There is no one more crucial to planning a destination wedding or honeymoon than a travel agent

There is very little room, if any, for error when planning a wedding or honeymoon, but when it is a destination one? That puts the process on a whole new, slightly daunting level. There is no one more crucial to planning a destination wedding or honeymoon than a travel agent.

The Travel Agent’s Role

The number one rule is hand holding. Agents must be prepared to take their clients step-by-step from the very beginning to the very end.

“The primary role [of a travel agent] is to make the couple’s wedding and honeymoon dreams come true—and do it in such a way that the couple never has to sweat the details. They need someone to take the time around their schedule to really listen.”When brides are worrying about dresses and invitations they barely have time to breathe, let alone think about nitty-gritty destination details, such as marriage laws and customs that may need to be dealt with at whatever destination they happen to choose.

“Without the advice of a qualified travel professional, couples who are under great stress of planning a wedding face another hurdle in trying to logistically solve all the nuances of a destination wedding in countries with their own laws, regulations and customs.”

The travel agent must also be able to wear a variety of hats. A destination specialist fills the role of “surrogate mother of the bride, family counselor, conflict resolver, liaison between the couple and the on site resort wedding coordinator, and lastly the one who books the travel.”

It’s All About the Details

This includes mapping out a budget, learning about the couple’s personality and finding out what they are looking for in terms of resort, destination and activities.

Making sure the couple is on the same page is another important step. Sometimes the bride and the groom want completely different experiences. “The bride wanted secluded island escape, and the husband really wanted golf. She really wanted Bora Bora – but that wasn’t at all in line with what he wanted. So we sent them off to Barbados instead, and they absolutely loved it!” Conflict resolution at its best.

Once all of this is determined, the rest is really up to the client. Whatever they want, it is the agents job to make it happen. Beyond that agents must also work with the hotel or cruise line to negotiate terms of contract, costs, room selection, arrival and departure.

The Big Finish

We asked agents to share some memorable anecdotes from past destination weddings and honeymoons.

“The couple had their ceremony on the side of an active volcano that erupted during the vows,” he says. “Nothing dangerous (or at least they tell me), but they could see lava flowing from their ceremony spot. The locals said that it was very good luck and a good sign for their lives together.”

As for a top destination?  “I had a couple that really wanted to experience an exciting city, some wine and micro-breweries, some golfing and also a tropical island getaway. I sent them to Australia – a few nights in Sydney, followed by a few nights in the Hunter Valley (where they could visit local wineries, a local micro-brewery, and enjoy some great golf) and then ended with a stay at Hamilton Island. They came home very, very happy!”

The best part of doing destination weddings or honeymoons is proof that it was a job well done. “The best part is when I start receiving the baby pictures from the couples that I have worked with,”.

Amy and Earl Baker

"Celebrating 15 years of Excellent Service"

 

Cruise Planners/American Express

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