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As A Newly Engaged Couple, The Most Important Question You Should Be Asking

Why Use a Travel Advisor for Your Destination Wedding?

Planning a destination wedding requires a lot of research and planning.

It’s a familiar story. A couple gets engaged and becomes really excited about a destination wedding – until they start thinking about questions. Questions about the location, venue, flights, rooms, transfers. Planning a destination wedding by yourself can be a challenge and the couple often becomes overwhelmed.

From finding the perfect venue to arranging accommodations for your guests, there is a lot to consider.

Does this sound like you? If so, the most important question you should be asking as a newly engaged couple is, “Should I hire a travel advisor who specializes in destination weddings to help me with this?” This is why we’re here!

How does a travel advisor help with destination weddings?

Travel advisors will help you determine the best resort for your wedding based on first-hand experience. They know which resorts offer perks and which ones have the best prices. They often have exemplary relationships with wedding planners and staff so they can get information more quickly than you can on your own.

Best of all, they will handle all of the travel arrangements for you and your guests. Can you imagine trying to book Aunt Becky’s transfers and room at the same time you are sending out invitations and scheduling bridal fittings?

Once your party has arrived at the destination, your travel advisor will still be providing support. When cousin Eddy doesn’t like his room, he can call the travel advisor to have it all worked out instead of asking you to fix it. Having a travel advisor in your back pocket will give you an added layer of insulation between all the things that could go wrong with travel and the real reason why you are there – your wedding.

If you choose an international location, this may be the first time some of your guests have ever been out of the country. They are sure to have plenty of questions about passports, traveling during the time of Covid, and what happens if they need to cancel their trip. Instead of calling you to have their questions answered, your travel advisor will provide expert answers to ensure they are ready to travel. Your travel advisor will also be able to answer simpler questions about the dress code for the resort or if the menu has gluten-free options.

On occasion, your travel advisor may be able to provide on-site support. In this case, the travel advisor would travel with you and be available to assist the group for the entire time they are at the destination.

A travel advisor can provide you with invaluable insight and expertise on the destination you are considering. They can help you to find the perfect venue, arrange transportation and accommodations, and provide recommendations on activities and attractions for your guests.

Additionally, they can provide you with advice on the best time of year to visit, and any local customs or regulations you should know about. Using a travel advisor can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. They can help you to make sure that your destination wedding is a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

15 reasons to use a Travel Advisor for Your Destination Wedding

  • A travel advisor will have access to exclusive deals and discounts to help make your destination wedding more affordable.
  • They can help you identify the best wedding venues and locations.
  • They will be able to provide you with detailed information about the destination, its culture, and any potential risks.
  • A travel advisor will help you navigate the sometimes confusing legal processes involved in planning a destination wedding.
  • They can help you find the best travel and accommodation packages for you and your guests.
  • They will be able to provide you with advice on how to make the most out of your destination wedding experience.
  • A travel advisor can provide you with information on any local customs and traditions you may want to incorporate into your wedding.
  • They can help you find the best deals and packages for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
  • They can help you create a custom itinerary that includes activities for you and your guests to enjoy both before and after your wedding.
  • A travel advisor will be able to provide you with detailed information about any potential weather or natural disasters that could affect your destination wedding.
  • They can help you find and book any special services you may need, such as transportation or catering.
  • They can provide you with guidance and resources to help you stay within your budget.
  • A travel advisor can help you find the perfect wedding attire and accessories for your destination wedding.
  • They can provide you with contacts and resources to help you find the most reliable and experienced vendors for your wedding.
  • A travel advisor will be able to provide you with essential information on the local laws and regulations that may affect your destination wedding.
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Travel Agent Pro, Your Secret To Success

The pathway to success is finding the movers and shakers of the world, people who have mastered the art of learning everything they can, then following their experience rather than your own.

Instead of following your own trial-and-error method, those who want to get there more quickly know they will need a plan, a simple straightforward plan based on true industry experience.

