We're Engaged! Now What? – Your Stress-Free Wedding Planning Roadmap

The ring is on, the champagne’s been popped… but suddenly everyone’s asking ‘So, when’s the wedding?!’ Don’t panic – here’s how to turn the chaos into magic.

Choosing Your Perfect Date

Before diving into wedding planning, one of the first key steps is selecting the right date. Set aside a day to review the calendar, checking for holidays, vacation periods, and long weekends. Since many people travel during these times, venues and services tend to book up quickly—plus, hotel rates and flight prices often spike.

If these factors aren’t a concern for you, then a holiday or festive date might be a great fit! But if you prefer a quieter setting with more reasonable prices, we recommend a Friday or Saturday wedding. This makes it easier for guests to request time off work, arrange childcare, or adjust their schedules. If timing isn’t an issue, a weekday wedding could also work perfectly for you.

Another romantic option is tying the knot on your dating anniversary or the day you first met (bonus: forgetful partners only have one anniversary to remember instead of two!).

For spiritually inclined couples who believe in numerology, your wedding date could align with meaningful vibrations. Consider your personal numerology, the date you met, or when you officially became a couple—these can infuse your marriage with intentional energy.

Once you’ve chosen your date, stand firm! Once announced, some may ask you to change it due to conflicts or other commitments. This is the moment to decide: Who absolutely cannot miss your wedding? If someone’s absence won’t affect your day, it’s okay to hold your ground.

Pick Your Wedding Style

Today, there are different types of unions accepted by society, but ultimately, it depends on the couple's needs, beliefs, and preferences.

Religious Ceremony

In Mexico, various religions are practiced, such as Catholic, Christian, Protestant, Presbyterian, Adventist, Jewish, and many more. Each has its own traditions when it comes to uniting two people in love. In Mexico, the most predominant is the Catholic ceremony, which can only be officiated inside a church—something to consider when choosing the date, required documents, and other details.

None of these religious unions hold legal validity, as Mexico is a free and secular country, but they carry deep spiritual meaning.

Multicultural Wedding Ceremony

Multicultural weddings are one of our favorites, as they are guided by Indigenous traditions, each with its own customs and beliefs. One of the most common in Mexico is the Mayan ceremony, given its roots as one of the oldest cultures in Mesoamerica.

This ceremony takes place in natural settings, where permission is asked from the four cardinal directions. Offerings of seeds, fruits, and flowers are made, and the ritual is led by a Mayan shaman, accompanied by pre-Hispanic music, chants, and copal incense. Despite its powerful energetic and spiritual significance, this type of ceremony has no legal validity.

Symbolic Ceremony

Symbolic ceremonies are another favorite of ours. They are led by a wedding celebrant or minister and can be fully personalized to each couple. Each design is unique, based on the couple's story, personality, values, beliefs, and preferences.

This type of ceremony is perfect for couples who don’t identify with any religion but still want a symbolic union of two souls. It’s also ideal for partners from different faiths who wish to blend both traditions in a romantic, respectful way, ensuring they feel fully represented.

These ceremonies can include various rituals, such as:

• Sand ceremony

• Shower of blessings

• Red String Ceremony

• Painting Ceremony

While symbolic weddings have no legal validity, they can be paired with a legal ceremony to make the day even more special.

Legal Ceremony

The Legal ceremony is the only one with legal validity. To proceed, couples need to submit official documents, provide four witnesses, complete some forms, and undergo blood tests, among other requirements.

This type of union can be performed between:

• Two Mexican citizens

• Two foreigners

• A Mexican and a foreigner

• Same sex

In Quintana Roo (as well as some other Mexican states), same-sex marriages are also legally recognized.

The marriage certificate is valid within Mexico, but it can also be legalized in other countries through an apostille certification and/or an official translation into another language.

The Perfect Setting for Your "I Do" Moment

Every couple has a dream location—a place they’ve always longed to visit or one that took their breath away in a single photograph. Here in the Riviera Maya, we’re blessed with countless stunning spots that will make the perfect backdrop for your love story.

The most sought-after option for couples choosing our destination is, without a doubt, the beach! The Caribbean’s paradise-like shores are among the most beautiful in the world—and the best part? They’re right here in our gorgeous country. Picture it: powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the gentle sea breeze as witnesses to your union.

