The Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Destination Wedding Planner

Planning a destination wedding, whether it's domestic or international, demands more coordination than arranging a local event. You're organizing a wedding from a distance, so you probably won't have many (if any!) face-to-face meetings with your vendor team. In addition, proper scheduling is necessary for coordinating phone or video calls across different time zones. When considering language barriers, currency variations, and local customs, it is not surprising that couples organizing their destination weddings may quickly feel overwhelmed.

When organizing a destination wedding, you are often considering more than just the main event, as being a gracious host or hostess is crucial. This implies that you will probably organize several days' worth of activities and assist with guest travel by reserving rooms, arranging transportation, and possibly coordinating flights. 

Wedding coordinators for destination weddings can assist in creating your dream celebration, including event planning and handling all logistical aspects like safe transportation of the wedding gown, jewelry from labgrown.com, and all other accessories.

What is your process for finding the perfect professional for your special occasion? Here is a guide for hiring a destination wedding planner.

 

What are the Reasons to Consider Hiring a Destination Wedding Planner?

Consider your wedding planner like a coach or captain. They are responsible for guiding the team to success and maintaining organization for every aspect of the event. Your wedding planner has the task of liaising with other vendors, aiding in creating the party's overall aesthetic, and coordinating the event(s). 

When organizing a destination wedding, particularly one happening overseas, there are additional duties and obstacles to handle.  Destination wedding planners are typically knowledgeable about the customs, language, and unique aspects of the countries and regions they work in, and are adept at handling cultural discrepancies during the planning process.

Destination wedding coordinators will also handle tasks that you may not pay attention to otherwise. 

 

How to Find a Destination Wedding Planner

Unsure of where to start looking for a destination wedding planner? Here are a few easy and useful suggestions for locating your ideal planning collaborator.

 

Inquire the Venue for Suggestions

Inquire with your desired wedding venue for recommendations on top planners known for their excellent customer service, vendor coordination, event organization, and professionalism. Those connections can improve the quality of communication when it comes to planning.

 

Check out platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Discover some of your beloved wedding pictures on social media and check out the designers and coordinators behind them. Searching for wedding photographers in your destination is helpful because their photos can showcase the planner's aesthetic.

 

Check out reviews from previous customers.

Checking out reviews from other couples about their planners is a wise decision. You should feel assured that you can establish a connection and have faith in your planner. You ought to also contact your contacts and inquire if anyone you know has had direct experience with an exceptional destination wedding coordinator.

 

Arrange a phone conversation.

Engage in a candid discussion with the planner regarding the wedding's vision. While many people can plan a beautiful wedding, you also need a team that can handle and resolve any issues that arise. Inquire about the number of weddings they have organized and ask how they handled an issue at a wedding they had coordinated. 

Moreover, asking for help with organizing travel plans and knowing the estimated budget for different destinations and countries can assist in your decision of where to get married.

 

What Does a Destination Wedding Planner Do?

Besides the usual tasks involved in planning a wedding, here are some typical responsibilities that destination wedding planners often handle:

• Offer advice using their expertise and research on local laws, necessary permits, and marriage license criteria.
• Provide you with selected vendors and a location that is most suitable for your number of guests, budget, and vision.
• Assist in creating a budget that is both practical and reflects your wants and needs. They can provide recommendations on areas to reduce spending and on what is worth spending a little extra on.
• Provide travel tips and suggestions to assist in confidently planning your trip for you and your guests.
• Develop plans in advance for rain and unexpected obstacles on the road.
• Collaborate with vendors and the venue, manage the timeline, and handle family coordination.
• Handles RSVPs and guest lists.
• Provide suggestions for a florist, audio and lighting equipment rentals, and hair and makeup services.
• Negotiate, communicate with, and oversee the catering team.

 

Is it necessary for a destination wedding planner to operate from the wedding location?

Though it is possible to enlist the services of a destination wedding planner, there are also many skilled professionals who work remotely. The decision of which candidate to hire is a personal choice for the couple. Destination planners typically focus on organizing weddings in locations that are different from where their teams are located geographically. Because of the wedding planner’s relationships, and connections, the planning process and service should be the same as if planning with someone local. 

It's okay to hire a destination wedding planner unfamiliar with a specific venue, but we recommend working with a professional who has regional experience. A venue is typically just a venue and a knowledgeable planner can effectively plan by conducting thorough site visits at the location. 

Couples should arrange for their destination wedding planners to visit the area before the event. A successful wedding involves comprehending your venue, its obstacles, and how it will operate on the wedding day.

 

How Much Will It Cost You

The cost of hiring a destination wedding coordinator depends on the services offered, the wedding venue, and the guest count. A premium wedding planner offering event design may demand at least 20 percent of your wedding budget for their services. This does not account for any extra work or travel costs that might be needed for your wedding day or pre-wedding events. 

Most destination planners expect their travel expenses and accommodations to be taken care of during site visits and the wedding weekend. Additional fees that are frequent could involve a daily allowance during trips, based on the specific team.

 

 

are you a bride or groom-to-be?

We'd love to plan with you on weddingday-online.com. Let's get started!

 
are you a wedding extraordinaire?

Join WeddingDay Magazine in inspiring brides by partnering with us! See how here.