When You’re Meant for a Destination Wedding

This article first appeared in the May 13, 2023, issue of Dinogo Travel, a biweekly update from Dinogo’s team about exploring culinary destinations.Subscribe now.

This week, Dinogo tied the knot. While my colleagues discussed how to create the ultimate restaurant wedding and even advocated for eloping, my husband and I took a different path since we always envisioned a destination wedding. After three years of long-distance—he in Chicago and I in New York—we wanted to select a location accessible to our guests without breaking the bank. Plus, after the pandemic, we thought everyone could use a getaway. So, who was I to deny them that? Call it generosity or simply a win-win situation.

As a social media manager, I keep my life meticulously organized with calendars, lists, and planners. My professional life revolves around deadlines and thorough research, and wedding planning was no different. After countless to-do lists, collaborating with a wedding planner overseas for nearly a year, and months of searching for “destination wedding essentials,” here’s what I discovered about making my dream out-of-state wedding a reality.

Desires, necessities, and everything in between

We understood that choosing a destination wedding would likely result in fewer “Yes” RSVPs, but we were fine with that because we hoped the guests who genuinely wanted to attend would make the effort. Giving everyone more than a year and a half’s notice about the date definitely helped. We also considered the expenses involved for both ourselves and our guests. Ultimately, we chose to marry in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, over Presidents Day weekend, allowing most guests to have that following Monday off. With February weather, we thought it would be a great escape from snowy Chicago, creating a perfect party atmosphere. Mexico's all-inclusive resorts had their perks; while the price tag might initially deter some, once we explained that our package included airport transportation and endless food and drinks, perceptions changed. We sent out 200 invitations, expecting around 60 responses, but were pleasantly surprised with a turnout of 140.

However, with such a large group, it's important to remember: despite others’ suggestions on what your wedding should or shouldn't include, it's your wedding. Smile, say, “Thank you,” and ensure you and your partner stay united throughout the process. For us, our priorities were clear: an open bar, a beach setting, and a festive atmosphere. We didn’t want anything overly formal or traditional, which raised a few eyebrows, but we remained committed. By concentrating on these three aspects, we minimized the myriad of minor decisions (like whether to use chargers at dinner) and were able to provide our planner with a clear vision to make our dreams a reality.

Embrace flexibility... to an extent

Wedding planning often comes with stress, and while some tension is unavoidable, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. I’ll be honest: Costs can escalate quickly. Many venues operate on an a la carte basis, but my husband and I wanted a place that handled everything in one spot. After extensive research, we opted for Blue Venado Weddings. We considered getting married at our hotel, but during Presidents Day weekend, privacy was a concern. Who wants vacationers photobombing their wedding shots?

Blue Venado offered a secluded beach just 20 minutes from our resort, acting as a comprehensive solution for all our needs. Although we were slightly apprehensive about planning from afar, their all-inclusive package allowed us to easily secure all our vendors, from a live DJ to florals, videography, and photography. They provided everything! Instead of enduring more research in a city we had only visited twice, their wedding team supported us, making each decision feel straightforward. Need recommendations for makeup artists? They had it. Want a custom sign? Done. It felt like they transformed our vision board into reality. Most importantly, they met our non-negotiable requirement: in-house catering with truly delicious food.

No celebration is complete without a great dinner

Beyond the open bar and stunning beach backdrop, we were not going to compromise on delicious food. Wedding cuisine often gets a bad reputation and can be overlooked, but we felt it was essential that our guests enjoyed meals they would rave about.

During the food tasting, we were eager to sample everything. From choosing simple hors d’oeuvres like empanadas to deciding between a buffet or plated courses, we faced numerous opinions and options. To keep our sanity intact, we ignored the advice on what we “should” do and figured it out ourselves.

We didn’t go for the overly curated menus or themed dinner spreads that flood social media. Instead, we simply had a notepad and scored everything we tasted. Our parents joined us for the tasting, and our decisions were largely unanimous. Ultimately, we chose ceviche on a spoon (the perfect bite!), mini pulled pork sandwiches, Veracruz-style mini empanadas, octopus nachos, and arrachera with chimichurri for our cocktail hour. To accompany everything, the bar served palomas, mango margaritas, and guava Moscow mules. For the appetizer, we debated between salmon carpaccio and kataifi shrimp, finally settling on the crispy shrimp paired with a tangy tomato sauce. The main course felt like an early honeymoon: sweet, tender pork ribs with corn and cauliflower alongside a rib-eye with grilled vegetables. We went off-menu to offer our guests a classic surf and turf, served with mashed potatoes and fried plantains, making the juicy rib-eye steak and grilled lobster the true stars. All the food kept us energized for dancing and satisfied for drinks!

Would I say “I do” all over again?

Like many large weddings (remember that gathering of 140 guests?), destination weddings can be quite stressful. However, with sufficient research, support, flexibility, and determination, they are entirely achievable. The highlight of the entire experience was creating unforgettable memories with our nearest and dearest in a stunning location that will always have a cherished spot in our hearts. Whenever Mexico is mentioned in conversation with anyone who was there, they fondly recall our wedding. Those memories more than justified the costs involved.

Was it stressful? Certainly. Is it something my husband and I would choose to do again? Without a doubt.