So you’re planning a destination wedding?
Congratulations! 🎉
This can be an amazing experience, but it can also be a lot of work…
The big decision? Do you handle it on your own, or work with a certified wedding planner.
Don’t stress….
In this post, you’ll get everything you need to know about hiring a planner & why it’s totally worth finding one you love.
So let’s get started!
Your Guide to Hiring a Destination Wedding Planner
1. Do You Really Need a Destination Wedding Planner?
If you’re planning a destination wedding, the answer is probably yes.
Doing it all alone isn’t suggested.
A destination wedding planner is someone who specializes in helping couples plan their dream wedding in a location that’s not their hometown.
Here are the top 3 reasons why you should consider a planner…
1. You don’t know the area
It’s highly likely that you don’t know the ins & outs of getting married in the destination you choose.
A good wedding planner will have all the connections & knowledge you need to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch.
You want avoid the stress of having to deal with it on your own, especially when things do go as planner… which happens!!
2. You want to save time & money
Wedding planners are experts at finding the best deals on everything from venues to vendors.
They also know how to avoid common planning pitfalls that can end up costing you both time & money.
Start by finding an affordable destination wedding location.
3. You want to enjoy your wedding day stress-free
The whole point of hiring a wedding planner is so that you can relax & enjoy your big day.
With a professional in charge, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of while you focus on celebrating with your friends & family!
Learn more: Your Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings
2. What Exactly Does a Destination Wedding Planner Do?
A destination wedding planner will help you with all the logistics of planning a wedding in a new place.
This includes everything like…
- Finding the perfect venue.
- Help you decide on the wedding package.
- Booking travel & accommodations for your guests.
- Finding the best vendors in your chosen destination
- Get discounts that you wouldn’t be able to get on your own.
They’ll also help you with the nitty-gritty details you may miss, like getting a marriage license in another country.
And if you run into any snags along the way, you can count on your planner to help you solve them!
In the end, they’ll be there on your day to make sure everything runs smoothly.
3. How Much Does a Destination Wedding Planner Cost?
The cost of hiring a destination wedding planner varies depending on the location of your wedding & the services you need.
On average, a destination wedding planner cost around 15% of your total wedding budget.
So if your budget is $20,000, your planner will likely cost around $3000.
We see costs ranging between $3000-$5000 for the Cancun region, Cabo is more like $5000-$8000.
However, some planners offer their services for free when you book your venue & other vendors through them.
Like us, for example!
Our award-winning team has helped 100s of couples plan their weddings in Mexico!
When you book with us, we waive the planning fee completely. 🙏
Here’s what our clients have to say…
“They were able to get us a great rate for the hotel rooms for our guests and worked with the hotel to provide us with a very nice upgrade. All of our guests raved about how helpful Ruby and was very pleased with her service.” – Codi Shine
“This woman took care of ALL of our guests!!! From booking their hotel room, to assuring they had transportation to and from the hotel and everything in between!!!! She is amazing!!!! Literally any question, comment, or concern she was there 100 percent of the time!!!” – Edgar Sanchez
Curious about our services? Click here to learn more about us!
4. Finding a Destination Wedding Planner
The best way to find a good planner is to search online for planners who specialize in destination weddings in your chosen location.
Social media is your BFF here!
Most planners will have an Instagram or Facebook page where you can see photos of their previous work.
You should also call up friends or family who have gotten married & ask for recommendations!
Where do you want to get married? Cancun? Cabo? Jamaica?
Look for a planner in that area!
For those considering a wedding in Mexico, we are award-winning destination wedding specialists based in beautiful Playa del Carmen.
We’ve organized over 1000 successful destination weddings and our certified team is always ready to help you create the wedding of your dreams.
Other websites to find a planner:
– WeddingWire.com
– TheKnot.com
– Google’s local listings
When you’re looking for a planner, be sure to read reviews from other couples who have used their services.
This will give you a good idea of what to expect & help you find the right fit.
Have a consultation call to get to know each other. You want to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your wedding.
You can learn more about Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations or explore destination wedding packages.
5. Evaluating Planners
When it comes to choosing the right destination wedding planner, you should evaluate them thoroughly to ensure they’re the perfect fit for your special day.
