Question 1

What is Sunwing Weddings?

Accepted Answer

Sunwing Weddings is the Weddings Department of Sunwing Vacations. We work with wedding couples who have chosen to book their group travel with the tour operator directly. Please note that we are not a travel agency. By booking with Sunwing Weddings, you are booking your travel directly with Sunwing Vacations.

We offer competitive rates for destination wedding packages with exclusive promotions for wedding groups. We also help your guests with their travel arrangements and offer complimentary wedding planning services to assist you with all the details for your big day from start to finish!

Question 2

I just got engaged and am thinking about a destination wedding, where do I start?

Accepted Answer

First of all, congratulations! To start the wedding planning process, there are three main questions you and your fiancé will want to consider :

Where do you want to get married? We recommend researching destinations and narrowing down to a couple options that fit your wedding vision and travel style and that reflect you as a couple.
What price are you comfortable asking your guests to spend? This will also help narrow down what destination and resort is best for you.
When do you want to get married? The more flexible you are with your dates the better as time of year will also affect pricing and you also want to give your guests plenty of time to plan ahead.

Question 3

How far in advance should I start planning my destination wedding?

Accepted Answer

Typically, there are two different phases for planning a destination wedding – the first is to book your resort and travel and the second is to plan the big day! It’s important to give your guests plenty of time to make their travel arrangements so we recommend securing your group bookings approximately 12-15 months in advance. However, this is just a recommendation, please feel free to contact us whenever you are ready to begin planning.

For the wedding planning portion, it’s ideal for couples to begin gathering some ideas and inspiration about 8-10 months in advance. Your Sunwing Weddings Destination Wedding Consultant will be able to help guide you through the planning process and provide you with an idea of what your planning timeline will look like.

Question 4

What is included in my Sunwing Weddings quote and in what currency?

Accepted Answer

The quotes that we provide are in Canadian dollars. Packaged rates include flights, all inclusive hotel accommodations and airport transportation in destination.

Question 5

How many guests do I need to have to receive a group rate?

Accepted Answer

In order to qualify for a group rate, you will need a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 adult passengers. If you are expecting more than 50 guests, please let your Sunwing Weddings Sales Representative know and we can provide a quote based on a larger group.

Question 6

I have guests departing from various gateways across Canada, do we still qualify as a group?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multiple gateways do apply for group bookings. We can provide quotes from different Canadian departure cities for your guests, subject to availability and our flight schedule.

Question 7

I have guests coming from outside of Canada, can they be included in my group?

Accepted Answer

We only offer departure flights from Canada. To accommodate your guests coming from elsewhere, we can provide a land only rate for the cost of hotel. Then they will simply need to arrange their own flights and airport transportation.

Question 8

How do I determine the cost of the actual wedding?

Accepted Answer

Wedding costs are separate and payable to the hotel/venue directly. In order to get married at an all inclusive resort, you will need to purchase a wedding package through the resort for the cost of your ceremony and reception. Most resorts list their wedding packages available online for your review.

Once your group is booked, your Sunwing Wedding Destination Wedding consultant will assist with all details regarding to the wedding itself.

Question 9

Do you help my guests with booking their trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Once your wedding day is booked, you will be assigned to a Group Travel Representative who will take care of processing your guests’ reservations and helping with your travel details moving forward.

We will also send you a Guest List template to complete with the names and email addresses of the guests you would like to invite. Then, your Group Travel Representative will then send an electronic Save the Date e-vite to your guests outlining the travel rates and deadlines, along with a booking form link and answers to frequently asked questions!

Question 10

Do you help me with my wedding planning details?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! When you book your travel directly with Sunwing Weddings, you’ll receive our our exclusive wedding consulting services for free. You will be assigned to a Sunwing Weddings Destination Wedding Consultant who will act as your personal representative and take over correspondence with the resort for you. They will help coordinate your wedding details on your behalf in advance of your arrival based on your wedding vision and budget.

