Destination Weddings: Top Tips From Travel Advisors

There are many ways for new travel advisors to grow their business, but taking advice from veterans in the industry is one of the best ways to do so. They’ve been through the ups and downs of the job year after year, compiling tips and tricks along the way.

When it comes to booking destination weddings, there’s a lot to know. We recently heard from three expert wedding planners: Kendra Carver, Owner and Lead Travel Designer at Kendra and Company Travel Agency; Suzy Mkhitarian, Certified Destination Wedding Expert at Wanderlust Weddings; and Rachel Sadler, Owner and Travel Advisor at Sadler Travel, an affiliate of Magnum Travel.

What is your top tip for wedding couples planning a destination wedding?

Kendra: For couples that are looking to start planning a destination wedding, please start the planning process EARLY. I advise couples to start planning 12-18 months in advance, by confirming a wedding date, time and location, especially if you want a specific day that has significant meaning.

Suzy: Make sure you don't book a wedding during rainy season for the destination you wish to get married in.

Rachel: Having your loved ones at your wedding is important, so choosing a destination that is convenient with potential nonstops and affordability for your guests is essential to make that happen. Choosing the right resort that speaks to their personality or attention to detail is also important.

Do you have any advice for advisors who want to start planning destination weddings?

Kendra: I would recommend having a mentor who specializes in destination weddings who can teach you the steps of having a destination wedding. Destination Weddings are multi-faceted and involve attention to detail, organization and being able to communicate effectively, not only with the destination wedding couple but also all of the guests. Having someone who knows the process and is successful in destination wedding planning, can help you navigate the steps in planning and design.

Suzy: It's a niche in the industry that separates you from online TA’s. The benefits are endless, and it’s lucrative if you do it right. I'm very transparent with my clients from beginning to end, and make sure to respond to them and their guests within 24 hours – that is key to any service I provide.

Rachel: You must be very organized with all guest information and keep the bride and groom in the loop when guests are booking. It also helps to know the guests’ relation to the bride and groom so you can bond with the group, and this helps the bride and groom know you care about their guests as much as they do. Patience is also needed! Some groups are fairly "easy" but there will always be some kind of curve ball that requires extra attention. Also, taking as much stress off the bride and groom – this includes being the sole communicator to the guests during the planning, pricing and booking process.

What are some tips for seamlessly selling multiple destination weddings throughout the year?

Kendra: Selling Destination Weddings can be daunting but oh so rewarding. My tip to selling multiple weddings a year is to provide an excellent client experience. This is achieved by having systems in place – automations, workflow – but also reassuring the couple that you are behind them every step of the way and that they are not alone. Couples want to feel surrounded by an expert that knows the planning process but also knows they have the expertise to handle the most important day of their lives.

About the Author

Codie Liermann is the managing editor of The Compass. She began her career in the industry as a travel advisor prior to working as an editor. With a passion for creating valuable content for travel advisors, she aims to develop meaningful relationships with all types of travel companies in order to share their unique messages with the travel agency community.