So here’s the big question…
“Should I hire a destination wedding travel agent?”
The answer is YES, and you’ll soon find out why!
We’re dropping our pants in this post. Our certified wedding agents shared it all. 🙌
You’ll find out how to get free help, how to unlock discounts and more.
Ready to get started?
Lets go…
- Whats is a Destination Wedding Travel Agent?
- Reasons To Hire A Destination Wedding Travel Agent
- Reason 1 – They Know The Destination Very Well
- Reason 2 – They Can Unlock Exclusive Discounts
- Reason 3 – They Can Book The Accommodations
- Reason 4 – You Get A Stress Free Wedding!
- Reason 5 – They Can Help You Book Activities
- Reason 6 – They Can Help You Plan Other Events
- Reason 7 – Their Services Are For Free!
- Reason 8 – They Know The Local Laws
- Reason 9 – They’re Able to Contact The Resort Faster
- Tips For Finding The Right Travel Agent
- What Questions To Ask A Destination Wedding Travel Agent?
Destination wedding travel agents are like regular travel agents, BUT they specialize in destination weddings.
So, why use a destination wedding travel planner?
These Agents have experience in:
– weddings in different countries.
– all-inclusive resort weddings and destination wedding packages.
– working with local venues and suppliers.
– helping you and your guests book accommodation.
– negotiating the best prices.
They also help you choose the:
✓ destination
✓ resort
✓ wedding package
They also manage logistics and transportation for your guests.
So, this is clearly not the travel agent in your local strip mall!
The best part? They’re usually FREE!
They typically don’t charge the couple because they earn a commission from booking guest travel, just like regular travel agents.
With their expertise and connections, your destination wedding planning should be fun and stress-free, or at least stress-less.
So, here are 7 reasons why you’d want to work with a destination wedding specialist. 👇
Reason 1: They Know The Destination Very Well
A destination wedding travel agent is an absolute pro when it comes to their destinations.
They’ve likely visited these resorts, seen venues, and explored wedding packages so you can choose wisely and avoid any disappointments.
They know each location intimately.
For example, we at ParadiseWeddings.com are pros in Mexico and the Caribbean. Think Cabo, Vallarta, Cancun, Tulum, Dominican Republic and Jamaica! Other travel agents may know more about destination weddings in Europe like Italy, France, Spain or Greece.
Bottom line… you want a specialist. Someone who can help you explore venues and the best wedding packages, and help take care of your guests.
Ready to explore all-inclusive resorts?
You can find inspo by exploring resorts + wedding packages here.
Reason 2: They Can Unlock Exclusive Discounts
Group discounts and kickbacks for couples are a real thing.
You want your guests to get the best rates possible, and we know this, so find group discounts and promotions to make sure everyone is happy.
Did you know that resorts offer concessions?
Things like “for every 10 rooms, you get 1 free.”
Who knows which resorts give the most and best concessions? Our team does.💪
So, experienced agents will be with you every step of the way. They’ll ensure that you and your guests get the best deal possible!
Reason 3: They Secure Accommodations
You want your wedding at a resort and area dreaming about your friends and family joining you.
But, as usual, your sister waited until the last minute to book online.
Now imagine this… the resort is sold out!
You’ve confirmed your wedding date with the resort or venue, and the save-the-dates are sent.
Suddenly, 1 month before your wedding, you find out that the resort you wanted everyone to stay at is booked solid.
So, what now?
You have to tell everyone who dragged their feet that they need to stay at a neighboring resort. No drinks by the pool or late-night parties for them. 😭
What’s the solution? A “Room Block”
A destination travel planner will help secure a block of rooms with the resort (called a room block). It’s an art; believe me, we’ve organized 1000’s of destination weddings.
Once that’s done, you know that your guests have a room to stay in.
Your agent will send friendly reminders to everyone on your guest list to make sure they’re booking.
And if anyone has special requests, your agency will ensure those are taken care of too.
Reason 4: You Get A Stress Free Wedding!
Planning a destination wedding on your own can be seriously stressful and time-consuming.
Who has time for all that heavy lifting?
That’s when a destination wedding travel agent saves the day. 🙌
Consider your agent a FREE personal assistant.
