Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Site Visit by Barefoot Bride Megan T.

Planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean is an exciting adventure, but choosing the right resort can make all the difference. To ensure your special day goes off without a hitch, it's crucial to gather detailed information during your site visit. Here are the top ten questions to ask when touring a Caribbean resort for your wedding:

1. What are the Resort’s Wedding Packages and Pricing?

Understanding the cost and what’s included in different wedding packages is essential. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what each package offers, including the ceremony, reception, decor, catering, and any additional services. Most resorts should have this information laid out clearly. Do not be afraid to ask questions and to question everything! 

I highly recommend inquiring about any extra fees or hidden costs that might arise (think taxes, resort transportation if needed, etc)

2. What are the Available Wedding Venues?

Caribbean resorts often offer a variety of stunning locations for ceremonies and receptions. Ask to see all available venues, including beachside spots, garden areas, and indoor options. Consider the capacity of each venue and how well they align with your vision for your wedding.

Also, make sure to ask what locations are completely private. Prior to my site visit at a Dreams Resort location in Costa Rica, our contact at the wedding department had highlighted which locations were private. When actually visiting, what they considered private, I did not! I was so glad I was able to see this in person and was the reason why we chose not to have our wedding at this location. 

3. What are the Options for Catering and Menu Customization?

Dining is a crucial part of any wedding. While at your site visit, make sure to try every restaurant, bar, food truck, cafe or snack location available. Not only is it important to consider what food is included for the wedding, but also how the food is outside of the wedding!

Inquire about the resort’s catering options and menu flexibility. Ask if they can accommodate dietary restrictions, special requests, and if they offer a tasting session before the big day.

Doing the taste test during my site visit at Casa de Campo was the highlight of my trip! Not only was the food delicious, but the staff was so professional and we even met the chef. This made me feel like I was a special guest! 

Don’t forget to ask for a cake tasting, if available.

4. How Does the Resort Handle Wedding Coordination and Planning?

A dedicated wedding planner or coordinator can make your planning process much smoother. Find out if the resort provides an in-house wedding planner, what their role includes, and how they will assist you in organizing your event.

If within your budget, ask about if they allow wedding planners outside of the resort and how communication will be between your wedding planner and their internal wedding coordinator. 

Even though an outside wedding planner was not part of my budget, I have heard great things from other destination brides about hiring one. 

5. What Are the Accommodations Like for the Bride, Groom, and Guests?

Evaluate the quality and variety of accommodations offered. Ask about the different types of rooms and see if you are able to see them for yourself! Ensure there are sufficient rooms available and that they meet your expectations for comfort and luxury.

Make sure to include in your list of questions room rates and any special discounts for wedding guests. I found working with a Travel Agency specializing in Destination Weddings was super beneficial. Travel Agents have relationships with these resorts that can sometimes turn into cheaper rates and concessions (think money back!) for you, the bride and groom. 

When searching for a Travel Agency, make sure they work with the resort you're choosing and that their team is open and honest with communication and are quick to respond. 

I chose Barefoot Bridals as my Destination Wedding Travel Agency and have been nothing less than impressed with their work, knowledge and organizational skills. 

6. What Are the Resort’s Policies on Vendors and Outside Services?

Some resorts have exclusive contracts with certain vendors, while others allow outside services. Clarify whether you can bring in your own florist, photographer, or entertainment, and if there are any restrictions or additional fees involved.

Generally, working within the vendor list provided from your resort will not include additional fees! 

Make sure to ask about bringing your own decorations. Some brides like to take some decorations in luggages while others like to ship ahead of time. See what your hotel allows and doesn’t allow. 

7. What Is the Weather Like and What Are the Contingency Plans?

Weather can be unpredictable in the Caribbean. Ask about the typical weather conditions for your chosen month and what contingency plans the resort has for adverse weather. 

Ensure they have a backup indoor venue or alternative arrangements in case of rain.

Understand the timeline of when these changes need to be made by and if there are any additional fees for needing to move locations. 

8. What Are the Resort’s Legal Requirements for a Destination Wedding?

Different Caribbean countries have varying legal requirements for getting married. Ask the resort about the legal paperwork needed and any procedures you must follow. They should provide guidance on what is required for your marriage to be legally recognized.

I highly recommend getting married within your country, before or after your actual wedding. This helps to avoid any headache of transferring the legal paperwork from one country to another. 

9. What Are the Additional Activities and Attractions for Guests?

To enhance your guests’ experience, inquire about activities and attractions available at the resort and are included in their package without any additional fees.

Find out what excursions, entertainment, or leisure activities are offered outside of the resort and if there are any special group rates or packages. 

For my wedding we are booking a Spa Day for the ladies while the men spend their day on the golf course and also a chartered deep sea fishing trip for anyone who wants to come! All three of these activities came at an additional fee but were able to negotiate some pricing! Don’t be afraid to ask for group rates or discounts - the worst they can say is no. 

10. What Are the Resort’s Options for Welcome Events or Post-Wedding Brunches?

Inquire about options for hosting additional events, such as welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, or post-wedding brunches. Check if the resort can accommodate these events and if there are any special packages or pricing available.

Some resorts will include these types of events within your wedding package, so double check to see what is included. 

My wedding will have a welcome dinner, a white beach party, the wedding and a post-wedding beach day!

Thoroughly researching and asking the right questions during your site visit will help you make an informed decision about your destination wedding venue. By addressing these additional questions, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what the resort offers and how it aligns with your vision for your special day. I highly recommend asking for an email or phone number of who you did your site visit with, so you know who to contact once you get home. 

With the right preparation, your Caribbean wedding can be a seamless and unforgettable celebration that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.