How to Choose the Perfect Destination Wedding Travel Agent by Barefoot Bride Megan T.

Jan 24

Planning a destination wedding is an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the best decisions you can make is to enlist the help of a skilled destination wedding travel agent. A travel agent specializing in destination weddings can make the planning process smoother and ensure that both you and your guests have an unforgettable experience. But how do you choose the right one?

Take it from me, who went to a regular travel agent, the one who helps my parents book their vacations. She claimed that she had planned some destination weddings, but from day one seemed uncertain, un-knowledgeable and lacked the communication I needed throughout the next 8 months.

After a few weeks of trying to work with her, I went back to the drawing board and looked on destination wedding facebook groups to see what past brides have done and what agents they have worked with.

Luckily, I was able to find Barefoot Bridal, a travel agency that specializes in destination weddings! Sharon, the owner of Barefoot Bridal, had a destination wedding herself and had experience with the road bumps that could occur throughout this process. After a few emails back and forth, I was sold and ready to work with Sharon and her team.

Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect travel agent for your dream destination wedding.

1. Look for Specialization

Not all travel agents are created equal, especially when it comes to destination weddings. Look for a travel agent who specializes in weddings and has experience with destination events. Their expertise will be invaluable in navigating the unique logistics and nuances of planning a wedding away from home. A specialized agent will also have established relationships with local vendors and venues, which can be a significant advantage.

2. Check Their Credentials

Talk with past brides who have worked with travel agents. I found that joining facebook groups such as “Destination Wedding Brides” was super helpful.

If you already have your resort chosen, look to see if there is a facebook group for brides having weddings at your resort of choice. I would then ask those brides who they have worked with.

Choosing a destination wedding travel agent that has either visited the resort themselves, or have planned multiple weddings at your resort of choice is a big thumbs up! Experience is key here and having a team supporting you with that experience will make your planning process easier and less stressful.

3. Evaluate Their Portfolio

A good travel agent should have a lot of reviews from previous clients of past destination weddings they’ve help to plan. Ask to see these reviews and inquire about the types of destinations they’ve handled. This will give you an idea of their range and whether their previous experiences align with your vision.

If your room block is more on the difficult side (like mine), talk to your agent in advance. See if they have managed clients in situations similar to yours and ask how they stay organized.

For my wedding, my fiance and I had paid for a large portion of each guest stay. Depending on the room type guests chose, would then decide how much they owed. I had a feeling that this could get confusing quickly but Barefoot Bridals handled it with ease! Each month I would be sent a total of what my portion to pay was and my guests were able to put down a deposit and pay the rest with payment plans if needed (interest free!)

5. Consider Their Communication Style

Effective communication is key to a successful working relationship. Choose a travel agent who listens to your needs, responds promptly to inquiries, and keeps you informed throughout the planning process. A good agent should be proactive in providing updates and be available to address any concerns you might have.

I am that bride who follows up multiple times and is super organized. I needed to work with a team that is just as organized and was comfortable with 1,000 questions. Working with Sharon at Barefoot Bridal was everything I needed. She not only was prompt with her responses but also beyond patient when I asked the same question over and over 😂

6. Review Their Services and Fees

Understand what services the travel agent provides and what’s included in their fee structure. Some agents charge a flat fee, while others may earn commissions from bookings. Be clear about what services are included—such as booking accommodations, arranging transportation, and providing concierge services—and ensure there are no hidden costs.

7. Kickbacks!

This was probably number three on my list of what I needed from a travel agency. Many travel agents work with resorts or third party companies that provide kickbacks/concessions based on your room block/wedding package you choose.

Do your research and talk to multiple agencies to see what they are able to offer in terms of concessions. Common types of concessions are:

Discounted Rates: Travel agents can often negotiate special rates for accommodations, flights, and rental cars. These discounts can be applied to both the wedding couple and their guests, helping to reduce overall travel costs.

Room Upgrades: As part of their negotiations, travel agents might be able to secure complimentary upgrades for the wedding couple or for certain rooms. This could include better views, larger suites, or more luxurious amenities.
Complimentary Nights: Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary nights as a concession. For example, the couple might receive a free night stay for every certain number of nights booked by their guests or for meeting a minimum booking requirement.
Group Booking Perks: In some cases, the Bride and Groom might receive a complimentary room or suite as part of the group booking. Sometimes you will even receive free rooms when a certain number of nights are booked.
Wedding Add ons: Travel agents can sometimes negotiate additional inclusions in wedding packages, such as, free rehearsal dinner, complimentary decor, or additional wedding guests included in the package.

Choosing the right destination wedding travel agent can make a world of difference in the planning process and the overall experience of your big day. By focusing on specialization, credentials, local knowledge, and communication, you’ll find an agent who can help turn your dream wedding into a reality. With their expertise and support, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying the journey and celebrating your special day with your loved ones in a beautiful destination.