We draw on our personal experiences running successful travel agencies and the experiences of top producing travel agents across the country.

High achievers are masters of their game. They have developed successful systems that perfectly complement their work and their own mix of personal strengths and weaknesses.

Travel Agent Pro is taking all we have learned in over 20 years of travel, we have passed it through the filter of what we have learned from top producing travel agents, and combined it into simple, effective courses anyone can follow to take their experience as a travel agent to the highest possible level.

You are not the first travel agent to want to have a taste of success. You’re not the first to have dreams you want to fulfill. You’re not the first to want to be the very best you can be in life. You need to realize that people have lived before you.

We hope you will slow down and figure out what we have learned on our journey before you start your own!

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Discover Your Ideal Client

You aren’t meant to work with everyone. You aren’t everyone’s specialist, destined to work with them or everyone under the sun.

Your ideal group travel client, whether it’s a destination wedding, a golf group, or otherwise is most likely searching online and:

On information overload
Struggles with where to go
Is most likely stressed and already has too much on their plate

You succeed as a travel professional by understanding your customers.

ONLY once you have defined your ideal group client and you understand who they are from the inside and out, then you can understand how to ATTRACT them. You attract them with your marketing message. You want to get to the core issues of what they are facing, instead of posting generic messages.

You want to develop the best message for them, their interest and niche so they see you as the ONLY option, they treat you like a professional and they immediately value you and your services.

We help you find your winning marketing formula.

When you understand how your customers think, what they like, and where they are, you find better ways to make more sales. When you get better acquainted with your target customers, then you can realize true success.

You need a really clear profile of your target customer, make one now — otherwise your marketing will be less than-effective.

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Group Travel Success

In 2023, more than anytime in history, more people want to work with a specialist when it comes to booking their travel.

In group bookings, you make commission with every guest. Gaining more group bookings is the secret to success in being a travel advisor.

When it comes to group bookings, whether through destination weddings, girls trips, corporate retreats or more, you only need a few per year to meet your goals.

Booking group travel will sky rocket your income. You can double and triple your revenue through commissions! And get bonus checks, perks, travel for pennies on the dollar.

You can have all the travel knowledge, travel certifications, and more and NONE of it matters, unless you have a system to gain quality leads, and close those leads.

It’s not your fault. There’s not a lot of training available. And if there is training, it’s a one size fits all program.

There are so many ways to make money with every group booking, but here are 3 main ways:

1) Travel commission
2) Professional Planning fee
3) Bonus commission
4) Group commission

Not every resort brand gives you group comission, but we show you the top to partner with for your success.

You want to become a magnet to your perfect client, but first you need to identify who your perfect client would be. And even before that, you need to understand what type of niche you should focus.

Destination weddings inquiries have more than doubled since last year, as have romantic getaways.

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The Seven Most Important Questions About Resorts

At All Inclusive Weddings, we have been handling all the ins and outs of destination weddings since 2002. As seasoned destination wedding specialists, our job is to stay in the know about all things destination wedding planning.

Over 20 years ago, when we first started planning group travel and weddings, there were website forums that you could read and a few blogs. Today, everything revolves around social media, so the modern day forums are now Facebook Groups, and there are lots of them out there. They are as overwhelming as a Google search.

All that being said, the single most common question we see is:

“Any recommendations for a destination wedding in (this country)”?

Finding a tie-the-knot spot is one of the first tasks to cross off your list. Weekend weddings at popular venues are often booked months in advance, and in popular resort areas, hotels and other lodgings fill up quickly as peak season approaches. Until you know where you’re getting married, moving on to other decisions, such as ordering invitations and finalizing the menu, is next to impossible.

Unfortunately, when it comes to locations, there is a lot of bad advice out there. Don’t get us wrong, they mean well, but that does not change the fact that regardless of their good intentions most of the time, the recommendations are based on their one and only experience with their wedding or a couples trip they took last year.

