Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - (Page 2) destination weddings 3.0 Introduction Karisma Hotels and Resorts The How-TOs for { Travel agents’ skill sets makes them uniquely poised to serve this market, helping couples hone in on their dreams and working with resorts, tour operators and destinations to make those dreams a reality. While arranging for flowers, music, dinners, wedding party activities, photographers and videographers in a faraway locale may seem daunting to clients, a travel agent’s experience in working with distant suppliers and creating relationships with on-site “arms and legs” is what it takes to ensure that everything goes according to plan. That said, destination weddings do require some specialized expertise. Here are some tips from the field. Be mindful of the motivators. Some couples seek out a travel agent because they are drawn to the romance of a wedding away or have a special interest such as diving or snowboarding that they want to incorporate, but for many, other reasons drive the decision. Often the idea grows out of a destination wedding at an all-inclusive as a less stressful alternative. Are conflicts over wedding plans tearing the family apart? A destination wedding removes the event from the “shoulds” and casts it in a new romantic light. Does the couple have family and friends in far-flung locales? Bringing everyone together in an exotic locale can be both exciting and cost-effective for guests and the couple. Destination weddings also can be a way to limit guest lists without offending anyone, or a chance to celebrate the marriage in the grandest style. Be sure to have the opening conversation with both parties and keep the motivators in mind so plans stay on track. Start with the fantasy. In addition to understanding the motivation for a destination conversation with a travel agent. Complaints about the expense and all-consuming tasks of planning a traditional wedding can be an opening to suggest 2 A T R AV E L A G E N T C U S T O M S P E C I A L I S T P R O G R A M { wedding, agents should know how a couple envisions their ceremony and reception, and who they’d like to have in attendance. While budget is important, starting with the focus on money may unnecessarily limit the choices. Is the dream setting a castle in Europe? Quebec or Walt Disney World might capture the spirit of the fantasy. Taking advantage of shoulder season pricing, group discounts or packages, or a gift registry may help extend the budget. Inform couples that they are not expected to pay for their guests’ travel and accommodations – generally guests pay their own way to destination weddings. In fact, often a destination wedding can be less expensive than a wedding at home. Book a property with a plan. The easiest destination weddings to plan are those at a hotel or resort specializing in weddings. Many even offer free wedding St. Lucia packages with a minimum stay or guest count. These properties generally have a choice of packages that lay out standard options and will customize plans as needed. Another advantage of wedding-skilled i d o ’s | D e s t i n a t i o n We d d i n g s 3 .destination weddings 3.0 Introduction Karisma Hotels and Resorts The How-TOs for { Travel agents’ skill sets makes them uniquely poised to serve this market, helping couples hone in on their dreams and working with resorts, tour operators and destinations to make those dreams a reality. While arranging for flowers, music, dinners, wedding party activities, photographers and videographers in a faraway locale may seem daunting to clients, a travel agent’s experience in working with distant suppliers and creating relationships with on-site “arms and legs” is what it takes to ensure that everything goes according to plan. That said, destination weddings do require some specialized expertise. Here are some tips from the field. Be mindful of the motivators. Some couples seek out a travel agent because they are drawn to the romance of a wedding away or have a special interest such as diving or snowboarding that they want to incorporate, but for many, other reasons drive the decision. Often the idea grows out of a destination wedding at an all-inclusive as a less stressful alternative. Are conflicts over wedding plans tearing the family apart? A destination wedding removes the event from the “shoulds” and casts it in a new romantic light. Does the couple have family and friends in far-flung locales? Bringing everyone together in an exotic locale can be both exciting and cost-effective for guests and the couple. Destination weddings also can be a way to limit guest lists without offending anyone, or a chance to celebrate the marriage in the grandest style. Be sure to have the opening conversation with both parties and keep the motivators in mind so plans stay on track. Start with the fantasy. In addition to understanding the motivation for a destination conversation with a travel agent. Complaints about the expense and all-consuming tasks of planning a traditional wedding can be an opening to suggest 2 A T R AV E L A G E N T C U S T O M S P E C I A L I S T P R O G R A M { wedding, agents should know how a couple envisions their ceremony and reception, and who they’d like to have in attendance. While budget is important, starting with the focus on money may unnecessarily limit the choices. Is the dream setting a castle in Europe? Quebec or Walt Disney World might capture the spirit of the fantasy. Taking advantage of shoulder season pricing, group discounts or packages, or a gift registry may help extend the budget. Inform couples that they are not expected to pay for their guests’ travel and accommodations – generally guests pay their own way to destination weddings. In fact, often a destination wedding can be less expensive than a wedding at home. Book a property with a plan. The easiest destination weddings to plan are those at a hotel or resort specializing in weddings. Many even offer free wedding St. Lucia packages with a minimum stay or guest count. These properties generally have a choice of packages that lay out standard options and will customize plans as needed. Another advantage of wedding-skilled i d o ’s | D e s t i n a t i o n We d d i n g s 3 .
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent The How-TOs for "I DOs" Tapping into the Market Mexico The Caribbean Thailand Islands of the Pacific U.S.A. Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent (Page Cover1) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent (Page Cover2) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent (Page 1) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 2) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 3) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 4) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The How-TOs for "I DOs" (Page 5) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Tapping into the Market (Page 6) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Tapping into the Market (Page 7) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 8) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 9) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 10) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 11) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 12) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Mexico (Page 13) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 14) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 15) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 16) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - The Caribbean (Page 17) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Islands of the Pacific (Page 18) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - Islands of the Pacific (Page 19) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - U.S.A. (Page 20) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - U.S.A. (Page Cover3) Destination Weddings- From the August 18, 2008 issue of Travel Agent - U.S.A. (Page Cover4)
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