9/05/25

Behind the Design: What It’s Like to Work with a Destination Wedding Planner

When you think about planning a destination wedding, your mind probably goes to picking the perfect resort and booking a room block for your guests. And yes, that’s an important first step—but it’s only the beginning! As a destination wedding planner, I’m here to help you plan a celebration that feels completely you, and a well thought out wedding design brings it all together.

Curating the design and aesthetic for destination weddings is one of my favorite parts of the process, and when you work with me, it’s included as part of your destination wedding package! I make sure your wedding day looks seamless and perfectly you, from your wedding website to the last dance.

Want more planning tips and a peek at real weddings I’ve helped bring to life? Follow along on Instagram, browse my portfolio, and let’s connect to start planning your one-of-a-kind day. For now, I’m really excited to take you through the journey of my destination wedding design process!

DWD’s Design Process for Destination Weddings

Once we’ve nailed down the big logistical pieces, your dream resort, your wedding date, and your group room block (the hard part as I like to call it), that’s when the fun wedding planning begins. And as your destination wedding planner, that’s where I really step in to help bring your celebration to life.

From Inspiration to Intention: The Destination Wedding Design Process

At DWD Travel & Destination Weddings, I plan full-service destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. That means I’m not just helping you pick a venue. I’m helping you create a wedding that feels like you. And it all starts with understanding your style and vision.

After your resort is booked and the big questions are out of the way, I’ll send you a detailed wedding inspiration form. It’s filled with unexpected, thoughtful questions designed to get to the heart of your personal style and wedding vision.

Think:
– Where do you like to shop?
– Where do you go for a special dinner out?
– If money was no object, how would you decorate your home?

We’ll also dig into your favorite flowers, color preferences, inspiration photos, and, equally important, the things you don’t like. (Because honestly, there are some very strong opinions about monstera leaves and eucalyptus out there, and I want to know them!)

Your Custom Design Proposal

Once I’ve reviewed your form and any inspiration you’ve shared, I get to work on your custom design proposal. This isn’t a Pinterest board or a basic vision doc. It’s an in-depth, personalized guide that serves as our north star for every wedding day decision.

It outlines the why behind the design, explains what works well together (and what doesn’t), and offers thoughtful ideas and options to consider. This document ensures we’re aligned before we move forward with selecting floral arrangements, ceremony layouts, furniture, table settings, and more.

Budget Transparency, Before the Resort Even Reaches Out

From there, little by little, we start making wedding day selections. One thing that sets DWD apart is my commitment to cost clarity early in the process. Once you make selections, I create a wedding cost sheet to give you a clear understanding of what your wedding day elements will likely cost, long before the resort even speaks to us, let alone begins building your wedding quote.

This allows you to make empowered decisions with your budget in mind and avoid surprise expenses down the line. Whether we’re making strategic swaps to stay on budget or adding enhancements to elevate your celebration, you’ll have a full picture well before the final quote comes from the resort.

Bringing Your Destination Wedding Plan All Together

Once we’ve fine-tuned your vision and landed on selections, we present our plans to the resort. From there, we wait on final pricing and make any necessary adjustments. Sometimes we scale back to stay within budget. Other times, we get to add a few extra touches that feel just right. It’s a collaborative and flexible process, because your wedding should reflect what matters most to you.

Then comes the final stretch: I’ll help with all the logistical details, from creating your wedding day timeline to organizing your seating chart and ceremony processional order. By the time the big day arrives, you’ll have a clear, cohesive plan, and total confidence that it’s going to be amazing.

Why Work with a Destination Wedding Planner?

Destination weddings are magical, but they’re also full of moving parts. As your dedicated destination wedding planner, I’m here to guide you from the big picture to the smallest detail, all while making the process feel relaxed, intentional, and, dare I say, fun!

If you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind celebration at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Schedule your complimentary consultation and let’s get started.

A Destination Wedding Planner at her desk working on a destination wedding design

take our quiz & let's find out!

Not sure where in Mexico to say ‘I do’?

Take our fun Mexico destination wedding quiz and uncover the location that feels just right for your love story.

From Cancun’s sparkling beaches to Cabo’s golden sunsets and the Riviera Maya’s lush resorts, this quiz will point you toward the perfect Mexico wedding destination for your “I do.”

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Mexico, this is the must-take first step to finding your dream location.

take the quiz here!