Another top choice is a cenote—a sacred natural wonder in Mayan culture. These mesmerizing freshwater sinkholes, some hidden inside exotic caves, will leave your guests in awe. Not only are they magical for ceremonies, but they also create unforgettable wedding photos and videos. After all, how many weddings have you seen in a cenote?

For those who prefer lush greenery, we offer enchanting garden venues surrounded by vibrant tropical foliage. And for free-spirited, adventurous couples, why not say "yes" in the heart of the jungle? Let nature itself narrate your love story.

No matter which setting speaks to your hearts, your wedding will be as unique as your love. 💚✨

Photo by Filmmar Mx

Guest Count & Wedding Invitations: Who Truly Belongs on Your List?

Planning a wedding that’s joyful from start to finish begins with one key step: defining your guest list. A well-organized, thoughtful selection of the people who will witness your love story ensures a celebration filled with meaning—and avoids unnecessary stress.

Start by listing immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents), then expand to extended family and close friends. The most IMPORTANT rule? Invite only those who’ve played a meaningful role in your journey as a couple—people who genuinely support you, celebrate your love, and have been present in your lives at least within the last year.

Remember: This day is about you two. Avoid "obligation invites" for distant relatives, coworkers, or acquaintances who might not even attend. Not only does this create planning headaches, but it also leads to wasted resources. By curating your list intentionally, you guarantee a day surrounded by authentic love, trust, and warmth—where every guest radiates happiness for your future.

After all, your wedding should feel like a gathering of souls who’ve rooted for your love all along. 💖

Photo by Luis Franco

Budgeting for the Most Important Day of Your Lives

Your wedding day is one you'll cherish forever, and we want you to enjoy every moment to the fullest. However, setting a clear budget—based on your guest count, venue, and number of events (welcome cocktail, rehearsal dinner, reception, brunch, etc.)—is key to a stress-free celebration.

To help you prioritize, start by listing your must-have elements in order of importance. For example:

• Catering

• Wedding Officiant

• Florals & Decor

• Photography & Videography

• Entertainment/Music

• Beverages/Bar

• Photo Booth

• Fireworks

• Special Performances

Once you've ranked your priorities, allocate a percentage of your total budget to each category. Here's a sample breakdown:

• Catering: 25%

• Florals & Decor: 20%

• Photography & Videography: 15%

• Entertainment/Music: 12%

• Beverages/Bar: 10%

• Photo Booth: 8%

• Fireworks: 5%

• Special Performances: 5%

This structured approach ensures you invest in what matters most to you while keeping expenses balanced. Remember, a well-planned budget lets you celebrate freely, surrounded by love—without financial worries stealing the spotlight.

After all, your wedding should reflect your dreams, not debt! 💍✨

Stress-Free Wedding Planning: Why Professionals Make All the Difference

We’ve all seen our aunts’ vintage wedding photos—everything looks flawless, as if the day unfolded effortlessly. But behind those smiles, how many last-minute scrambles were there? Forgotten vendors? The uncle making an ice run? A no-show florist?

Planning a wedding isn’t just about Pinterest boards and champagne toasts. It’s a high-stakes project:

• Vetting reliable vendors who fit your budget, style, and timeline

• Navigating contracts and payment schedules (many won’t hold your date without deposits)

• Endless decision fatigue ("Should we do a photo booth? What songs can’t we skip?")

• Crisis management when surprises arise (and they will)

The Game-Changer: Hiring a Wedding Planner

This isn’t just another expense—it’s your insurance policy for joy. A professional:

✅ Curates trusted vendors (no more gambling with Google reviews)

✅ Manages timelines and payments so you don’t miss deadlines

✅ Anticipates your needs (questions you didn’t know to ask)

✅ Handles day-of logistics—from setup to fire-drill emergencies—while you sip champagne

The Ultimate Perk: Being Guests at Your Own Wedding

With a planner coordinating:

• You’ll walk into a fully realized vision—no stressing over place cards or missing linens

• Improv moments become memories, not disasters (rain plan? Already handled.)

• Your only job? Soaking up every magical second

Truth: The best weddings aren’t just beautiful—they’re effortless for the couple. That’s what professionals deliver: Your love story, not your to-do list.

💍 Because you deserve a celebration where the only tears are happy ones.

Photo by Filmmar Mx