The whole journey of planning a destination wedding is as thrilling as the event itself. Going away from your home base to a charming location with your friends, family, and, of course, your beloved, can be an exciting getaway of sorts. Expectedly, you must spend more time planning each detail and ensuring all arrangements are made in advance. The most logical thing to have the top destination wedding of your dreams is to team up with a wedding planner. There are many services to choose from, and in this guide, we will discuss how you can collaborate better.
Be specific with your dates & expectations
While being flexible with certain things is always good, especially for offshore or destination weddings, you should still have a complete overview of what you want. Make a quick checklist and try answering the following questions:
- Is the date fixed? Is there any room to modify that?
- What locations do you prefer? Have you shortlisted options?
- Are you fixated on a beach wedding? Or will a rainforest backdrop suffice?
- How do you imagine the wedding? Have you liked a few themes?
- What are the things you don’t intend to compromise on?
- What aspects are negotiable, especially when you want to stick to the budget?
- Do you want to host multiple events?
If you know what you want, the planner will be able to create a detailed outline of the events.
Selected a reputed & well-known planner
Not all planners deal with destination weddings, which obviously should be the first thing to consider. Check the locations they usually recommend to clients and whether they can make arrangements for your needs. Take a few days, if necessary, to sort between wedding planners. Check some of the work they have done so far, especially in recent months, to understand whether their ideas match your expectations. You can also ask for different pictures and videos.
Start early
If you want to avoid last-minute chaos, your best bet is to connect with the wedding planner at least a few months in advance. Once you give them a memo, they will initially check what’s feasible and will work for your budget. They will also provide alternatives that you can consider without being pushed to the brink because the date is close. Collaboration becomes seamless when the client and the planning team have time.
Discuss travel & itinerary
The chances are high that you have a tentative guest list, particularly the number of people who will be traveling to the destination. Make sure that you discuss how they will reach the location, if some guests need special arrangements, and where they are going to stay. These details matter to the planning team, as they may have to check for additional choices. For instance, if the resort of your choice doesn’t have enough rooms, they may have to find options nearby so that guests don’t have to travel much.
Give up control
Many couples often take the stress of getting daily updates once they hire a planner. Micromanaging a destination wedding is not only frustrating but can also take a toll on your celebrations. In a distant location, you don’t have much control over local things anyway. Once you approve the arrangements, your only task is to ensure everything is in alignment. Monthly updates or major developments may require additional meetings, but don’t expect big changes. You can question certain things if your expectations aren’t met, but give them the autonomy they need.
If you choose a dependable & top-rated destination wedding planner for your big day, the remaining process is only going to be about healthy discussions and minor corrections.
