Destination weddings can be an exciting segment of travel for advisors to get into; however, there is a lot of learning involved along the way. Those who already book weddings know that having strong relationships with brand partners is one of the keys to success. We’ve talked to several brand partners to get their top tips for advisors when it comes to booking destination weddings. Here’s what they had to say.
Discover Puerto Rico
“Among the myriad considerations, vendor coordination is a paramount factor that can make or break the entire experience. Establishing a strong and collaborative partnership with local vendors not only ensures a seamless execution but also enriches the couple's celebration with authentic touches that reflect the vibrant culture and beauty of Puerto Rico.
“Effective vendor coordination streamlines the planning process, mitigating potential challenges and ensuring that the wedding day unfolds flawlessly. Travel advisors who cultivate strong relationships with local vendors benefit from efficient communication channels, streamlined logistics, and a network of professionals dedicated to bringing the couple's vision to life. This level of coordination minimizes stress for the couple and elevates the travel advisor's reputation for delivering exceptional destination wedding experiences.” – Johanna González, Leisure Sales Manager
Inclusive Collection
“Understanding your clients' needs and desires, along with those of their wedding guests, right from the start is key to ensuring a successful event. … By identifying the type of travelers your clients are and their guests' requirements, you can quickly pinpoint the brand and destination that best suits them. Will any guests need wheelchair-accessible suites? Are there larger families attending who require connecting or family suites? Is the couple envisioning an active experience or looking forward to enjoying poolside service with their loved ones?
“Visit our Media Site and explore our all-new Confidant Collective advisor site, where you'll find valuable selling tools and resort resources to assist you in finalizing your clients' decisions. Don't miss the opportunity to upsell! Sending a straightforward Google Survey to the couple's guests before booking can help determine whether an upgraded suite or add-on package to celebrate special moments aligns with their preferences.” – Chelsey Cate, Business Development Manager, Mid-Atlantic
Meliá Hotels International
“My top tip for travel advisors planning a destination wedding for their clients is to prioritize clear communication. Ensure you thoroughly understand the couple's preferences, budget, and expectations, and then maintain open and consistent communication with them throughout the planning process. This helps build trust and ensures that their special day aligns with their vision.
- The destination is a fact, cultural, type of cuisine available, visa requirement, language.
- Accommodations: Make sure the Resort you choose has unique wedding venues as well as backup ballrooms.
- Budget is very important, choosing the right Resort and destination according to the clients budget will make the planning smooth and enjoyable for the couple.
- Knowledge and support of hotel wedding teams.
- Last but no less important, trust on local expertise.” – Yajahira Puc, Romance Sales Manager The Americas
ALG Vacations
“I would encourage the advisor to focus on a personalized experience for the bride and groom. Take the time to understand the vision of the wedding and the trip. Be sure to utilize all the tools available like exclusive perks and benefits for not only the wedding couple but for wedding attendees as well. Take advantage of programs like Amstar’s Complimentary site inspections and Fam days for Cancun and Riviera Maya for research and discovery for unique ceremony spots and host resorts. Don’t over promise. Truly Advise, share what has worked well in the past and hasn’t and it’s ok to offer a personal perspective. After all, the advisor is the pro.” – Shelly Williams, Business Development KS and NE
AIC Hotel Group
“Work with hotels that provide value to your couple and that facilitate the planning portion of a destination wedding. As a travel advisor you are able to concentrate on coordinating all aspects of the group's travel. All In Weddings goes all in for every couple, no matter the type or size of celebration. Our planners utilize their expertise to curate your celebration based on your preferences and style. From planning to budgeting, trust in All In Weddings to bring your vision to life at some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.” – Carilis Di Donato, Director of Field Sales
Majestic Resorts
“We can recommend to start defining a budget and desires for your client. We know that there are many details to choose from and it can get overwhelming. Majestic has many options for different budgets, and we can provide a magical wedding for any client, starting with free weddings, to as big as the budget allows. This can define if your client is able to book a private dinner reception, or take advantage of the non private dinner included in the wedding package, and perhaps adding a private party after the non private dinner. The Sky is the limit for options that we can add for your clients´ big day, but we can first organize the needs of the clients, and the budget that they have, and start nailing down what to add from there.” – María Quevedo, Weddings Manager at Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
RIU Hotels & Resorts
RIU BDMs help travel advisors become familiar with their commission program free of international fees, so they can earn the commission they deserve. “From the newest Wedding Collections available in the best beach destinations in Mexico, Central America and The Caribbean to its very easy booking process plus the attractive and competitive prices, offers and promotions, combinable with group concessions, everything is covered!” – Arelí Alcivar, BDM Midwest | Business Development USA
Hilton All-Inclusive
“The key advice I have for travel advisors organizing Hilton all-inclusive destination weddings is to prioritize clear communication. It's crucial to understand the couple's vision, collaborate closely with our resort wedding teams, and take into account the expectations and budgets of both the couple and their guests. Additionally, I highly recommend following up not only with the couple but also with the guests post-wedding, as this can create further opportunities for gaining new clients.” – Gina Johnson, Senior Manager, Destination Weddings & Social Groups
Oasis Hotels & Resorts
“Build relationships with hotel partners in order to anticipate the communications and flexibility that will invariably be necessary to get to the finish line for the wedding couple’s magical day. There is so much to spotlight in every destination and I think that underscores the idea that travel advisors become as familiar as possible with whatever products and destinations they’re selling. As the saying goes – you’re never just selling the resort, you’re selling the destination.” – Kimberly Reece, Groups Operations Manager
Want to learn even more about booking weddings? Head over to the destination weddings page on VAX VacationAccess.
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