From planning and logistics to décor and design, a long checklist of things needs to be taken care of to make a destination wedding memorable. Above all, there are several big-little aspects that often get unnoticed. But getting married is likely going to be the most important occasion of your life. That’s why getting a wedding planner who specialises in destination celebrations on board is critical. A wedding planner not only takes care of every big and small detail to ensure your wedding festivities are stress-free and smooth, but also takes your celebrations to the next level with their efforts and ideas.
The first step, however, is getting the right planner. And this begins with asking the right questions to potential planners. So, we got pro planner Dyana Dessar to dish on what you need to know and ask. The founder of full-service destination planning company, Dyana Dessar Luxury Weddings & Celebrations, she has been a leader in the event industry for over 16 years, with expertise in South Asian weddings. She is most renowned for her out-of-the-box concepts and décor. Dyana says, “By asking the right questions, couples can gain valuable insights into a destination wedding planner’s experience, services, and communication skills, helping them make an informed decision when selecting the right planner for their special day.”
When interviewing a destination wedding planner, Dyana says, couples should ask the following questions to ensure they find the right fit for their needs.
1. Are you available on my dates?
Although obvious, this should be your first and foremost question. You don't want to waste your or their time if they're not free on the chosen date. Plus, the planner needs to factor in that they are available before the dates to help with recommendations and recces.
2. What is your experience with planning destination weddings?
It's important to gauge the planner's experience and expertise in organising destination weddings, especially in our niche market. Ask about their previous destination wedding projects, the locations they have worked in, and any specific challenges they have encountered and overcome. This will help you assess their ability to handle the logistics and intricacies of planning a wedding in a different location.
3. What services do you offer?
Understanding the services offered by the wedding planner is crucial to determine if they can meet your specific needs. Inquire about the range of services they provide, such as venue selection, vendor coordination, travel arrangements, and on-site coordination. Get a breakdown of month-by-month services for the wedding as well as pre and post-wedding celebrations.
4. What does your planning process look like?
Here’s when you get an overview of how they function from start to end. From the number of meetings they will have with you, to how many people will work on your wedding and details like mood boards, they will share their workflow with you. Also, get an understanding of their preferred route of communication. There’s no set process to this, so every planner follows their personal format, but it will give you an idea about their processes.
5. How many weddings will you be working on at the same time?
On the day of your wedding and other celebrations, you’ll want the planner’s full time and attention. Inquiring about the number of weddings they take on at once will give you an idea of whether they will be juggling multiple weddings or not. As a destination wedding planning company, we take a bespoke approach for all our weddings. This is why we only take on a handful of weddings each year to ensure we give complete dedication to every couple.
6. What is your primary area of expertise?
Every planner has their forte. But it’s a different ball game when it comes to destination weddings. The planner needs to have the experience and expertise of organising a wedding in a new location. You need to know whether their forte is contacts of local vendors, logistic aspects, guest relations, on-ground coordination, décor, F&B and many other things.
7. What will be our investment to have you plan our destination wedding?
Whether a backyard wedding or a lavish one, it boils down to budget. Every couple works (and must work) with a set budget. Ask for a breakdown of your planner’s services to ensure they align with your requirements and budget.
8. How do you handle communication and coordination with vendors and venues at the destination?
Communication and coordination are key factors in planning a destination wedding. Ask the planner about their approach to working with local vendors and venues at the destination. Inquire about their methods of communication, how they handle language barriers or cultural differences, and how they ensure smooth coordination between all parties involved. This will give you an idea of their ability to effectively manage the logistics and relationships necessary for a successful destination wedding.
For more information, contact:
Dyana Dessars’ Luxury Weddings & Celebrations
www.DyanaDessar.com