With their expertise, you’ll have more time to enjoy the lead-up to your big day without worrying about all the nitty-gritty details.
Reason 5: They Can Help You Book Activities
Not every guest will want to veg by the pool. Some will want things to do and adventures they can Insta!
A destination wedding travel agent can help make that happen by putting together exciting activities for you and your guests.
Whether it’s exploring a new city, snorkeling in a cenote, or chartering a catamaran to a secluded island, your agent will make sure they have plenty of fun on your wedding getaway!
Reason 6: They Can Help You Plan Other Events
Your destination wedding celebrations don’t have to begin and end at the ceremony.
You can plan so much more, and we can help you do just that.
From bachelor/ette parties to bridal luncheons, from a private cocktail hour to a rehearsal dinner, we can help you organize all the events.
They can even help you organize welcome parties and farewell lunches.
Reason 7: Their Services Are Free!
Believe it or not!
One of the best things about working with a destination wedding travel agent is that you don’t have to pay a single penny for their services!
That’s right! There’s no service fee or hidden costs – their totally free to work with.
How? The resort gives them a commission for every guest they book.
Reason 8: They Know the Local Laws
Destination wedding travel planners have got your back when it comes to the legal side of things too.
They can help you with the paperwork required to legally get married at your dream destination.
Reason 9: They’re Usually Able to Contact the Resort Faster
Maybe you’ve already been through this – you liked a resort, you filled up their contact form, and now you’re waiting for them to respond.
Sadly, most resorts can be a VERY slow in getting back to you. And, once you sign with them, they’re extra slow in answering questions for your guests.
But don’t worry, your travel agent can take that burden off your shoulders. They likely have direct contact with the right people at the resort.
So, they can make a quick call and handle all the communication on your behalf.
1. Find the Right Match
Look for someone who shares your enthusiasm and has a genuine passion for creating unforgettable wedding.
Let’s say it’s a wedding in Mexico. You’ll want to find 3 companies that specialize in Mexico and get to know them. Meet with each agent and decide who you’re most comfortable with.
You may have to explore a few options before finding the perfect match.
2. Experience Matters
Want a JR planning your wedding? I didn’t think so.
While your local travel agent might be great for vacations, they won’t know much about destination weddings. And who want’s to take chances with inexperienced agent?
You want an agent who lives and breathes destination weddings.
For example, at Paradiseweddings.com, we’ve organized 1000’s of weddings across Mexico and the Caribbean.
So an agency like ours would have the experience and insights needed to make your wedding a success!
3. Communication is Key
It’s important to stay connected with your travel agent throughout the planning process, and
Establish clear expectations right from the start. Want to plan on weekends? Make sure they’re available. Are you in EST, make sure they are too!
4. Don’t Settle for Mediocre Reputation
Picture this: you hire the wrong agency, and they turn your dream wedding into a disaster. No, thank you!
Why gamble with your wedding by choosing an agency that’s less than perfect? Is a 4.6 out of 5 just good enough? Maybe for a burger join but definitely not for your wedding.
You want a 5-star agency for better odds. Read their reviews. Don’t settle for just any travel agent.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a destination wedding travel agent.
If something feels off or doesn’t align with your vision, keep searching.
The right travel agent will make you feel confident and excited about your destination wedding journey.
Here are some questions you should ask a destination wedding travel agent before hiring them.
- How long have you been planning destination weddings?
- How many weddings have you helped plan so far?
- How many weddings do you do per year?
- Why are you recommending these resorts; have you planned weddings here before?
- Why are you recommending the venues and what makes them the perfect fit for me?
- Do you have photos and testimonials of weddings you have planned?
- Can you visit these locations with me before I commit?
We also recommend doing a bit of your own research.
Take a peek at their website and social media, and see how transparent they are.
That way, you’ll have a better sense of what they’re all about.
So much goes into planning a destination wedding.
There are many things to keep track of, which can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry, we can help with that!
Our award-winning wedding planners have planned 1000’s of weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean and can help plan yours too!
Call us today at 877-737-0177 or contact us here for a free consultation.
Can’t wait to hear from you!
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