Please note that these services do not include the cost of the wedding, they are for planning assistance only. For more information on which consulting services are included with your booking, please refer to the promotions on your group quotes. Explore full inclusions of our services.

Question 11

How much does a destination wedding typically cost?

Accepted Answer

A destination wedding can cost anywhere from just a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your guest list, entertainment preferences and décor choices. Your destination wedding consultant can work with your budget and help you determine what aspects to splurge on as well as cost-friendly alternatives to help you stay within your means and have the wedding of your dreams.

Question 12

Typically, what are the busiest months for destination weddings?

Accepted Answer

November and April tend to be the busiest months for destination weddings. November is popular because many people are eager to take a vacation to the tropics as the weather gets colder. April is also a great month to travel for destination weddings because the busy spring break months have just passed and it’s still peak season in many popular destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

Question 13

Does the wedding couple travel for free if they book a certain number of guests?

Accepted Answer

Groups may qualify for group travel concessions, complimentary passengers, depending on how many people are in your group. Group travel concessions will appear in your quote. Please contact your Sunwing Weddings Sales Representative for more information.

Question 14

Do you recommend that I visit my chosen resort before my destination wedding?

Accepted Answer

Some couples find it helpful to visit their resort before the big day but it’s not required. If you choose to visit the resort, your Sunwing Weddings Destination Wedding Consultant can arrange a tour with the on-site wedding coordinators so you can see various ceremony and reception spaces to help you begin envisioning your décor.

However, other couples prefer to see the space for the first time during their destination wedding week. In this case, your Sunwing Weddings Destination Wedding Consultant is especially valuable in sharing their expertise and suggesting décor that will suit the space, tie your theme together and reflect your personalities.

Question 15

Is it customary to offer my guests several resort options?

Accepted Answer

Most resorts require that at least 70-80 percent of your wedding guests stay on-site. Therefore, most often, only one option is offered to guests. However, some properties do include more than one hotel option within the same complex and we can often split the group up amongst them. Choosing a resort that offers both family-friendly and adults only sections is a great way to cater to your guests varying vacation styles.

Question 16

What is the role of my Destination Wedding Consultant and how does the wedding planning process work?

Accepted Answer

The role of your Sunwing Weddings Destination wedding Consultant is to work directly with your chosen hotel/venue on your behalf to coordinate your wedding planning details and requests in advance of your arrival in destination. You can expect a Destination Wedding Consultant who is knowledgeable and experienced, who will make recommendations geared towards your taste and budget, advise you of all of the pricing and help create a wedding planning budget spreadsheet to keep everything for your big day completely organized.

There are so many factors that go into planning a wedding in the tropics and it’s your destination wedding planner’s job to help make your wedding planning experience as stress-free as possible! Explore our unique planning services.

Should you be interested in upgrading for additional planning hours and a more full-service program please inquire for options and pricing.

Question 17

What is the difference between a symbolic and a legal wedding?

Accepted Answer

A legal or civil ceremony is one that is legally recognized by the government of the country you are getting married in. This type of ceremony will be performed by a judge and requires specific paperwork to be provided in advance and additional fees.

A symbolic ceremony looks and feels like a legal ceremony however it is not legally binding. Instead, the legal paperwork required to get married will be completed in your home province. The ceremony you have abroad is a testament of love to each other but is not legally recognized in the country you are having it in. However, some countries do require you to be legally married at home first and provide proof of the legal wedding.

Question 18

How many days in advance do I need to arrive before I can get married?

Accepted Answer

Typically, you must arrive two business days prior to the wedding date for a symbolic ceremony and three business days prior for a legal/civil ceremony. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting your departure date. Arrival days, weekends and national holidays do not count as business days. Most hotels also do not perform weddings on Sundays or will charge an additional fee for a Sunday ceremony. Weddings are not performed on national holidays.

Some destinations and hotels are stricter than others when it comes to their arrival date policies for symbolic ceremonies. Your Destination Wedding Consultant will assist you with officially securing the wedding date with your chosen hotel.

Question 19

Typically, weddings are held on the weekend – does this apply to destination weddings or can I host my celebrations on a weekday?