Choosing a resort for a vacation for you and your spouse is one thing, but choosing a resort for you and 60 of your closest friends and family is a WHOLE different ball game.

Tradition favors having the wedding in the bride’s hometown, but that’s not always feasible or desirable. If neither of you has roots in your present community, you may opt for your favorite vacation spot – based on availability, this may be a challenge.

So even though we’ve stayed and visited hundreds of resorts over the last two decades, we would not make a recommendation without a clear understanding of your needs, budget, wedding vision and your group’s dynamic.

SEVEN MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS, THAT NOBODY IS ASKING YOU, BEFORE MAKING RESORT SUGGESTIONS:

What is your wedding vision?

All too often, people begin planning their wedding by setting a strict budget
and then trying to shoehorn in all the things they think they should have in
their wedding. This process doesn’t work and can leave you feeling like you
can’t afford to have your dream wedding in any way, shape, or form.

Why is your wedding vision important? Because not all resorts are made equal. If you want a Sky Terrace wedding and the resort does not offer it, it should not be in the running. Your vision matters even if you just want a “simple beach wedding.

How many guests are you expecting?

Don’t go overboard! Make sure and hold off broadcasting your plans, even tentative plans, until you know how many of your 500 closest friends you can actually invite.

How many guests you are expecting is huge. While most destination wedding groups have an average of 50 guests, if you are expecting 90, 100, 150, etc. not every resort will be able to accommodate.

Depending on the resort and the wedding locations they have, most resorts have a cap which is directly related to their backup plan (in case of rain or other weather-related issues). Why fall in love with a resort that can’t handle your group and have to start over?

What is your guest’s budget?

Before talking to a travel agent or planner, it’s atleast a good idea to have a range. We have had brides choose a more expensive property so their guest list does not get out of control, while others choose a resort below their usual comfort level and lifestyle so most guests can make it.

There is no right or wrong idea, but you don’t want to sacrifice your wedding day by going to a resort that you or your guests would not enjoy. This is one of the key skills and where brides usually have that AHA! moment on how this part is key in choosing the perfect location.

What is your group dynamic?

Taking your wedding abroad does not take away the logistics of planning a special event. How far are guests willing to travel? How long is your group likely to stay? Is dad or grandma in a wheelchair and will need an elevator or easy to walk grounds? Is there a club at the resort or will the group be ok with going to bed at 10:00 PM?

This is where we sit down and ensure your entire weekend is delightful for everyone. Trust me there will be times where we give you permission to be selfish and focus on what YOU want but keeping your guests happy is key; after all, they are paying for their vacation to attend your wedding.

Food matters

It’s important to consider all the restaurant choices for your guests. Are a-la-carte restaurants reservations only? Will the group have the same buffet all week? Does your group need a burger joint where they don’t have to dress up? Answering these questions will help you meet your guest’s expectations and avoid stress on your big day.

Group Perks

How generous is the resort with brides and grooms? This one may not be known if you are just starting to research or plan your destination wedding but here is the deal: Most resorts can perform a beach wedding, and then there are resorts that specialize in weddings.

This means they have more inventory to customize your vision, they have the trained staff to run your events, and most importantly, because they specialize in weddings they actively seek group business which means more money in your pockets (savings). We can work with any resort really, but as someone who planned his own wedding, we know that every penny counts and well, realistically we don’t want to pay for things we don’t necessarily have to, right?

YOUR Best Interests

Lastly, while we know the focus often is in saving your guests money, we want to keep your best interest at heart and help you save money in some areas so that you can splurge on your must-haves! As you can see, despite the generosity and free sharing spirit that goes around in most bridal groups we want you to use caution and do your due diligence by connecting with someone who has planned more than one wedding in their lifetime.

