Learn Which Vendors You Need to Have the Wedding You Deserve
Whether you want a destination wedding or a traditional one, it takes a year to plan everything if you want to do it right. Why? Because you need time to nail down all of the details like finding the best location and, of course, you want to give your guests ample notice. One of the most important parts of that process is finding the perfect vendors to bring all of your wedding dreams together. Read on to learn why you need the right team behind you and who it should include for your destination wedding.
Why You Need the Right Team of Vendors for Your Destination Wedding
Of course, a major benefit of having a dream team of vendors for your destination wedding is that they will execute every detail flawlessly, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free celebration. That by itself is priceless. But there are other equally important, perhaps less obvious reasons for having the right vendors. First, experienced vendors bring local expertise. Vendors with experience in your chosen destination understand the region’s unique challenges, such as weather conditions, legal requirements, and cultural customs. Their local knowledge ensures that everything—from permits to setup—is handled efficiently.
Second, pro wedding vendors will collaborate with each other seamlessly. That’s because many destination wedding vendors come across each other often working the same weddings together so they get to know each other. That level of collaboration can be paramount when it comes to having a wedding where everything falls right into place.
Third, good vendors will understand the importance of legal and logistical accuracy. For example, local officiants and planners ensure that you handle all marriage paperwork and requirements correctly, so your wedding is legally recognized both in the destination and back home.
Fourth, because your vendors will most likely be local to your chosen destination, they can offer unique ideas on how to add local flair to your wedding to make it exciting (such as traditional dishes for your menu and cultural performances for the welcome night).
Finally, local vendors know how to elevate the guest experience. For example, do you have a guest that is gluten-free? They can recommend caterers that can handle that. With expert vendors managing accommodations, transportation, and dining, your guests can enjoy a seamless and memorable experience.
Which Vendors You Need for Your Destination Wedding
Ready to build out the right vendor team for your wedding? Here are the important partners you’ll want on your side.
- Wedding planner: They handle local logistics, vendor coordination, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Destination wedding travel agency (i.e., us!): They help you find the right destination and resort and then books all of the travel for you and your guests.
- Wedding coordinator: They assist with specific venue-related details, like layouts, catering, and accommodations (this isn’t the same as a wedding planner).
- MC and DJ: Sure, they handle all of the music for the reception, but they can also be there for the cocktail hour and other wedding events that are specific to your culture. Because we have roots in this industry, we are well-connected to the best DJs and MCs for destination weddings and can help you find the right ones for your wedding.
- Caterer: They will ensure that everyone on your guest list gets the food that matches their unique dietary needs. We do regular site visits to the resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and other locations testing food, trying their accommodations and amenities to provide you with the best guidance based on first-hand experience.
- Photographer: They aren’t just taking pictures—they tell your love story so finding the right one is critical. The good ones get booked fast so this is one vendor you want to get quickly. You can sometimes find both a photographer and videographer under one company which can save costs.
- Videographer: They will be the other critical part to telling your wedding story and like photographers, they get booked fast.
- Decorator: They provide the décor that can turn a simple event space into one that transports guests into one that has a luxurious ambiance.
- Audio Visual: Luckily you won’t have to look too far to find an AV team as many resorts have their preferred on-site vendors for this part of your wedding.
- Hair and Makeup team: This team is essential to making sure you shine in your wedding pictures. They are also the ones that can book quickly.
- Florist: Flowers set the tone for your wedding décor. A local florist can provide blooms that thrive in the climate and fit your theme.
- Officiant: They ensure your marriage is legally recognized both in your destination and at home.
- Favor and gift bag supplier: Providing welcome bags with water, treats, favors and maps of your resort can help your guests feel special. The right vendor will know what to add that will reflect your destination.
- Stationary supplier: Beyond your wedding card and Save The Date cards, turn to this supplier for welcome signage, place cards and other stationary you’ll need.
- Transportation providers: They ensure your guests and vendors can move easily between locations such as the airport to your resort which is vital for a seamless day.
- Entertainment: Whether it’s a DJ, live band, local performers, fireworks and more, great entertainment will keep your guests talking about your wedding for years.
Depending on your unique needs for your wedding, you may need more or less than what we have here, but this list is a great starting point for most destination weddings. With the right vendors on your side, you’ll have not just the wedding you want but the wedding you deserve.