Accepted Answer

One of the benefits of a destination wedding is that you’re on vacation, so the weekend tradition no longer applies and you can host your destination wedding any day of the week. It’s best to discuss resort policies and details with your Destination Wedding Consultant so that you have all the information you need before confirming your wedding date.

Question 20

Will my ceremony be performed in English? Can I personalize the ceremony script?

Accepted Answer

If you have a legal/civil ceremony, it will be performed in the native language. If the native language is not English, you will have a translator present. If you have a symbolic wedding, your ceremony will be in English.

A traditional ceremony script involves a brief introduction about the couple and speech regarding love, marriage and commitment. Then there will be the exchange of vows and rings and the pronouncement of the couple as being married. If you are having a civil or religious ceremony, you can often include your own vows and readings, although we would need to get permission from the judge or officiant that is performing your ceremony.

Symbolic ceremonies are the most flexible type of ceremony. You can write your own personalized wedding vows, have a guest do a reading during the ceremony, add in a sand or candle ceremony or any other traditions you wish to include.

Question 21

Can I bring décor items from home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Your Destination Wedding Consultant will help with your vision for the big day and advise which décor items you can bring from home as well as what will need to be ordered through the hotel and vendors. We always encourage couples bring items such as personalized printed materials (itineraries, place cards, etc.), smaller centerpieces and table décor items, photos etc.

Question 22

Why do I have to pay for food and beverage on my wedding day if we are staying at an all inclusive resort?

Accepted Answer

The all inclusive packages that you and your guests have purchased refers to the services that you utilize throughout your stay and are available for all hotel guests; the restaurants, bars, pools, etc.

Additional services including private event such as a wedding reception dinner, do not fall within your all inclusive packages. Much like wedding venues found anywhere in the world, there may be additional costs required for space rentals or food and beverage.

Question 23

How and when do I confirm all my wedding vendors? Can I hire other vendors than what the hotel uses?

Accepted Answer

Each hotel has preferred vendors for services ranging from florals to photography. Their services are included in hotel wedding catalogs and can be booked once overall wedding planning begins with your Destination Wedding Consultant. However, if you have a specific vendor in mind that you would like to hire externally, discuss this with your planner as most hotels have external vendor fees and some prohibit certain vendor types. If you are hiring externally, we recommend doing this as soon as possible.

Question 24

Can I bring my own photographer/videographer from home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If they are a guest of the wedding or are staying at the hotel there are no penalty fees. Please note that there is usually a minimum night stay required for a vendor/penalty fee to be waived (usually a three night minimum).

Question 25

When do I pay for the wedding and in what currency?

Accepted Answer

For most destinations, all wedding fees will be quoted in US dollars. There are some exceptions to this, including Cuba which includes Canadian and Cuban quotes, as well as some fees that are paid in destination in the local currency of the country you are getting married in.

Every hotel has their own payment policies and processes. Some hotels will require a deposit to secure the wedding date and some will not. Some hotel will require payment in advance, and some will require all payments be made in destination. Your Sunwing Weddings Destination Wedding Consultant will advise on all payment processes and details for you!

Question 26

Will there be someone onsite to assist on the wedding day? Will I get a ceremony rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Prior to arriving in destination, your Destination Wedding Consultant will introduce you to your onsite hotel wedding coordinator who will execute everything on your wedding day. The day after your arrival to the hotel, you will meet with the onsite wedding coordinator to go over the details and pricing we’ve confirmed up to this point, see your venues, go over the timing of the wedding date and make your final wedding payment. You and the hotel will have been given the same copy of the wedding planning budget spreadsheet we prepared and confirmed and this gives you one last opportunity to go over all your details.

Typically, a ceremony rehearsal is not included and this meeting is just for the wedding couple, however if a full rehearsal is desired, your Destination Wedding Consultant can request this for you. Please note that some hotels will not confirm ceremony rehearsals until you are in destination.