For many reasons, the “perfect resort” for a bride with a $5,000 budget might not work for the bride with a $20,000 budget and vice versa. Think of your resort as if it was your local wedding venue. The most important piece of the puzzle for your budget, your vision, and your wedding guests’ experience.

We hope you found this helpful! Contact All Inclusive Weddings for more information about booking your dream destination wedding.

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Why Book a Destination Wedding in 2023?

If you are considering a destination wedding, you will find you can choose to go in many, many different directions – both literally and figuratively.

Do you want to take a less-than-traditional route with your wedding? Did you know, in 2023, 1 out of 5 brides plan for something more unique with their wedding venue. Instead of a traditional or a backyard wedding, there are so many opportunities when it comes to a destination wedding – including the location, venue, floral decorations, and so much more.

If the thought of having your wedding ceremony two blocks away bores you, you might be a perfect fit for a destination wedding! As specialized wedding travel agents, we help you plan the perfect wedding miles away — all while sticking to your requirements for budget, size and more.

Quick tip: In the end, you need to plan the wedding that will make you the happiest, not a wedding that fits someone else’s idea of perfection. If you can meet that simple goal, your day will be perfect, no matter where you are!

Our focus is that you view your week away as a vacation, but don’t overlook the fact that you’re getting married! It’s not just another getaway, after all. Take some time to connect with your fiance and appreciate the magnitude of the event after you’ve unpacked your bags.

Quick tip: DO plan on spending time with all of your guests. That’s why you invited them to this weeklong wedding party, after all.

Wondering how you’ll ever find the time for all the little details that go into planning your wedding logistics like location, accommodations and itinerary?

That’s why we’re here!

We are award winning premier honeymoon & destination wedding planners located in the U.S. All Inclusive Weddings has been handling all the ins and outs of destination weddings since 2002. We want to give you the attention and experience you deserve.

Quick tip: DO send out save-the-date cards early before the wedding, especially if it’s planned around a holiday weekend. Give everyone time to make their travel arrangements.

WE CONVERT YOUR DREAMS TO REALITY

UNIQUE TO YOU – The benefit of a destination wedding, your event can be unlike any you’ve attended before. And likely, it will be a fraction of the cost.

Your destination wedding may be on the beach with your toes in the sand, on the lawn under a decorated gazebo, at the foot of a waterfall, or the top of a mountain. The possibilities are endless!

Quick tip: If you drink, don’t overdo it and have too much the night before the wedding. Sure, all you have to do is put on your dress and walk down to the beach in the morning, but you don’t want to look green, tired, or puffy-eyed in your wedding pictures!

When dealing with the question, where to have your wedding, where do you start?

That’s where we shine.

We have so much experience in handling professional wedding planning and travel with all-inclusive resorts.

We meet with the resort management and on-site wedding planners to tour the honeymoon suites, experience the romantic amenities, visit the salon and spa, view the wedding sites, and participate in local activities and excursions. Start by making an appointment to consult with our experienced team of Destination Wedding Travel Planners at All Inclusive Weddings to paint a picture of exactly how you envision your wedding.

Quick tip: Don’t plan on paying for all of your guests’ expenses unless your last name
happens to be Moneybags.

What goes into choosing the perfect venue?

Your experienced wedding travel planner will share unbiased experience to help you sort through the options and make informed decisions. Since 2002, we have planned countless weddings and look forward to helping YOU! With our experience, we make itinerary & wedding reservations tailored for you and your guests. We also negotiate with airlines, hotels, transportation companies and cruise lines on your behalf. We recommend the rooms with the best views. Help you get you the best value for your journey with exclusive packages and VIP services. We help you navigate travel insurance and more.

Quick tip: Do you draw up the guest list first, or do you find a location first? This is a chicken-or-the-egg issue. It really comes down to which is more important to you: Getting married in a particular spot or having lots and lots of people at your wedding. Once you determine which of these issues takes top ranking, the other one will fall into place.

As the experts, we can help you with the following questions and so much more!

When would you choose your wedding package?

