Top Mistakes Couples Make Planning a Destination Wedding (and How to Avoid Them)
If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of saying “I do” somewhere warm, breezy, and unforgettable, first of all, congratulations. A destination wedding in Mexico can be pure magic: turquoise waters, gorgeous ceremony backdrops, and a built-in vacation for your guests. But here’s the truth—just because it can be easy doesn’t mean it automatically will be. Over the years as a destination wedding travel advisor, I’ve seen the same planning mistakes pop up over and over. Some are harmless little hiccups. Others can derail your vision, cost thousands of dollars, or leave you stressed in a season that’s supposed to be joyful.
The good news? Every single one can be avoided.
That’s why I put together this guide and filmed a full video walking you through the five most common destination wedding mistakes I see couples make, plus exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing a Resort Based Only on the Website
It’s easy to fall for glossy marketing photos. The resort looks stunning, the beach is glowing, the rooftop is made for Instagram… but what you’re seeing might be outdated, heavily edited, or taken during a rare “perfect conditions” day. There have been couples that discover, too late, that:
The beach is rocky and unswimmable
The rooms are dated and need renovations
That dreamy rooftop comes with a high upgrade fee
💡 What to Do Instead: Work with a travel advisor who’s visited the resorts you’re considering. I give my couples real photos, firsthand feedback, and behind-the-scenes knowledge that no website gallery will tell you.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Cost of Add-Ons
The phrase “all-inclusive wedding package” sounds like everything is covered, but most base packages only include the basics:
Ceremony setup
Simple bouquet and boutonniere
Semi-private dinner at a restaurant
Small wedding cake
If you want a private reception, upgraded flowers, professional photography, a DJ, lighting, décor, or signature cocktails, those are extras. And they add up fast.
💡 What to Do Instead: Before you commit, get a full picture of what’s included, what isn’t, and which upgrades are worth it. When I work with couples, we map this out early so there are no budget surprises later.
Mistake #3: Answering Every Guest Question Yourself
Your guests love you and are excited to celebrate with you, but that means you’ll get a lot of questions. On average? About five per guest. Multiply that by 50 guests, and you’re suddenly managing hundreds of texts and emails.
“Which room should we book?”
“Do we need pesos?”
“Can we bring the kids?”
“What’s the dress code?”
💡 What to Do Instead: Hand off guest communication to your travel advisor. I send your guests all the info they need, booking links, payment reminders, travel tips, so you can enjoy being engaged instead of running a call center.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Secure Your Date
The best dates (and resorts) get snapped up fast, especially Saturdays, holidays, and peak weather months like February through April. If you wait too long, you may end up with a weekday you didn’t want, or at a resort that doesn’t fit your vibe.
💡 What to Do Instead: Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices and know your budget, secure your date with a deposit. You can fine-tune the details later, but you won’t lose your spot.
Mistake #5: Assuming the Resort Wedding Planner is Involved from Day One
Yes, resorts have wedding coordinators, but they typically don’t get involved until 2–3 months before your big day. That’s a long time to navigate planning on your own. Without guidance, couples often make rushed decisions or miss important deadlines.
💡 What to Do Instead: Work with a travel advisor from the beginning. I’m not your event designer—that’s what the on-site team handles, but I do guide you through the early stages, keep your planning timeline on track, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
How to Avoid All of These Destination Wedding Mistakes
Planning a wedding thousands of miles away has a lot of moving parts, travel, contracts, guest logistics, resort rules, décor, entertainment. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you work with an experienced destination wedding travel advisor, you get:
A resort that truly matches your style, budget, and vision
Clarity on your package inclusions and realistic upgrade costs
A planning timeline so you stay on track
Someone to handle guest communication
The best dates, perks, and comps available
It’s about protecting your time, your budget, and your peace of mind, so you can focus on the fun parts.
Destination wedding mistakes happen… but they don’t have to happen to you.
By avoiding these five pitfalls, you’re already setting yourself up for a smoother, more joyful planning experience.
If you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding in Mexico, with a pro in your corner, book a free consultation with me. And don’t forget to grab my free Destination Wedding Workbook. It’s the perfect first step for couples just getting started.