Question 27

What happens if it rains on my wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Every hotel has a backup plan in case of inclement weather. During your meeting with the onsite hotel wedding coordinator, they will check the weather with you and come up with a backup plan if needed. Backup locations would typically be a lobby, terrace, or restaurant.

Question 28

Will we get a free room upgrade or any perks because we are the wedding couple?

Accepted Answer

Many hotel wedding packages include perks such as room upgrades for the wedding couple. Please note that this cannot be confirmed in advance, instead they will be confirmed upon arrival in destination based on room availability. Please ask your Destination Wedding Consultant and your Group Travel Representative about inclusions and perks offered by your chosen hotel.

Question 29

What happens if I have guests staying at another property?

Accepted Answer

If you have guests that are staying at a different property, they will need to be registered for a day pass for any event you are holding at your hotel. The front desk will need them to check-in upon arrival and usually requires them to submit photo ID to be held at the front desk until they leave at the end of the evening. Day passes range from $70 - $100 USD per person, per event. Please ask your Destination Wedding Consultant for day pass pricing at your chosen hotel.

Question 30

I booked my destination wedding with Sunwing through a travel agent, can I still add on the Sunwing Weddings Wedding Planning services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our wedding consulting services can be added to a Sunwing booking made with a travel agent at an additional cost.

Our Diamond Service includes up to five hours of wedding consulting for a service fee of $499.00. Our Platinum Service includes up to ten hours of wedding consulting for a service fee of $999.00. Our Platinum Plus service includes up to fifteen hours of wedding consulting for a service fee of $1999.00 + consultant travel costs. Please note that these services do not include the cost of the wedding, they are for planning assistance only. Explore full inclusions of our unique planning services.

Once a planning package has been added to the booking, one of our Destination Wedding Consultants will reach out to you directly to get started right away!

Question 31

How do guests book their trips?

Accepted Answer

Each group is assigned to a Sunwing Weddings Group Travel Representative. Guests will receive a “Save the Date” email invitation from the Group Travel Representative outlining the deposit and final payment deadlines, a link to the booking form and contact information.

Guests are able to speak to any member of the Sunwing Weddings Team, not only their Sunwing Weddings Group Travel Representative.

Guests are asked to complete the secure on-line booking form. No space will be held until the payment is processed successfully. Please allow up to ten business days for processing.

When booking with Sunwing Weddings the wedding couple has assumed responsibility as the Group Leaders. Any major changes to the booking can only be made through the Group Leaders.

Question 32

Do I have to provide names and dates of birth as per my passport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require full names as per your passports along with your date of birth. Please make sure all names are exactly as they appear on your passports and dates of birth are in the correct format: DAY/MONTH/YEAR.

Question 33

Do I need a valid passport to travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All passengers will require a valid passport to travel, including infants. It is solely the responsibility of each passenger to ensure that you have valid and proper travel documentation. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your planned return to Canada.

Question 34

What if I would like to add on insurance?

Accepted Answer

Sunwing helps you prepare for the unexpected on your big day with exclusive Worry Free and Worry Free Plus coverage plans. Insurance must be added within 48 hours of receiving your booking confirmation by email.

Worry Free: Make one change to your vacation package or cancel your vacation up to 72 hours before departure:

$49.00 per person

Worry Free Plus: Cancel your getaway or make one change to your vacation package up to three hours before your departure. A one-time package transfer is permitted as the one change option and must be made up to seven days before your departure:

$99.00 per person

Manulife Global Travel Insurance + Worry Free : Get all the great features of our Worry Free plan plus even more peace of mind, including:

Emergency medical coverage
Quarantine coverage for fully vaccinated passengers
Unlimited trip interruption coverage following your departure
Baggage loss, damage and delay benefits
Flight and travel accident insurance

From $99 per person for 74 and under From $149 per person for 75 and over

Manulife Global Travel Insurance + Worry Free Plus : Get all the great features of our Worry Free Plus plan and get more with Manulife Global Travel Insurance, including:

Emergency medical coverage
Quarantine coverage for fully vaccinated passengers
Unlimited trip interruption coverage following your departure
Baggage loss, damage and delay benefits
Flight and travel accident insurance

From $149 per person for 74 and under From $199 per person for 75 and over

Learn more about our Worry Free coverage options. Restrictions apply, please see full terms and conditions.

