getting started

[richardandsarane]

Hi,

My fiance and I are planning to do a destination wedding in November or December of this year. We're thinking maybe Jamaica. How did you get started with planning? Did you use a wedding coordinator or just a travel agent? Is it worth it to have a wedding coordinator based in our hometown, or are the wedding coordinators at the resorts reliable enough? Any suggestions for good travel agents in Toronto, ON, Canada?

We appreciate any suggestions/insights you may have! :)

[mexicobrideIndiana]

I just went with a travel agent and with the wedding coordinator from the resort. So far, no problems for me! But I think it all depends on how good the wedding planners are at the resort you are going to and how helpful and knowledgeable your travel agent is. We chose a local travel agent that specializes in Beach Vacations who had personally had a destination wedding also. She was great in helping us decide on a resort that fit our needs. She also made a packet to send in our invites so our guests got a great idea as to what the costs would be and all the info on the resort. It really got people fired up about coming! So if you aren't wanting to spend the extra money by hiring someone, I would just take your time finding a reliable travel agent and a resort that will really work with you in the planning. Even though she isn't based in Canada, if you would like the name of my travel agent I am sure she could take care of you! She is awesome about sending tons of personal photos from different hotels so you can really see what kind of resort you are getting yourself into!

[talieho]

we went to Ocho Rios a few years back and it was a blast. my fiance's best friend was the one getting married. they wanted to go to Sandals, so they found a travel agent in their hometown that is a certified Sandal's rep. (via their website) then they decided what island and what city. once you decide that, contact the resort and start talking w/ the wedding cord. most of the work really wasn't decided until they got there. ex. cake, location of wedding, back up plan. they decided on the beach. it was wonderful. then afterwards they choose to have a small reception w/ finger food and cake. we then all changed and went swimming and played volleyball in the pool. the bride said it was super easy. hopefully that helps!!

[richardandsarane]

thanks so much for your responses..it's helpful to know how others did it!

[stylishoes]

wow. Jamaica's a great location! i recommend that you get a wedding coordinator to help you. it's kinda hard to plan a wedding when you're not from the area. it's good to have wedding coordinators to do that for you.

[tella.star]

yeah jamaica is a lovely place.. a wedding coordinator will be a great help specially you want a wedding out of the country. it will lessen the tasks and pressure you need to do in preparation for your wedding.
goodluck!

[todaysdestinationwedding]

My husband and I were married in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. I found the the wedding chapel and lodging surfing the net. The wedding chapel coordinators did a great job. They handled everything(wedding and reception) but the wedding attire. We paid 75% of our attendants and guests lodging. The guests all took care of their own travel. However, since you are looking at Jamaica. I would think a travel agent might be able to give you a better deal booking the travel for everyone at once.
Best of luck and enjoy your destination wedding.