Destination wedding tips: St. Lucia, Antigua, Mexico options - Travel Expert

Direct answer

Yes — hiring a wedding planner for a 100-guest destination wedding is usually worth it. Planners save time, reduce stress, handle local logistics, negotiate with venues/vendors, and help manage guest experience and legal requirements. Since you already have a travel agent, consider a planner who specializes in destination weddings to coordinate ceremony details, local vendors, and on-site execution.

Key considerations and steps

1. Budgeting and contracts

   • Set realistic per-guest budget (travel, room blocks, F&B, ceremony, decor, entertainment, taxes, service charges, travel agent & planner fees).
   • Get full contract reviews: inclusions, guest minimums, attrition, upgrade rules, cancellation/force majeure, payment schedule.

2. Planner vs travel agent roles

   • Travel agent = guest travel, group room blocks, air/transfer logistics.
   • Destination wedding planner = venue sourcing, permits, timeline, rehearsal, vendor coordination, on-site management.
   • If you want to enjoy the day and have 100 guests, hire a planner or a day-of coordinator plus a strong local events lead.

3. Guest logistics and communication

   • Pick dates with shoulder-season balance (better rates + good weather). For Caribbean/Mexico avoid peak hurricane windows (Aug–Oct riskier).
   • Create a wedding website with travel, accommodation, dress code, activity options and RSVP/meal choices.
   • Block rooms early and secure a mix of price points. Provide airport transfer info and welcome packet.

4. Legal vs symbolic ceremony

   • Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony and handle legal marriage at home — this avoids complex local paperwork. If you want legal, confirm residency requirements and document list far in advance.

5. Entertainment, catering, & vibe

   • For a party-loving group prioritize resorts with: late-night bar/lounge options, live bands or DJ-friendly policies, on-site nightlife or easy local club access, and good culinary variety.
   • Ask potential venues about decibel limits, curfew, and extra charges for late-night events or amplified music.

Resort/Location notes (based on your list)

St. Lucia (Coconut Bay Beach Resort and general)

• Coconut Bay Beach Resort: an all-inclusive resort with family and adult sections, multiple venues, and entertainment staff. Pros: good value, on-site activities, beachfront venues, entertainment options. Cons: variable room quality, sometimes busy with families (check adult-only options for wedding areas), and reviews on food/service can be mixed — do an on-site visit or request references/photos of past weddings.
• St. Lucia overall: stunning scenery, romantic venues (Pigeon Island, Sugar Beach, etc.), higher-end boutique options available. Travel time from Toronto is reasonable. Some properties have steeper pricing than typical Caribbean islands.

Antigua

• Pros: renowned beaches (365 of them), relaxed island vibe, reliable resort weddings, good dive and sailing options, lively beach bars and local nightlife in St. John’s/Jolly Harbour. Generally slightly more low-key than parts of Mexico or Dominican party scenes.
• Consider resorts with strong wedding teams (e.g., Galley Bay, Jumby Bay if budget allows, or mid-range all-inclusives).

Costa Mujeres, Mexico (Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres & Secrets Playa Blanca)

• Costa Mujeres area (just north of Cancun) is purpose-built for resorts: modern properties, easy airport transfers (30–45 min), typically excellent food, varied F&B, and strong wedding services.
• Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres: family and adult sections, reliable all-inclusive service, decent wedding packages, good for larger groups. Generally good value; confirm whether nightlife/programming meets your late-night party expectations — some resort complexes are quieter after midnight.
• Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres: adults-only, upscale vibe, often higher service level and romance-focused packages — excellent for a lively adults-only wedding and better for late-night parties. Ask about DJ/band policies and whether an outside band is allowed.

Choosing between Caribbean vs Mexico for your group

• Mexico (Costa Mujeres/Cancun area): easier logistics, more predictable resort quality, strong nightlife (Cancun/Playa del Carmen proximity if guests want to extend partying), often better value per service.
• Eastern Caribbean (St. Lucia/Antigua): more unique scenery and intimate island feel, potentially more expensive and slightly fewer nonstop flight options depending on the island. Offers spectacular backdrops but sometimes less late-night resort nightlife.

Questions to ask resorts/wedding planners

• What’s included in the wedding package (ceremony, rehearsal, flowers, cake, photographer hours, coordinator, food/tasting)?
• Is there an exclusive wedding coordinator on-site? Any preferred vendor restrictions? Can we bring third-party vendors? Any vendor fees?
• Noise curfew, bar closing time, extra fees for extended music/lighting.
• Maximum group size and room-block release policies. Room upgrade and resort transportation options.
• Backup plans for weather and associated costs.

Practical tips and timeline

• 18–24 months before: secure venue and deposit (especially for 2028). Reserve block of rooms and book planner if desired.
• 12–18 months before: secure key vendors (photographer, band/DJ, florist), send Save-the-Dates.
• 6–9 months before: finalize menu, timeline, décor, and confirm legal paperwork if needed.
• 1–2 months before: confirm final guest counts, seating, timelines, and supplier arrival details.

Final advice

• Visit your top 1–2 properties in person if possible before booking, or request a video walkthrough and references from recent weddings.
• If your budget allows, hire a destination wedding planner (full-service or month-of with travel) — for 100 guests it’s usually a good investment.
• Keep guests’ travel comfort in mind (direct flights, transfer time, visa needs) and offer a few price-tiered room options.

If you want, I can:

• Compare 3–4 specific resorts (rates, wedding inclusions, guest logistics) within your budget and produce a short pros/cons sheet, or
• Draft a sample wedding timeline and vendor checklist tailored to your chosen resort.