Question 35

What if I can’t come for a full week or want to leave on a different day?

Accepted Answer

Your Group Travel Representative will be able to provide you with rates for different departure dates and durations subject to flight schedules and availability. If there is an expiration date on the quote, please note that a deposit must be placed prior to the expiration date given in order to secure the room and rate. Additionally, a rate that is supplied by your Group Travel Representative / Sunwing Weddings Team is a quote only and does not guarantee reservation. A written confirmation to the Group Travel Representative/ Sunwing Weddings Team must be sent in order to make a new reservation or a change to an existing reservation.

Question 36

I am a guest and I would like to bring a date but I do not know who they will be yet. Can I place a deposit up front and add the name later? Or, can I book as a single occupant and add them to my room later?

Accepted Answer

Guests in this situation have a few options. They can place early deposits for a TBA guest who’s details will be finalized and added at a later date. However, this deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to existing passengers should they decide they no longer want to bring a date.

Alternatively, if a current single occupant wants to add a date to their booking later on, they can request a new rate for the additional guest. In this case, the rate for the existing passenger will change to the double occupancy rate that was available at the time of their original booking. The new guest will be subject to current rates and availability at the time of booking.

Question 37

Does Sunwing offer Price Drop Guarantees? What if my rate decreases?

Accepted Answer

Group Leaders may request a price drop check from your Group Travel Representative if you find significantly lower rates online. They will advise the current group rates and availability. Should there be enough space in our system to re-book the entire group at the current group rates for the exact same room categories/duration/gateways, we can offer a one-time price adjustment on your group rates before 90 days prior to departure.

Should space be reserved from multiple departure cities, a price adjustment must apply for all gateways included in the group and cannot be for only one particular gateway.

Please note any rate reductions are applicable only for your confirmed booking. The Price Drop Guarantee is not applicable for any changes to a room category, occupancy, duration, date or gateway.

This means that you cannot make a change to your current booking in order to get a lower price for another room category, room category, occupancy, duration, date or gateway. Price drops can only be requested by the Group Leaders.

If a rate reduction is applicable, the group will be notified once it has been completed.

Question 38

When will flight times be available?

Accepted Answer

Flight times are usually released about six months prior to departure. Please note that all flight times, schedules, airlines and type of aircraft, as well as itineraries, are subject to change with or without prior notice. For more information please visit our terms and conditions.

Question 39

How do we make sure our group is seated together on the plane?

Accepted Answer

Complimentary group block seating, rows 18 and back on Sunwing Airlines, will be added to your group booking 45 days prior to departure provided names and final payment have been received. Please allow 5 days for processing.

This ensures that your entire group is seated together in rows 18 and back. Seats are assigned as close together as possible. Please note that this is based on availability at the time of request (if another group has it booked then the next group wouldn’t be able to receive it).

Group Block seating can only be requested by the Group Leaders. If you would like to add this to your group booking please let your Group Travel Representative know. This must be added no later than two weeks prior to departure.

Question 40

Can I use multiple credit cards to make payments? Do you allow for payment installments/partial payments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make payments using multiple credit cards.

There are also options for payment installments to suit your needs. Please ask the Sunwing Weddings Team to send you the instructions to make an online payment.

Question 41

How much is it to upgrade to Elite Plus seats?

Accepted Answer

Elite Plus is our highest seat category and is $60 each way, tax included, per passenger. Additional amenities include:

Up to 6” of extra legroom (10” for exit row seats)
Advanced seat selection
Priority check-in and boarding at Canadian airports
Priority baggage handling - your luggage will be among the first to be available for pick-up
Note: Maximum weight allowance is 23 kgs (50 lbs)

Question 42

For passengers age 0-2 years is there any payments such as a deposit or taxes?

