Technically, destination weddings are group bookings, but they have more intricacies and emotions a traditional group booking. Amanda Katchutas-Leal of NOW Destination Weddings explains how she navigates it all while still managing to pull off some surprises for her couples.
How long have you been in the destination wedding business?
I have been in the destination wedding business for five years, however, I have been in the wedding, event and hospitality industry for over 10 years.
How did you get into destination weddings?
While I was studying at Humber for Travel & Tourism, I was working for Peter and Paul’s, where I found my passion for weddings and hospitality. During one of my courses at Humber, I realized I wanted to marry weddings with travel, and decided then and there I wanted to do destination weddings! Making a couple’s special day come to fruition in an exotic and romantic place needed to be something I was a part of, and I made it my goal to work for a company that specialized in just that.
How does a destination wedding differ from a regular booking?
With regular bookings, including groups, you are generally dealing with clients who have all decided on the same travel plans and have made the decision to work with us. When you are dealing with a wedding group, some guests may not necessarily be interested in working with an agency, or they may not be interested in the property the couple had chosen. We have to ensure that all guests who are connecting with us to join the couple for their special day, that they are happy and confident in the location the couple has chosen, as well as ensuring that they are confident in working with our agency. On top of all of that, we are also planning the actual wedding day with the couple and resort!
What advice do you have for an experienced travel advisor who wants to get into destination weddings?
Make sure you love weddings!!! Weddings are so different from both corporate events and normal leisure group bookings. You have to listen to the couple’s needs, as they are not only trying to choose a location they love that fits the vision of their wedding, but also a location that will make all their guests happy. There are certainly more emotions involved, because it is the most special day of this couple’s journey together and they truly want all of their family and friends to be there. It’s also not just booking a group – these couples are also looking for experienced wedding planners that can assist them with their décor and budgeting questions prior to making a decision, and potentially planning the actual wedding day with them and the resort.
What is one of the most memorable wedding moments you’ve helped plan?
All the weddings I have planned have been memorable, so it’s hard to find one specific moment! One moment that sticks out of my mind would be for a couple that had their wedding in Mexico in 2019. The bride’s best friend, whom she hadn’t seen in almost two years, lived in India and was unsure if she was going to be able to attend and be a part of the wedding, due to work. The bride had come to terms that she wouldn’t be able to attend. One month before the wedding, the best friend reached out to me to book her trip, as things had changed, and she wanted to surprise the bride! We planned it out that she would arrive the day before the wedding, and she would surprise her the morning of. It worked perfectly, and the bride was so happy when her friend popped in, all ready to be a part of the wedding! It was such a great surprise and I was so happy to have been able to make that happen!
What is your favorite international wedding destination and why?
Mexico for sure! There are just so many stunning locations and resorts where couples can get married. There are also so many amazing local vendors that we have had the pleasure of working with that help bring the couple’s vision to life. Add in the fact that both the food and beaches are fantastic, it provides a wedding destination that never disappoints!
What is your favorite domestic wedding destination and why?
I do love weddings here in Toronto and the GTA. There are fabulous venues and outdoor locations (hey, Niagara-on-the-Lake!) and so many talented vendors. British Columbia also boasts some beautiful locales for weddings as well!
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