Should You Hire a Travel Agent for Your Destination Wedding?
All the details you need to know about travel agents and destination wedding specialists.
There’s no doubt that planning a destination wedding can be a daunting task. With so many different elements to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. From finding the perfect venue to choosing all of your vendors, there’s a lot to think about. You may be tempted to try and handle everything yourself, and wonder whether it’s worth it to book a travel agent.
Our thoughts? It definitely is.
Keep reading to learn more about what a travel agent can do for you, and why you should hire one for your wedding.
What Does a Destination Wedding Travel Agent Do?
A destination wedding travel agent is like any other travel agent, but with a specialty in destination weddings. Your travel agent will help you find the right venue and book flights, hotels, ground transportation, excursions, and wedding services for you and your guests. They’ll communicate information between you, your guests, and the venue to make sure everyone is on the same page.
A travel agent is not a wedding planner, but there is some overlap. Your travel agent will connect you with the wedding coordinator at your venue and ensure that communication runs smoothly.
Some travel agents offer additional help with wedding planning, such as resources, checklists, budget calculators, and website templates. They can also get you exclusive discounts on travel and wedding services.
Reasons to Hire a Travel Agent for Your Destination Wedding
Insider Experience and Knowledge
A travel agent specializes in destination weddings and will have first-hand knowledge about your chosen location. They can provide you with advice on the best time to travel, what type of weather to expect, and recommend activities for you and your guests.
Your travel agent will also be familiar with the local wedding vendors and can help connect you with the best ones. They can provide referrals for photographers, florists, officiants, and more.
Exclusive Offers and Discounts
A travel agent has access to exclusive offers and discounts that you won’t find anywhere else. From room blocks at hotels to discounts on wedding services, a travel agent can help you find the best deals on the market.
Saves You Time
Planning a destination wedding is time-consuming. A travel agent can save you a lot of time by doing the research for you and handling all the logistics. This way, you can focus on enjoying the lead-up to your big day instead of being stressed out.
Communication with Your Guests
A travel agent will handle all communication with your guests over logistics so you won’t need to worry about reminding everyone when deposits and payments are due. They can also help with any questions or concerns that guests may have about the trip. Plus, they’ll ensure that your guests have accurate information and that their flights, hotel, etc. are booked correctly — saving you the headache.
Communication with Your Venue
Your travel agent will also be your point of contact with the venue. They’ll make sure all of your questions are answered and that you’re on track with payments and deadlines so that you’re in-the-know throughout the entire process.
How to Choose a Travel Agent for Your Wedding
Decide on a Destination
Different travel agents will specialize in different locations. If you’re looking for a beachfront wedding, you don’t want a travel agent who books exclusively in Colorado or Iceland. Figure out the overall vibe you want from your wedding, then find a travel agent who matches that vibe. Once you have a location in mind, you can start narrowing down your options for travel agents.
Determine Your Budget
Most travel agents will be able to accommodate for a variety of budgets, but it’s good to have an idea of what you’re willing to spend and where you’re willing to spend it before searching.
Some travel agents don’t charge fees, and others do. A travel agent fee doesn’t necessarily mean your wedding will be more expensive — it just means more of your budget will be allocated to the travel agent’s services and extra inclusions. A good travel agent will be able to help you save money on the rest of your wedding.
Read Online Reviews
Check out online reviews from past clients to get an idea of what their experience was like working with the travel agent. Look for online reviews on sites like the Knot and WeddingWire, or check Facebook groups for destination weddings to read about personal experiences.
Use a Referral
If you know someone who’s used a travel agent for their destination wedding, ask them about their experience. They can give you an idea of what to expect and whether or not they’d recommend the same agent to you. Many companies will also offer a referral discount for both you and the person referring you, which can help cover costs.
Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to your top picks and schedule a consultation. This is your chance to get to know the travel agent, ask them questions, and see if they’re a good fit for you.
Do some research ahead of time so you know what questions to ask, and be sure to communicate your budget and overall vision for the wedding. After the consultation, you should have a good idea of whether or not the travel agent is a good fit for you.
What to Look for in a Destination Wedding Travel Agent
Experience
When meeting with potential travel agents, be sure to ask about their experience — specifically, their experience with destination weddings. You want somebody who has extensive knowledge of the destination you’ve chosen and is familiar with the process of planning a destination wedding. That way, they can tell you what to expect and can give you advice and tips so your trip runs smoothly.
Responsiveness
Your travel agent should be quick to respond to your questions and concerns. Since you’ll likely be planning your wedding from afar, it’s important to have somebody who can act as your point of contact and keep you updated on everything that’s going on. Make sure your travel agent is organized and has quick response times so you and your guests won’t be out of the loop.
Extras and Inclusions
Besides booking, what else does your travel agent offer? Some travel agents will offer extras like discounts on flights for you and your fiancé, a wedding website with up-to-date information, registry coupons, planning resources, and referral services. Extras like these ensure you’re getting the best deal on the market.
Conclusion
Hiring a travel agent for your destination wedding can save you time, money, and a headache when planning. Here at Destination Brides, we offer exclusive services to make your wedding stress-free and memorable for you and your guests. Learn more to see how Destination Brides can make your wedding dreams come true.