When should you have your wedding location picked out?

What is the total deposit amount that we must put down to reserve the wedding?

When is the wedding deposit due?

Is the wedding deposit refundable?

How early must we arrive at the resort?

How many witnesses are required?

When is the final guest attendance count due?

What type of documents are necessary for a symbolic ceremony?

When are the documents due to the resort?

When is the balance of our travel?

Can we make payments toward the wedding or pay off our wedding balance early?

At All Inclusive Weddings, we bring your dream destination wedding to life! We have been handling all the ins-and-outs of destination weddings for couples since 2002! Our owner, Lia Vincent, having her own beach destination wedding, knows how unique and special this day is to you and your guests. Her and her team want to make sure your group travel is an extraordinary experience, and one to talk about for ages to come.

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Why Should You Work With A Destination Wedding Travel Agent?

Working with a travel agent when planning a destination wedding can be incredibly beneficial. A travel agent can help you find the perfect destination and venue, as well as provide you with helpful advice on the best way to get there. We can also advise on local customs and regulations, provide helpful tips on navigating the booking process, and help you find deals on flights and hotels. We can also provide valuable insight into the best local attractions and activities for you and your guests to enjoy. With our expertise and knowledge, you can be sure to have a stress-free and successful wedding celebration.

If you hire a professional to do your taxes, fix your car, cut your hair, why would you trust the biggest day of your lives to anyone but an experienced, reputable destination wedding travel agent?

destination wedding travel agent

While travel agents may go by different names (travel advisor, travel concierge, trip designer), these all fit the category of a travel agent. A great destination wedding travel agent is your guide, your advocate, your negotiator and sometimes… your therapist and guest wrangler!

Our motto is, we go so you know. As destination wedding travel agents, we are knowledgeable about the destination you are looking to book for your destination wedding.

  • We are great at reducing stress and providing you with the best experience for your destination wedding.
  • We can provide you with insight into the best locations, venues, and packages to choose from.
  • As destination wedding travel agents, we have the expertise to help you plan the perfect destination wedding, taking into consideration your budget and preferences.
  • We can provide you with the best deals and discounts on flights and accommodations.
  • We can help you save time by researching and finding the best itinerary for your destination wedding.
  • We can provide you with recommendations for the best local vendors and services.
  • We can provide you with advice on the legal requirements for getting married at your chosen destination.
  • We can help you navigate the paperwork and make sure that all necessary documents are in order.
  • We have access to a network of suppliers and can negotiate the best rates.
  • We can help you find the best deals and packages to suit your budget.
  • We can help you with organizing group travel and accommodation for your guests.
  • We can provide you with information on the most popular wedding destinations.
  • We can provide you with detailed advice on the local culture and customs.
  • We can help you with any unforeseen issues that may arise before or during your destination wedding.
  • We can provide you with reassurance and peace of mind knowing that your destination wedding is being taken care of by a professional.

destination wedding travel agent

When planning your destination wedding, it is important to find a trusted and respected travel agent to work with you every step of the way. Further, we think it’s critical to find a travel agent who specializes in Romance Travel. What is Romance Travel, you ask? Romance travel is the niche of the tourism industry that focuses on honeymoons, destination weddings, vow renewals and more. Recent trends also add buddymoons, babymoons and familymoons to this list! What’s a buddymoon? Ask your favorite romance travel specialist!

To help make it easier for you, we break down the planning process so you have no surprises!

If you feel overwhelmed, HAVE NO FEAR! Our experienced destination wedding travel agents are more than happy to be your partner through every phase of the destination wedding planning process.

destination wedding travel agent

Regardless of your dreams and desires, the destination wedding travel planning process has four main phases:

1. Destination & Property Selection (typically 12+ mo prior)
2. Group Contract & Amenity Negotiation (9-10 mo prior )
3. Guest Deposits & Booking (6-8 mo prior )
4. Travel & Celebrate!

