Photography: Stanlo Photography
Finding an incredible team of wedding professionals to make your dreams a reality is certainly no easy task. With so many amazing options to consider, it could be a bit daunting, we would admit.
And if you just add in the very thought of having a destination wedding in a different country or state, then that’s when the anxiety truly begins. But with a little guidance from the experts, and a little bit of destination wedding love, it doesn’t have to be such a stressful process, and these tips below could definitely help you through.
Hire a Wedding Planner/ Wedding Planning Company
When it comes to having a destination wedding, hiring a wedding planner is a non-negotiable.
It is so important to work with someone who you genuinely connect with; who has experience working in various locations; has a solid network of destination wedding colleagues and is more than ready to bring your vision to life with love and professionalism.
You would also want to have someone who is just as excited as you are about bringing your vision to life. The wedding planning process is so much more than pretty décor and stationery. It’s about creativity, passion, style, elegance, intentionality and love. So finding a wedding planner who understands the importance of these elements, and is fully focused on both you and your guests’ experience, is someone that you need to work with.
Our team is so focused on these essential elements and would be so honoured to be a part of your wedding planning journey. So please do not hesitate to contact us.
Research & Recommendations
The most important part of the puzzle to remember is to do your research before you make any final decisions on your location, and then wedding professionals to suit that location.
Ensure that you have discussed your wish list in length with your destination wedding planner and then trust in the recommended wedding professionals that he/ she puts forward for you to review. Always remember that your chosen wedding planner has been working in the industry for many years and would be able to advise on the best options for you and your partner.
If you would like to also do your own research into wedding professionals, then that’s no problem at all as well. But when looking, please ensure to not just look at their social media pages and websites, but to also request meetings with them so you can see if they are the *best* fit for you.
Photography: The Wilks.
Consider Connection over Cost
Connection matters. We completely understand that you might have a particular budget in mind when it comes to your special day, and you might have even sectioned off your budget to include the specific budget allocations for each wedding category before you have even met with your wedding planner. This is not a problem at all. But what we always recommend to our clients is to try to focus on how the wedding professional’s work makes you feel.
For example, you might have been scrolling through your Instagram feed and seen wedding photographs from a friend of yours who you have not seen in quite some time. You dig deeper, and discover that the photographer who photographed your friend’s wedding in Mexico actually lives in Spain but photographs destination weddings around the world. Your immediate thought might be to say no to this vendor as the cost starts to creep in, but what if the photographer turned out to have incredible rates? What if the photographer ended up being the DREAM vendor for you and your partner? But because of the worry with cost, you chose not to get in contact with them because you were a bit nervous that it would be out of budget.
The truth is – You just never know.
The other truth is – You just never know who your wedding planner knows.
Connection is everything, and can change your wedding day completely. Be open about the possibilities and say yes to wedding professionals who you truly love. It will not only make your day even more amazing, but will also ensure that the overall experience is pleasant for all.
Seal the deal
Contracts are so important in this procedure. After you have done the research, chosen your destination wedding planner, confirmed your guest list, set your budget and confirmed your wedding vendors, it’s time to seal the deal with each of them.
Our team will be there to manage all vendor Contracts and conversations, will double check on all of the details and ensure that everything is crystal clear – not to fear darling.
Photography: LizAart Studio
Things to take note of:
- Trust in the process. Sometimes the finalizations of Contracts, etc. take time as there may be various iterations to ensure that everything is accurate and clear for everyone.
- Communication is key. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are here to help always.
- Trust in your team. Once you have explored the options, chosen your team and have signed all Contracts – let the vendors do what they do best. I cannot stress this enough for couples who experience a bit of anxiety throughout the process and then sometimes end up trying to micro-manage. Always remember that you chose this wonderful team of wedding professionals because of their experience, professionalism, kindness and passion for their craft. This might be your first time planning a destination wedding, but it won’t be theirs, so try to listen to their advice, focus on the essential details and trust that everything is going to work out. We chose this profession because we ABSOLUTELY love it, so know that we will do everything in our power to take care of you, your guests, the vendors and every other detail that deserves our attention.
