Destination Wedding Etiquette

PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING? YEAH!

t has definitely been a challenging two years for those of us in the travel industry. With cancellations, rebooking, delays in reaching suppliers, only the strong or innovative are still standing. No, more than ever, clients need trained travel advisors to help them craft their travels. Agents have been working on building or strengthening their relationships with suppliers, resorts and destination management companies. Relationship building has been the key to surviving and thriving this experience. Learning more about destinations, becoming familiar with new properties and getting to know new business development managers and wholesalers is how the advisors have been spending their time. Finding new forms and processes has become an ongoing education. Most important has been connecting with other agents to sharpen our skills.

Finding a wedding date in 2022 has been indeed challenging with the rebooking of cancelled weddings which is a good sign for all involved. We are already booking weddings into 2023 and 2024.

The travel professional has been challenged with keeping up with the ever changing protocols throughout the region. Agents have been working hard to process refunds, hold for hours with airlines to rebook and provide therapy to brides, grooms and their families.

Now to the good news. Clients are ready to travel with family and friends for destination weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons. Destinations, cruise lines resorts and suppliers are slowly getting back to pre-covid levels. Covid travel is not quite as complex as before and some restrictions are even being relaxed. Tourism is the main source of income in these destinations and all are working to safely welcome our mutual clients back.

So some suggestions for our clients:  Book your date early  Be patient with your agent as they reach out to suppliers and resorts  Be flexible as protocols are still changing  Buy travel insurance

Most importantly relax and enjoy the process. Remember you and your significant other are inviting guests to join you in a decision that has already been made. You are not asking their permission to get married away.

Please seek out a travel advisor. They provide invaluable support and knowledge.

So, it’s engagement season. Congratulations and enjoy getting married away!

Brenda Washington O’Neal Ms. O’Neale serves on the board for the Association of Black Travel Professionals and the International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals. She is a member of the Female Leaders and Travel ALLIES and Caribbean Wedding and Event Professional Association. She contributes articles to Agent At Home Magazine and MarryCaribbean.com

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