A “Royal”ton Wedding

Favorite all-white party to date!

When determining the location for our destination celebration, we selected the ideal location based on two things: How much does it cost to fly there? and How much does it cost to stay there? While we knew it was going to be a small group, we wanted to make it possible for as many to come as wanted to and/or were able to within reason. I really wanted to go somewhere we hadn’t been, so cheap flight and cheap stay was a near impossible find. The destination wedding locations list is ENDLESS and it’s near impossible to know or decide where you should have it. I tried to narrow it down by choosing an all-inclusive and looking first at the “Marriott” affiliated ones hoping I and my family could use their Marriott status there somehow.

We narrowed it down to the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Royalton Punta Cana - ultimately choosing the Punta Cana resort due to projected wedding cost and lower travel costs for us and our guests - a direct flight option with United helped immensely in the decision.

A few FYIs on Destination Weddings

• You WILL get married in a beautiful place.

• If you can try to VISIT the resort before you select it and your date. Online images can be misleading.

• They are NOT for you if you want an incredibly specific or detailed itinerary

• They CAN be a means to save money on your celebration, however if you want lavish visuals, florals, and decor you will spend.

• Some people you really want there WON’T be able to come.

• You will NOT get much input on wedding photographer or wedding videographer.

• There is no point in upgrading the bar or food at an all-inclusive resort.

Details

Decor / Florals

I went with some upgrades for my bouquet and my bridesmaids as well as the tables at the reception to give the celebration a unique feel. Ultimately, I got things that weren’t needed but it is very difficult to tell this when you are making your selections.

Attire

I wanted a unique dress and the bridal party colors to be vibrant - featuring my favorite color (Green, duh!) and bright pinks and corals to accent my dress and the bright blue Caribbean waters. I asked my guests to wear white because there was a white party that evening at the resort!

Details

From whimsical shoes to elevated guest gifts. I wanted the elements of my celebration to be unique and representative of Steve and I, but at the same time we considered costs and whether certain things were necessary or not.

Itinerary

We traveled from March 28 - April 3 for an April 1 celebration. We had scheduled events for our guests March 30 - April 1, allowing for some to book a 3-night stay and not have to miss any planned events.

• March 30 - Pool Hangout & Welcome Reception

• March 31 - Private Catamaran Charter & Rehearsal Dinner (Gallery Below 10/10 recommend)

• April 1 - The BIG day! Ceremony started @5pm; 1 hour before sundown (for good photos!).

The BIG Day!

The day of the wedding went by so quickly even though it didn’t start until 5pm. We had an amazing time and while nothing seemed to go perfectly - it was perfect for us! We had 30 of our friends and family there celebrating with us and we loved every minute of it.

Reach out to us to get more photos!