1. Check Their Experience and Specialization
Look for planners who specialize in destination weddings, particularly in your chosen location.
Consider their years of experience and the number of weddings they’ve planned.
Ask if they have experience with weddings similar in size and style to yours.
2. Review Their Online Presence
Explore their website and social media pages.
Look for photos and videos of past weddings, testimonials, and their overall aesthetic.
Check for consistency and quality in their work; their portfolio should be in sync with your vision.
3. Schedule a Consultation
As mentioned earlier, you can schedule a consultation with them to get a feel for their personality and communication style.
Prepare a list of questions about their services, fees, availability, and how they handle unexpected issues.
Discuss your vision and see if they understand and share your enthusiasm for your ideas.
4. Ask for References
Request contact information for a few past clients.
Speaking directly to previous clients can provide valuable insights into their experiences.
5. Assess Their Local Knowledge and Vendor Relationships
A good planner should have a network of trusted professionals and be knowledgeable about the area’s logistics and legal requirements.
6. Consider Their Passion and Enthusiasm
A passionate planner will go the extra mile to make your wedding day special; their enthusiasm should be evident in your interactions.
6. How To Know When You've Found the Right Planner
Trust your instincts – choose someone who you feel genuinely excited to work with.
Someone who makes you feel confident in their abilities.
You’ll know you’ve found the right planner when you feel like they really understand your vision for your wedding.
And they can provide helpful advice & guidance without being pushy.
You should also feel confident that they have the experience & connections to make your dream wedding a reality.
It’s essential to make sure they’re someone you can trust to handle all the details of your big day!
Questions to Ask
Here are some essential questions to ask the planner to ensure you’re making the right choice:
- How many destination weddings have you planned, and in which locations?
- Do you have experience with the specific destination we’ve chosen?
- What services are included in your planning packages?
- Do you offer full-service planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination?
- Are there any additional fees we should be aware of?
- How often can we expect updates and progress reports?
- How do you handle unexpected challenges or emergencies?
- How good are you at budget management? How can you help us stay within our budget?
- Will you provide detailed cost breakdowns and regular budget updates?
- Can you assist with legal requirements and documentation?
- Can you help us with paperwork, translations, or obtaining necessary permits?
- What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
7. Additional Things to Consider
There are a few more things to keep in mind when hiring a destination wedding planner.
You’ll want to…
- Make sure you’re on the same page with your planner about what your vision for the event.
- Confirm they’re available on your chosen dates!
- Be sure to sign a detailed contract that outlines the services you’ve agreed to and the price you’ll be paying.
Hiring a destination wedding planner is a big decision, but it’s one that will make your life a lot easier.
We hope this guide has given you all the info you need about hiring a planner!
If you have more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. 🙂
Also read – What Is A Destination Wedding & Why You Should Have One!
FAQs
Hiring a destination wedding planner takes the stress off your shoulders.
They handle everything from helping you select a venue to vendor coordination, ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly.
You don’t have to worry about the details.
Start by searching online for planners who specialize in destination weddings in your chosen location.
Check their websites, social media, and reviews.
Recommendations from friends and family can also be super helpful.
Look for diversity and quality in their past work.
Their portfolio should showcase a variety of wedding styles and sizes. Plus consistency and attention to detail are key.
It’s best to hire your planner as soon as you decide on your destination, ideally 12 to 18 months in advance.
This gives you plenty of time to plan and ensures your planner’s availability.
Services can vary, but most planners offer full-service planning, partial planning, and day-of coordination.
This can include venue scouting, vendor management, budget tracking, timeline creation, and on-the-day coordination.
Need Help Planning Your Wedding in Mexico?
Get in touch today & let us help you plan the destination wedding of your dreams.
Our services are totally free, btw. Yes, you read the right!
At ParadiseWeddings.com, we don’t charge a dime.
How is this possible, you ask?
We’re like travel agents, but we specialize in destination weddings!
So if you’re looking for help with your Mexico wedding, contact us here.
Or give us a call at 877-737-177
Let’s start planning your dream day today!
Ask questions below