Planning a destination wedding weekend? Don’t just plan a ceremony—plan an experience. From welcome parties to farewell brunches, here’s how to turn your wedding into a multi-day celebration your guests won’t stop talking about. Honest tips, fun ideas, and insider perks that’ll keep things stress-free.
Transform One Day Into a Full-Fledged Celebration
As a destination wedding travel agent, one of the things I love most is helping couples transform their wedding into a full-blown weekend celebration—because if your guests are flying all the way to Mexico or the Caribbean, why limit the fun to just one day? With a little thoughtful planning (and a few resort perks), you can create an unforgettable multi-day celebration for you and your guests.
💍 Want help planning a wedding weekend that actually feels like you? Let’s talk details.
Here is a list of the most popular events I see couples include in their destination wedding weekends and how you can make the most of them.
Top Events To Include In Your Wedding Weekend Itinerary
Welcome Parties
A welcome party is the perfect way to kick off your destination wedding weekend. Most of my couples want to greet their guests with drinks, music, and casual fun after everyone has arrived and settled into the resort.
Many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean offer a complimentary one-hour cocktail party if you book enough rooms. This is typically held in one of the resort’s bars or terraces, closed off and privately reserved just for your group. Drinks are included, and hors d’oeuvres can be added for a small fee.
Pro tip: If you’re planning guest welcome bags, hand them out at the welcome party instead of paying the resort to deliver them. Not only is it more personal but it’s also cost-effective!
Some larger resorts offer a three-hour welcome dinner if you book 30+ rooms. This includes food, drinks, and a standard setup. Want to add a mariachi band, fire dancers, or a bonfire? Totally doable, just know there will be an added cost.
I’ve seen couples add fun extras like water drum shows, live painters, caricature artists, and even silent discos. A theme like a beachy white party always makes the photos pop in any destination!
👉 P.S. I can help you unlock resort perks like free cocktail parties. Let’s make it happen.
Rehearsal Dinners
While some wedding packages include a rehearsal dinner for 20–30 guests, others do not. If it’s not included, I often help my couples book a private chef’s table or reserve a special restaurant space at the resort. These intimate dinners are perfect for spending quality time with your VIPs.
Looking for something a little more unique? A sunset catamaran cruise is a popular option; especially for my Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Dominican Republic clients. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to kick off the celebration.
Farewell Brunch
To wrap up the wedding weekend, many of my couples plan a farewell brunch before guests head home. Some resort wedding packages include this, but if not, it’s usually easy to add. It’s a relaxed way to say goodbye and thank everyone for coming.
I’ve seen couples go all out with a recovery brunch complete with a Bloody Mary bar, or keep it fun and casual with a tropical pajama brunch encouraging everyone to wear loungewear. Some resorts even offer floating brunch trays in the pool for an Instagram-worthy send-off. Whether it’s a sit-down meal or a casual drop-in before they hit the airport, it’s the perfect way to close out your destination wedding weekend celebration.
Group Activities
Beyond scheduled events, I always encourage couples to plan at least one group activity. Depending on your crowd it could be anything from a private catamaran with snorkeling and an open bar to a spa morning or private yoga session. Some other popular outings include golfing, ATVing or a historical tour. Even renting a poolside cabana for a casual day together is a great option that all guests will enjoy!
These shared experiences make your wedding feel like a true vacation for everyone involved and are a great way to provide options for all ages and interests.
Your wedding day may be the main event, but the wedding weekend is what turns it into an unforgettable story.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, I’d love to help you design a weekend full of meaningful moments and effortless coordination! Let’s start talking about what your wedding weekend could include in your FREE consultation call today!
Photography: Raegan Buckley
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