At All Inclusive Weddings, think of us as your tour guide to each phase of the planning process.

Be prepared to have a STRESS-FREE and FUN wedding travel experience!

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15 Reasons to Choose a Destination Wedding

Why Should You Choose a Destination Wedding for your wedding?

Destination weddings are a unique and memorable way to celebrate your big day! Not only do they offer you the chance to get away from it all and enjoy a beautiful backdrop for your nuptials, but they can also be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding. Plus, destination weddings typically involve a smaller guest list, allowing for a more intimate and meaningful celebration. With a destination wedding, you can also take advantage of the local culture and attractions, making your wedding an unforgettable experience for all involved.

You most likely already know that a destination wedding is a unique, exciting and memorable way to celebrate your upcoming marriage with family and friends. As 2022 comes to a close, just over 25% of engaged couples opt for a destination wedding, a number that has increased significantly since 2010.

The most popular reason for choosing a destination wedding is climate. 90% of couples choosing a destination wedding cited climate as the major consideration. The timing has a lot to do with this, as couples from colder areas up north can get married in December in perfect beach weather in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, or similar climate, and provide an escape from the dreary winter for all their guests! Another major factor to having a destination wedding is wanting to stand out from the crowd. In the same study, over 66% of international destination wedding couples opted to do so because they wanted a special, fun or exotic locale. The third most popular reason for a destination wedding is to create a casual, more intimate and meaningful gathering with close friends and family.

How is a destination wedding also a vacation?

A destination wedding is an exciting and unique way to combine your wedding day with a vacation. Not only will you be celebrating your special day in a beautiful new location, but you will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area and spend quality time with your family and friends. Plus, you can turn your honeymoon into an extended vacation and experience all the sights, sounds and culture that the destination has to offer.

15 reasons why you Should Choose a Destination Wedding for your wedding?

  • A destination wedding offers a unique, memorable experience for you and your guests.
  • You can often find more affordable venues and packages when you choose to have your wedding in another location. Destination weddings can even lower overall wedding costs because it often prompts a smaller guest list. It also allows you to add your honeymoon to the end of the wedding—meaning, you won’t have to pay for two getaways.
  • You can have a longer and more relaxed wedding weekend with your guests. The average destination wedding is 3 to 5 days. Compare this to the following rule of thumb – wedding ceremonies typically last 30 minutes to an hour. And most wedding receptions can last anywhere between an hour to five hours.
    You can have a more intimate and private wedding away from the hustle and bustle of your city or hometown.
  • You can choose a destination that offers a unique backdrop, that fits your own image of perfection, for your wedding photos.
  • You can choose a destination that offers a variety of fun activities for your guests to enjoy. Think boat tours, snorkeling, horse back riding, waterfalls, zip-lining, you name it!
  • You can save on decorations and flowers by choosing a destination with natural beauty.
  • You can save on travel costs by choosing a destination close to home, or close for your guests. For example, Cancun, Mexico could be a great central choice for guests traveling between Texas and Florida.
  • You can choose a destination with a climate that is more comfortable for your guests. Climate is one of the most popular reasons couples pick a destination wedding.
  • You can have a unique and exotic wedding theme.
  • You can have a more relaxed and stress-free wedding planning process. You typically have a specialized wedding travel agent and on-site wedding coordinator at your disposal, and available for virtual calls and visits.
  • You can find unique vendors to help make your dream wedding come true.
  • You can find a variety of accommodations to suit every budget. Whether it’s a single room with a garden view, or a presidential suite looking over the beach and the ocean, you can find a resort that fits the budget for everyone.
  • You can have a more intimate and romantic wedding ceremony.
  • You can create a lasting experience that you and your guests will never forget.

Like anything in life, a destination wedding can be as simple or as complex as you desire. In addition to a wedding, you’re also planning a group vacation. Those are two giant undertakings, rolled into one fun-filled event. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!