I recently saw another thread online asking, “Why should I pay a destination wedding travel agent when there are some who work for free?” and I just had to share my answer with you.

This is a hot topic in the destination wedding world, and one I feel very strongly about.

Here’s my hot take:

You shouldn’t expect amazing destination wedding planning services if you don’t pay for amazing destination wedding planning services.

Generally speaking, the travel agents who are going to best help you plan your dream destination wedding are those who you hire to make that happen.

Sure, you can use a “free” travel agent to plan your destination wedding, but here’s why I don’t recommend it.

“Free” travel agents

You may have heard about some of the big “box store” versions of destination wedding travel agents (you know the ones – they come up first in your online search).

And you may have heard about times when they just gave seemingly random lists of resorts to couples – resorts that don’t even match their budget or vision.

They may or may not have answered the couples’ and guests’ questions throughout the process – it seems to be hit or miss.

It’s like they don’t take the time to understand or care about their couples’ wedding visions or follow through with the whole process. They just pump out as many proposals and weddings as possible. (because lots of them do)

Those travel agents’ services are pretty much always free.

No commitment required of you…. or them. 😬

I am the opposite.

Why Pay a Planning Fee for a Destination Wedding Travel Agent?

After our complimentary consultation call, if we feel like we’re a good fit to work together, I’ll send over a copy of my contract for you to sign. It outlines the services I provide, as well as your end of the bargain you’re promising to hold up. (be kind, answer in a timely fashion, etc. – nothing too big!)

And I do charge a planning fee. But it is for a very good reason.

For that fee, I provide personalized, hands-on service to you and your wedding guests throughout the duration of the planning process, during travel, and all the way through until you’re home and you’ve received all of the perks you earned!

Yes, I provide all the services outlined in my contract, like:

• Providing you with a Trello board / wedding planning portal to keep us organized and on the same page
• Providing a curated proposal of resorts for you to choose from – ones you will actually like, not just ones I want to sell
• Helping you lock in your wedding date with the resort’s wedding team
• Helping you secure a room block contract to save rooms for your group at special, locked-in, group rates
• Building a customized wedding website so your guests can learn all the important info, see the resort, choose a room, and book it – all in one place
• Handle your guests’ reservations, payments, travel questions, emails, calls, etc.
• Arrange everyone’s ground transportation between the airport and resort (included in the cost of the resort)
• Provide you with a running guest list of RSVPs as they come in
• Provide everyone with a personalized, digital itinerary before travel
• Remain available during your trip in case anyone needs any assistance
• Ensure that you get all the perks you earned after travel
• Help with your honeymoon planning, if you wish!
• But I do all of that for the two of you (and your guests) specifically.

I work for you – not for a resort – and therefore always have your best interests in mind.

Everything I do is to protect you two, and ensure you have a wonderful wedding, and that you and your guests have a wonderful travel experience. (I mean, it’s right there in my name!)

Throughout the entire process, I’m there for YOU.

So yes, I charge a fee. But it’s so that I can limit the number of weddings I take on each year and give you my full attention, which you deserve.

Truthfully, it’s shocking to me that anyone would want a wedding planned for free. After all, you get what you pay for… and it’s your WEDDING!

Please know that I’m not here to shame anyone! You do what fits in your budget.

But if you want personalized service from a dedicated-to-you expert in the field, you’re going to need to pay for that service.

Like I said – a hot take!

If this sounds good, and you’re interested in starting the process today, just click the button below to schedule your own complimentary consultation call, and see if we’re a good fit to work together!