10 must-ask questions for your destination wedding planner
Enter your destination wedding planner, aka your fairy godmother and maker of wedding dreams come true. She or he is absolutely indispensable when it comes to having the perfect destination wedding and having peace of mind while planning a hundred miles away. We’ve sat down with some of the best event planners on the island and they dished on what the top ten questions are that couples need to ask when planning a destination wedding.
About the planners
Avani Ambrister, co-owner and event planner at 4 The Love of Events has 15+ years of experience under her belt of planning anything from birthday parties and bar mitzvahs to charity events to of course weddings. Together with partner Alphanique Brooks, this dynamic duo has put together some of the most original and breathtaking events in the Bahamas.
Monique Glinton of Bahamas Dream Wedding specializes in destination weddings and has been working with destination wedding couples for many years and on several islands of the Bahamas.
1. How many weddings have you planned and can I see some of your work?
Just like any product or service, before you fully commit, it's a good idea to get an idea of what (and who) you're working with. Ask your potential wedding planner for photos of their last events and maybe even one or two recommendations from past clients. This will help you to figure out if your style and vision matches that of the person you're choosing to create your dream wedding.
Event planning by Bahamas Dream Wedding
2. What time of year is best to plan a wedding in the Bahamas and are you booked on my preferred date?
Once you've perused that portfolio and have found what you like, make sure the wedding planner is available on your preferred date. If you're really set on a specific planner, it helps to be flexible with date choosing if you're in the beginning stages of planning. But if you're set on a special date, it's best to know up front what the wedding or event planner's availability is so you don't waste any more time.
*Monique’s expert tip: “You'll not only want to consider the time of year you want to get married, but also the time of day. If you’re choosing an outside venue, keep in mind that temperatures can be steep at certain points of the year.”
3. What is the process of us working together?
So far, so good. You like what you see and your planner is available for your wedding date. Another very important aspect of choosing a planner however, is making sure your personalities click. Schedule a video call and have a chat about your vision, your expectations and your budget. This will give you, your partner and the planner a better idea on how to move forward with planning.
*Avani’s expert tip: “Find yourself a reputable wedding planner whom you are able to connect with. Make sure that you are their priority and they have the vision you are going for.”
Event planning by 4 The Love of Events
4. What can you do for me based on my budget?
Speaking of budget, make sure you have yours on lock and key. This is one of those questions you'll want to ask during your first call. As we know, money talks and the more your planner knows about what you're willing to spend, the best he or she is able to help make your dreams a reality (or give you a reality check if that's needed, too).
*Monique’s expert tip: “Make sure you know your numbers and try to stay on budget. Keep in mind that local prices differ from the prices in the US as well, which might influence some of your decor decisions.”
5. Do you have any experience at my preferred venue and is this venue available for my wedding date?
Having experience with a particular venue is important. Why? Your planner will be better able to visualize and plan once they have worked at a specific location and with a specific team before. This is also a great way to get inside information about the quality of the service at your preferred venue, possible perks and discounts and what spots are best for the picture-perfect wedding photos. Flexibility is key here as well; have a few venues that you’re looking at in case your date isn’t available.
Event planning by Bahamas Dream Wedding
6. Will you plan and be there at all my pre and post wedding events?
A destination wedding isn’t complete without all the pre-and-post wedding festivities you and your family and friends can join in on. If you (or your maid of honor and best man) need help planning wedding showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties and/or a farewell brunch, ask your planner if that’s a service that they offer and how involved they will be in that process. It is always better to have someone who is boots on the ground help plan these events instead of trying to plan them long distance.
*Avani’s expert tip: “Since the couple will have to be on island a few days prior to the wedding, we recommend a weekend full of activities. So, when they land, we can do the rehearsal dinner; think low key with steel band, buffet, seafood and all kinds of fun things. Then you’ll have the wedding of course. After that you’ll move into having a brunch, where local Bahamian delicacies can be included. We can even organize beach Olympics, tours or other activities to make sure everyone is having fun. We will be there every step of the way.”