Here are some pros and cons of each one to help you choose. All Inclusive Resort…..Pros and Cons Pros:
If your priority is to relax and have someone else take care of your Wedding Day planning, an AI Resort is a great option.
They’ll do the “heavy lifting” of planning the details of a great destination wedding for you, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your Big Day!
Once you’re selected your wedding package and its’ variables, you’ll know the total cost of what you need to pay, and they’ll take care of the rest to ensure it all runs according to plan.
Remember, they do this a lot and are very good at what they do, so you don’t need to worry about those details, knowing they’ve got you covered.
Plus you’ll know exactly how much it costs.
The resort supplies their on site vendors to service your wedding, so you don’t need to find your own resources from outside.
Your guests can relax and enjoy your wedding day (as well as the rest of their vacation time at your all-inclusive resort), knowing what’s included (like most of what they’re doing).
This way everyone can kick back, relax and make magical memories together!
Cons:
If you have more of a type “A” personality, and prefer to control how your Wedding Day vision unfolds, you may prefer the flexibility of getting married at a private venue or hotel. That way you can implement your preferences without having to pay for pricey upgrades or additional expenses, not included in standard package options. Also consider that the wedding planner at the resort will get in touch with you 3 months prior the wedding.
If you want professional services (like photography, DJs, Hair & Makeup Artists, etc.), resorts often charge an outside vendor fee to allow them on site, which can be a steep cost.
This expense could limit your options for this wedding service item.
You may find that booking a night or two for an outside vendor is more cost effective than having to pay the outside vendor fee charged by your resort.
Resorts often have numerous weddings in a day, so the timeline for yours is restricted to its’ specific time slot. You lose the flexibility to run late or recover lost time, in case of unforeseen delays or glitches occur (like hair & makeup going longer than expected).
Also at the end of the night, when you and your guests are still raring to party, the resort may let you know they’re closing down, telling you that you can’t stay any longer. There may be other places in the resort where you can go and carry on with the party, but it involves having to move locations - somewhat inconvenient.
Your ceremony location may be on a public area of the beach, so there could be some strangers in bathing suits watching you.
How Does A Private Venue or Villa Stack Up? Pros:
Is your Dream Destination Wedding vision as unique as you and your beloved? Do you see your décor personalized by you (i.e. chair covers, table settings) candles, flowers, food choices, wedding cake options, ambiance style, service vendors etc.? You can do it YOUR way! You’re only limited by your imagination and what you’ve budgeted for your Big Day:) Bring in that Tequila Bar on a burro - with Mexican hats and maracas … or whatever your heart desires! A private venue gives you the added time flexibility to start early or go late, and go with the flow as it unfolds. Your private hotel or venue can afford you the intimacy of focusing only on your wedding celebration and needs (and not be distracted or influenced by other weddings before and after yours) - very special for your Special Day! End the party when YOU’RE ready....dance till you’re done, or when your guests are ready to drop! lol
Cons:
With this choice, you'll have the day of your dreams, however you're going to need to do a lot more work, research, and due diligence.
Prolific options means more decisions and more research to ensure the choices you make are well informed.
It can be daunting, waiting for some vendors to answer you back in a timely manner, so it's important to start the process with lots of lead-time, and use patience and persistence.
It's also a good idea to print off their answers, to ensure everything is clearly understood on both sides.
Keep your eye on the prize and set your intention for a positive outcome, for the best chances.
Whether you’re more relaxed, and happy to have others do the “heavy lifting” for your plans at an all-inclusive resort OR you prefer a more hands-on approach, customizing the day with your own unique vision, you’re sure to find the Destination Wedding of your Dreams in our incomparable Riviera Maya - Cheers!