Accepted Answer

There are no payments required for children under the age of two. At the time of travel, they will not be granted their own seat. You can however purchase a seat if you feel this would be more comfortable for your child. Please note that all passengers regardless of age will require a valid passport for travel. For certain destinations there may be a small fee of $16 for a tourist card for the infant.

Question 43

What if I have two adults and two children in one room? Is this considered quad occupancy?

Accepted Answer

When you have two adults confirmed for a room, they will each use the double occupancy rate. If you add children to this room, each child (age 2-12) will use the corresponding child/teen rate (teen rates are not available at all hotels). In all circumstances, two adults per room are required to obtain the child rate for any room category.

Question 44

What if I have a larger family with 3+ children? Can we all stay in the room together?

Accepted Answer

Many hotels do not offer accommodations for families larger than four. Please review our website for information on rooming capacity and contact your Group Travel Representative / Sunwing Weddings Team to see if family suites are available if needed.

If there are no room sizes available to accommodate your family, please note that we are able to reconfigure your family on the rooming list spreadsheet to ensure your child can be placed with other family members travelling. This is done for booking purposes only. Upon arrival at the hotel, children are able to room with their parents, however please note that bedding availability is limited. We can request cots and cribs for children and infants however requests are not guaranteed. Guests assume the above at their own risk.

Question 45

How do we ensure that all guests are booked closely in room proximity?

Accepted Answer

Prior to departure, your Group Travel Representative can make a request for rooms to be close together. Requests cannot be guaranteed as room locations are at the hotel’s discretion and will be assigned upon arrival.

Question 46

Can I make special requests regarding room location, bedding, etc. at the hotel?

Accepted Answer

We can make special requests (bedding, room location etc.) with the hotel however please note that these are never guaranteed. Requests will be subject to availability upon arrival and at the hotel’s discretion. We do suggest that you reiterate this request upon arrival directly with the hotel.

Question 47

How much is extra baggage?

Accepted Answer

For all information regarding excess baggage including musical equipment, diving equipment, golf clubs, strollers, etc, please refer to Sunwing Airlines Baggage Allowance page..

If the answer to your inquiry cannot be found online, please reach out to your Group Travel Representative or Sunwing Weddings Team for further assistance.

Question 48

Does Sunwing allow the wedding couple’s attire as carry-on?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your wedding attire will travel like a VIP with our exclusive Wedding Couple Attire Care Program. With Sunwing Airlines exclusive Wedding Couple Attire Care Program, your wedding day outfits travel with you safely in a dedicated overhead compartment. Wedding couples will also be able to pre-board the aircraft to make sure their wedding dresses or suits are safely stowed on board. Please note this service is only available on Sunwing Airlines, and couples travelling on board WestJet will be required to check their wedding attire with their luggage.

This service is only available on Sunwing Airlines for the wedding couples and their wedding day outfits which must be stored in the same garment bag. If any other guest wishes to bring their wedding attire on board in addition to their carry-on allowance, they will be charged accordingly.

Question 49

When will we receive our e-documents?

Accepted Answer

E-documents will be available approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Please note that e-documents will not be released until all reservations on file have been paid in full. Your Group Travel Representative will provide a link when your e-documents are available in which you can retrieve your e-documents, select your seat, etc.

Question 50

What are the cancellation penalties?

Accepted Answer

If you have a new passenger to replace a cancelled passenger, we can apply a name change. Up to 44 days prior to departure name corrections cost $50.00 per passenger. Between 44 and 21 days, name corrections cost $100.00 per passenger. Please note that within 21 days these fees are subject to change depending on when the adjustment is made.

Please note for cancellations up to 44 days prior to departure, loss of the $150 deposit per passenger will apply. Between 44 and 21 days, 50% of the total price will apply. Within 20 days prior to departure, 100% of the total price will apply.

Please note the cancellation penalties are the same if a person has purchased insurance with Sunwing or not. If you have to cancel, please advise your cancellation by e-mail, either to your travel planner or to: weddinggroups@sunwing.ca.

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