5 Reasons You Should Work With a Destination Wedding Travel Agent
Let's admit it: planning one of the most important days of your life can be daunting. But don't worry, your destination wedding travel agent is here to help create a smooth sailing for you and your partner!
As travel agents (aka travel advisors) we specialize in helping couples plan the destination wedding of their dreams. Whether you’re considering the Caribbean or Mexico, we know deciding where and when to have your wedding can be difficult. Many couples don’t even realize that travel agents can help them coordinate their destination wedding and make the process stress-free.
First, one question we always get asked is, “What is the difference between a travel agent and wedding planner?”. Well, let’s dive right in…
Travel Agent Versus Wedding Planner
Destination wedding travel agent, Andrea Norfolk (center), with Shawna & Adam at their farewell brunch.
Using a travel agent to help you plan a destination wedding is not the same as you using a wedding planner. A travel agent who is helping you plan a destination wedding has a similar function to using a travel agent to help book a vacation — they will know passport and visa requirements, any entry or exit requirements and paperwork, and can help you find the most cost-effective time for your wedding based off their experiences of planning trips for people over the career.
Travel agents know what type of marriage certificate you would need to procure based on your destination and what type of packages you can choose from. But mostly, they will be able to help you figure out where in the world is best for you and your fiancé to have your big day based on your expectations, budget, and guest list!
On the other hand, wedding planners will help you coordinate your wedding day events. This includes your ceremony setup, décor, menu, music, and more. Many resorts have an on-site planner that will be included in your package. Your travel agent will introduce you to your wedding planner and will assist you throughout the process. If you should ever have an issue with your resort or wedding planner, your travel agent will be there to jump in and provide support.
So now that you understand what a travel agent does, here’s how they can help!
1. TRAVEL AGENTS CAN HELP YOU FIND THE BEST RESORT
Don’t spend hours researching resorts online - instead, talk to someone that has actually been there. Our travel agents travel A LOT and sometimes tour up to 7 resorts a day while in a destination. We do this because we want to have first-hand experience at each resort. When you visit as many resorts as we do, you know what questions to ask and what details to look for. We also use this time to meet with representatives at the resort and build relationships.
Understanding the resorts allows our team to quickly identify which resorts will meet your needs. Want to get married in a gazebo? We know the best locations! Want to get married on a rooftop, beach, or in a garden? You guessed it - we know the best resorts for those too. Whether you want a family-friendly resort or an adults-only resort, we can guide you through all of your options to find the perfect resort for you, your fiancé, and your guests.
2. Travel Agents can save you money
It’s true… Travel agents can actually SAVE you money in planning your destination wedding. Our team has strong relationships with the top resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, which allows us to get great pricing, updates on promotions, and we even offer our own perks. Check them out here! Psst… $1,000 off your airfare is one of them!
3. TRAVEL AGENTS WILL HANDLE GUEST COMMUNICATIONS
When you book a wedding with us, we’ll handle all communication with your guests. This includes creating a custom website for guests to book their rooms, managing guest payments, booking transportation, booking excursions, and providing custom newsletters for all of your guests with their travel info and details.
You also need to consider that you aren’t just planning a wedding. You are planning a vacation for all your family and friends. If they have questions about the destination, resort, or excursions, your travel agent will be there to answer their questions (and trust us, they WILL have questions). By allowing our team to handle these details, you can spend more time focused on the wedding day events, your attire, etc.
LET US PLAN YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING
Schedule a consultation to start planning the destination wedding of your dreams. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through our process and share with you some of the perks of working with Shoreline Destinations.
4. Travel Agents will help you navigate travel requirements
Your travel agent will help you navigate the ever-changing travel requirements that vary from country to country due to Covid-19. We stay up to date on all travel requirements, answer all your guests’ questions, and inform your group of any changes.
5. TRAVEL AGENTS WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT
From the time you start looking at resorts until your last guest has arrived back home, your travel agent is available to support you and your guests. Not sure when you should send your invitations? Wondering what to put in guest welcome bags? Not sure how to pack your dress? We’re here to support you and answers all of those questions along the way. All of our couples also get access to our Vault, which includes helpful resources for planning your destination wedding.
Meet our Couples
Even the most attentive planner needs to recognize that using a travel agent to help with the logistics of picking a destination and all the steps that get you to the big day is necessary. A travel agent will help you find the perfect resort, guide your through your resort contract, help you understand room blocks, outline wedding package options, and more. Travel agents can also help you save money by giving you exclusive deals and promotions with some of the best resorts.
Overall, using a travel agent to help you plan your destination wedding saves you time, stress, and money in the long run. Ready to start planning? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us to start planning your dream destination wedding!
Cheers to all things love and travel!
- Andrea Norfolk
