This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Caribbean and Latin America Marriott and JW Resorts for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Destination weddings, in general, can be extremely fun but along with the fun come tons of decisions that you, as a plus-size bride, have to make and be conscious of. Like what region you will choose and then once you decide on a region, you then need to determine on a hotel or resort in that region. Plus, don’t forget once you decide on these you then need to figure out if your guest will need passports. What kind of cultural experiences are you looking for? Will the experience be turn-key or will it be a challenge to manage from overseas? Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a lovely place to tie the knot. Most venues can significantly help with wedding planning and it’s wise to choose a venue that already has a lot of wedding vendor connections. There’s no point planning a wedding somewhere if you can’t get any resources there!
I know when Mr. Myers and I went away for our 10-year anniversary trip, there were so many decisions for us to make but I know one thing, we made all choices based on what we like and what would be fun for our guests. We went to Mexico and we still talk about how much fun we had. The beaches are gorgeous, hence why I look a bit sunburned below :), the people are super nice and oh don’t forget it’s all about relaxing and having a great time which you are sure to do!
Check us hanging out….awe to be back there again!!!
Deciding where to go can be hard because there so many to chose from. I’ve included an infographic below to help make your decision where to go a little easier and what resorts are available for you to pick from in certain areas. And if you are anything like me, when I see a whole bunch of options I just get overwhelmed with all the choices so we’ve switched it up a bit for you. The infographic is designed like a Matrimony Quiz that will help you decide the destination that best fits you and your “boo’s” needs. I will also connect you, worry-free, with the Caribbean and Latin America Marriott and JW Resorts that’s perfect for your big day. It’s perfect, answer a few questions and you have some suggestions for you. After you have decided where you would like to go then check out the packing list that I’ve including to ensure you pack everything you need for your destination wedding.
Now we had so much fun when we were in the Caribbean but I really had a hard time coming up with exactly what I needed to pack. I had to check weather for the area we were going to as well as make sure that we had everything that we would need. Here’s a handy little list that I came up with, that includes some things that I found were helpful why were were on our trip. And when you think about doing a wedding there, there are so many things that you would never think that you would need that would be so easy to forget so definitely take note!
Destination Wedding Packing List: Most important Items
- Passports
- Wedding Rings
- Wedding Dress/Gown
- Veil
- Wedding tux/suit
- Wedding Day Shoes
- Visas (where necessary)
- Copies of your birth certificates
- Plane tickets/itinerary/boarding passes
- Credit card/travelers checks/cash
NOTE: All of the above should be packed in your carry on luggage
Destination Wedding Packing List: Pre-Wedding Week
- Strapless Swimwear (to avoid tan lines on your wedding day)
- Welcome bag items
Destination Wedding Packing List: Wedding Day Essentials
- Wedding night lingerie/undergarments
- Guest Favors
- Wedding day Jewelry (earrings, bracelet, necklace)
- Something old, new, borrowed, blue
- If you?’re bringing your own silk/Real Touch flowers, don’?t forget to pack it
- Ipod loaded with music for your reception
- Your vows
- Change of shoes/slippers for dancing at the reception
- Garter
- Tiara or hair clip
- Cake topper
- Programs
- Menu
- Escort/seating cards/Table Numbers (if you’re bringing your own)
- Aisle runner
- Guest book
- Traditional Ceremony celebration items (i.e. Unity candle or sand ceremony supplies)
- Ring bearer accessories (i.e. Pillow)
- Decorations
- One of your invitations for the photography
Destination Wedding Packing List:Toiletries/Personal Items
- Extra Contact lenses
- Reading glasses
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
- Aloe vera
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Comb/brush
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Contraception
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Nail filer/emory board
- Nail polish and remover
Destination Wedding Packing List: Hair/Makeup
- Makeup (blush, mascara, foundation, eyeliner, lipstick/gloss, eyeshadow, etc.)
- Makeup brushes
- Moisturizer, eye cream, etc..
- Makeup remover
- Facial cleanser
- Hair gel
- Hairspray
- Flat iron and/or curling iron
Destination Wedding Packing List: Electronics
- Camera
- Memory card
- Camera charger
- Cell Phone
- Phone charger
Destination Wedding Packing List: Important Paperwork
- Copies of all vendor/Resort/Venue contracts
- List of all vendor contact info
- Proof of down payments you?’ve made to vendors
- Receipts for favors/welcome bags (to show when crossing Borders & Customs)
- Photocopies of any vaccination document/prescriptions/health insurance cards
- Trip insurance
- Your wedding planning binder with all the details you?’ve already arranged, printouts of all email communications with vendors, contracts, etc?
- Phone number of the closest US embassy
- Marriage certificate if you had your legal ceremony at home and will be having a religious ceremony abroad (they will sometimes require proof that you are legally married)
Destination Wedding Packing CheckList:Miscellaneous
- Groom?s Gift
- Bridesmaids gifts
- Parents gifts
- TSA Approved Luggage locks
- Luggage tags
- Beach bag
- Trash the dress attire (if different from your wedding gown)
- Scissors, ribbon, and tape for any last minute DIY wedding projects
- Safety pins
- Travel sewing kit
Destination Wedding Packing CheckList:Honeymoon
- Sexy lingerie
- Summer dresses
- Walking shoes/sandals
- Sun hats
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Cardigan or wrap for chilly air conditioned airports and restaurants
- Swimsuit cover up
- Evening dresses/shoes
- Strapless bras for strapless outfits
- Evening bag/purse
- Lip balm
- Guides/maps
Other important tips to note before you leave:
- Leave a copy of your passport at home with someone who’?s not traveling to your destination wedding.
- Call your cell phone provider and inquire about adding an international package to your plan for the week or two you will be abroad. Depending on your phone carrier you might be able to get this for free if traveling to Mexico or for a small prorated fee if traveling to the Caribbean. An international plan on your phone will allow you to communicate with family/friends or vendors without incurring enormous roaming fees. {THIS IS HUGE because I had a $300 charge with using my phone for 4 minutes to research something for my visa to get into the country}
- If you have a smart phone and do not have an international data plan, make sure you turn off your data while abroad or you could incur outrageous fees when your phone automatically updates email/text messages EVEN if you don’?t use your phone. Call you phone company for details.
