organize your ideas, establish priorities, and make confident decisions.
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding in Mexico, here's how to get started, from your initial plans to reserving your wedding venue.
First Steps to Planning Your Destination Wedding in Mexico
1. Talk about your wedding priorities
Before researching venues or choosing decorations, take some time to discuss what you both want from your celebration.
Would you prefer an intimate ceremony or a large gathering? A beachfront wedding or a garden reception? A relaxed weekend with family or a celebration with multiple events?
Start by identifying your priorities as a couple:
- Wedding style: Formal, casual, romantic, or contemporary.
- Guest experience: Adults-only celebration or family-friendly gathering.
- Location: Beach, garden, terrace, or indoor venue.
- Wedding events: Ceremony and reception only, or a weekend with additional activities.
Having a general idea of your preferences will make the next decisions easier.
2. Establish a realistic wedding budget
Setting a budget early is one of the most important wedding planning steps. It helps determine which destinations, venues, and services best suit your plans.
Consider the main expenses:
- Ceremony and reception venue
- Catering and beverages
- Flowers, décor, and entertainment
- Photography and videography
- Wedding attire and beauty services
- Travel and accommodations
For a destination wedding, also consider what guests will pay for their stay and transportation.
An All-Inclusive luxury resort can simplify some aspects of planning by including accommodations, meals, and beverages during the stay. However, wedding packages and additional event services should be reviewed separately.
3. Create a preliminary guest list
You don't need an exact number yet, but an estimated guest count is essential before selecting a venue.
Start with immediate family and close friends, then expand the list according to your preferences and budget.
For a destination wedding in Mexico, consider whether your guests can travel, how long they might stay, and whether children will attend.
A preliminary count will help you identify resorts with suitable event spaces and accommodation options.
4. Choose your destination and wedding venue
Once you have an approximate budget and guest count, you can begin exploring locations.
Mexico offers several spectacular destinations for beachfront weddings, each with a different atmosphere:
- Riviera Maya: Caribbean beaches, tropical gardens, and lush natural surroundings.
- Los Cabos: Dramatic desert landscapes, oceanfront terraces, and contemporary luxury.
- Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit: Pacific sunsets, tropical vegetation, and rich Mexican culture.
When comparing venues, consider guest capacity, accommodation options, wedding packages, available event spaces, and planning services.
The Velas Weddings venue selection guide can help you compare different resorts in Mexico.
5. Contact a Wedding Specialist and reserve your date
With your preferred destination, estimated guest count, and budget in mind, you're ready to contact your selected venue.
A Wedding Specialist can explain the available packages, event spaces, services, and reservation process.
Before confirming your wedding, make sure you understand:
- Date and venue availability
- Package inclusions and additional costs
- Payment schedule and cancellation conditions
- Accommodation options for guests
- Requirements to secure your reservation
Velas Weddings hosts only one wedding per day at each property to ensure a more private and personalized celebration. Booking 12 to 18 months in advance is recommended, especially for popular dates and peak wedding season.
For even greater exclusivity, Mar del Cabo, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, and Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta offer full buyout options, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the entire property privately.
Once you've reviewed the agreement and completed the required reservation process, you can move forward with the more detailed planning.
Frequently asked questions about planning a destination wedding
How far in advance should we start planning our wedding?
Ideally, begin 12 to 18 months before your preferred date, particularly if you're considering a popular destination or need accommodations for many guests.
Should we choose a wedding date or venue first?
It's helpful to have a preferred date and a few alternatives. If a particular resort is important to you, checking its availability before finalizing the date gives you more flexibility.
Do we need a wedding planner for a destination wedding?
Working with an experienced wedding planner makes it easier to coordinate services from a distance. Velas Weddings offers dedicated Wedding Specialists to guide couples through planning and event arrangements.
Begin your destination wedding planning with Velas Weddings
Your wedding begins with a few important decisions, and having the right guidance makes the process easier.
From selecting a resort to reserving your preferred date, Velas Weddings offers beautiful destinations and professional planning services to help you prepare for your celebration in Mexico.
Your destination wedding starts here!