Located in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of the finest destinations to get married. This is the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Couples love the incredible resorts and culinary scene, besides the climate that includes 300+ days of sunshine. Planning your wedding here requires extensive work, and here are some mistakes to avoid.
Not Hiring Planners
If you decide to manage everything at your wedding, you will have no space to enjoy things. Unfortunately, couples often assume they can handle each task, only to deal with complications later. Consider hiring a reliable planner, such as Beach Bridal Vacations, which specializes in Mexican events and has arranged weddings in Cabo San Lucas and Cancun for years. With the team at Beach Bridal Vacations, you just need to think of the budget.
Not Knowing Regional Geography
Many couples book stunning resorts on the Pacific Ocean side without realizing the intensity of the winds, because that alone can impact floral arrangements, centerpieces, makeup, and hairstyles. Consult your planner about wind patterns, and if your resort is on the Pacific side, consider décor that doesn’t require extensive care. Not all beaches in Cabo are swimmable, which is something to consider for your guests who may want to spend time in the ocean. The tourist corridor is long, so transport is a factor, as driving from San José del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas can take up to 45 minutes in peak traffic.
Underestimating the Budget
You need a wedding planner because the prices can go haywire even after getting a resort budget. Quotes in Mexico often exclude the 16% IVA, and most venues will charge an additional 15%–20% as service charges. Let your planning team take care of the process, so that you don’t have unexplained add-ons. Resorts often charge an extra fee of up to $1,500 for using vendors who are not on the approved list. Ask the planners to check resort policy, and because the team has local connections, they can manage or arrange for certain requests.
Considering a Legal marriage
This may not be a mistake if you are willing to put in the effort. A legal civil ceremony in Mexico requires local blood tests, apostilled documents, and specific wait times. You will also need a Mexican judge to officiate, and you must arrive in the country at least three days in advance. If you don’t want to do all that, consider a symbolic ceremony, which is much easier to manage and can also include local customs. You can always finish the paperwork in your country.
Not Considering Guest Experience
The Cabo sun is intense, especially during afternoon ceremonies, and it is wise to consider guest comfort and preferences. Work with your planner to time ceremonies within 90 minutes of sunset. Also, heels and deep sand are a recipe for discomfort and potential injury. If you are planning a beach ceremony, warn your guests about the terrain. Many planners include a shoe valet so that guests can swap heels. Taxis in Cabo are expensive and do not use meters, so if your guests want to move around, you have to make arrangements.
Management Mistakes
Many flowers seen on social media, such as peonies or hydrangeas, must be imported and will wilt in the heat. Don’t insist on floral arrangements that are complex to manage, such as succulents, bougainvillea, orchids, and dried palms. While it rarely rains, tropical storms and extreme winds can occur. Make sure the planner has a plan B, which is usually an indoor or covered backup space.
Check online for wedding planners in Cabo San Lucas now!
