Hi Friend!
Sarah Chancey here, the founder and creative director behind Chancey Charm. Today, I’m in Cartagena, Columbia, and I’m excited to share my TOP TIP FOR PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING for your clients.
The first and most important vendor partner that you’ll need to secure for your destination wedding may surprise you – it’s a quality travel agent!
Why?
Because a solid travel agent partner is an excellent source for quality accommodation and venue recommendations that you can trust, as well as, help with date selection based on weather, local events, pricing, even if you’re planning in a place you’ve never been.
Ensuring that your clients AND their guests have a wonderful experience is key to making a destination wedding a positive, unforgettable experience for everyone, and that always starts with smooth travel, comfortable accommodations+ a beautiful location.
Remember, As the planner you are NOT a travel agent. And I believe that it’s important to be upfront about that and to acknowledge and emphasize that with your clients from the first consultation. You cannot juggle the needs of the bride, groom, wedding party, logistics weekend of the wedding AND serve the travel needs + hiccups of all of their guests as they arrive. Enough said, right?!
Finally, I’m a big believer in doing your thing, and doing it with excellence! I am not a travel agent, therefore I am not going to get the best deal or give the best recommendations for travel and accommodations to my clients. What a disservice to them to act like I can!
A PROFESSIONAL PLANNER AND TRAVEL AGENT IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE WORTH THE INVESTMENT FOR A COUPLE PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING. THIS IS A TEAM THAT WILL ALLEVIATE STRESS AND PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE COUPLE AND THEIR GUESTS.
Whelp that’s it from me, I hope and praying that this advice is a blessing in your journey, as you begin to plan your first destination wedding. If you’re looking for a great travel agent you can trust, I’m sharing my favorite below – feel free to share yours in the comments!
Happy Planning!
Sarah