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Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Planners: Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda

destination weddings

How to Choose a Destination Wedding Planner

June 18, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

How to Choose a Destination Wedding Planner

Destination weddings make one of the most important days of a couple even more special. Whether it be by the beach at sunset, or in a popular tourist spot, every detail should be flawless and picture-perfect.

There are many good ways to make a dream destination wedding possible. It can be as stress-free as it can be with the right destination wedding specialist. There can be several travel agents that can help you with this, but choosing the best is something couples should pay great attention to.

Here are five steps in choosing the best wedding planner:

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Get to know them

As the famous line goes, “First impressions are lasting impressions.” This is also true when choosing a wedding planner. You must get to know them well because you will be working with them for a year or more.

When choosing a wedding planner, they need to have the same vision and goals as you and your future spouse. You must also make sure that they are as professional and can help you put your dream wedding together.

Never book an agent without any form of consultation – whether it be face-to-face or through a video call.

Related: Honeymoon Planning Tips

Know their communication channels

Destination Wedding Planning by Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda

It is essential to know how an agent makes himself/herself available. Phone and email are two common ways to communicate. However, other details you need assistance when making decisions like color inspirations cannot be made through the mentioned ways.

See to it that they can also speak to you through video conferencing to keep in touch, especially when important decisions are needed to be made. As a hands-on bride, it is best to work with an agent who has multiple communication channels.

Related: 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA

Are they a specialist in your destination?

Different agents specialize in various destinations. It is best to pick someone who spent some time getting to know a few areas well so they can give you the answers to your questions and give you what you need.

Looking into their social media accounts and website can also help make sure that they are aligned with your destination. If you are looking at a wedding in Bora Bora, but their constant postings are about the Cathedrals in Italy, you should look for someone that has more experience in planning your preferred destination.

Look into their experience.

Experience is indeed the best teacher, which makes it essential to choose a destination wedding planner who has spent a long time in the industry. Working with a professional destination wedding planner who has a well-rounded background will make the planning process more manageable.

Make sure to pick an agent who has exposure to your destination of any sort. This can either be through classes or first-hand travel – or even both.

do they have time to service your needs?

Some wedding planners accept multiple bookings per year. This can affect their availability for a consultation and prevent them from tending your needs and guests. On the other hand, too few weddings can also reflect how they have been doing in the industry.

Wedding planners with 3 to 5 weddings a year might be overextending themselves. Choose a destination wedding planner who can give you time during the entire duration of the planning process.

Follow this guide and start planning the destination wedding of your dreams. Let  Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda help you put your wedding visions into reality.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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5 Things to Know Before Planning a Cruise Wedding

September 13, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

5 Things to Know Before Planning a Cruise Wedding

Cruise weddings are very underrated, and I think it is a travesty!  With a cruise wedding there are so many options and so many destinations that are not always available when you consider a traditional wedding.  Not to mention cruise weddings are affordable and give you a lot of bang for your buck.  Let’s take a journey down the aisle to destination: cruise wedding!  I know it was cheesy, but I couldn’t resist.

By Kavonda L. Rogers

There are several things you should know before you start planning a cruise wedding.  In this blog post I will focus on the top five things.  This will give you a strong foundation if you decide this type of wedding is right for you. 

Book Your Cruise First

You will need to have your cruise booked and deposited before you can start planning your cruise wedding.  The weddings department will not assist you unless you have a booked cruise.  So, handle that first. If you are overwhelmed by the cruise line options then contact a travel professional (like myself) and they can help you navigate those murky waters. 

Related: 10 First Time Cruise Questions

Know Your Guest List

In the world of a cruise wedding there are two types of guests: sailing and non-sailing.  Sailing guests are guests who will not only attend the wedding but will be sailing with you on the cruise.  Of course, non-sailing guests are guest who will attend your wedding but not be sailing on the cruise.  You are not limited in the amount of sailing guests you can invite but you are limited in the amount of non-sailing guests so keep track of who is on what list. 

Cruise Wedding by Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda

Be Prepared to Pay Upfront and In Full

Remember the part where I said keep track of your guests.  This is where that part comes into play.  Cruise wedding packages are based on guest count.  Each package includes a base number of guests and if you go over it you will have to pay an additional fee.  After you have chosen your wedding package and given your guest count you will be required to pay that amount in full.  Your wedding will not be booked if you do not pay the full balance. 

Related: International Wedding Information

Cruise Weddings are Quick and to the Point

If you want your wedding to have a lot of glitz and glam then a cruise wedding is not for you.  Cruise ship weddings are simple, elegant and QUICK! There is no playing around on the cruise ship.  Everything will start and stop on time.  There is no waiting for your cousin who is always late: they will miss your wedding.  Cruise weddings are great for the couple who wants to do something special but the glam and the glitz is really not necessary.

Types of Cruise Weddings

There are three types of cruise weddings.  Depending on the cruise line you chose they may have all three choices or just one choice. 

  • Embarkation Wedding– This is the most popular cruise wedding choice. It is the most popular because non-sailing guests can attend this wedding type.  This wedding will take place the day the ship leaves the port (also known as embarkation) a few hours before the ship leaves.  The wedding party is allowed to board the ship early in order to prepare for the wedding. 
  • Sea Day Wedding– This wedding will take place during the cruise on a day that the ship is not at a port (also called sea days). The wedding will take place on selected private areas of the ship.  For obvious reasons only sailing guests can attend this wedding type. 
  • Port Weddings– This type of wedding will take place at a destination during the cruise, other wise known as a port. In this case the wedding will be handled by a local planner in that destination.  The wedding party will be allowed to exit the ship early to travel to the wedding location. 

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

These are the basics you need to know before starting your cruise wedding planning journey.  Did you have a cruise wedding?  Are you planning a cruise wedding?  I would love to hear about it in the comments.  Most importantly if you need help planning a cruise wedding, I would love to be a part of your team.  Feel free to contact me. 

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Filed Under: destination weddings Tagged With: cruises, cruising, destination weddings

5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget

August 1, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget

I get it you have googled until your fingers are sore and you are still no closer to starting your destination wedding planning.  Every answer you think you have simply leads to another question.  You want to set your destination wedding budget but have no idea where to begin.  Have no fear frazzled bride or groom the Destination Wedding Diva is here.  (I know it was corny, but I couldn’t resist.)  I am going to share with you the 5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget. 

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Narrow Down Your Destination Options

Seems simple right? This seems like a crazy step, but it is a necessary one. I have asked past clients what their choices were for their destination wedding and they tell me Mexico and the Maldives and all points in-between (meaning Jamaica, Hawaii, Aruba etc.).  The problem with these choices is that yes, they are tropical beach locations but that is where the similarity ends.  Aruba, Hawaii and the Maldives are all considered luxury locations while Mexico and Jamaica are more budget friendly.  Narrow your destination down to 2 or 3 locations and be specific.  You want to choose cities or regions if possible.  This way you won’t be as overwhelmed by the options available.

All-Inclusive or Cruise?

Destination Wedding by Honeymoons by Vonda

Whenever I ask my clients this question, and I usually get that moment of “They have cruise weddings?”. Yes, they have cruise wedding but that is for another blog post.  Honestly, both options offer the same thing.  A simple and easy wedding/honeymoon format.  Traditionally, most destination weddings occur at an all-inclusive resort, but cruise weddings are on the rise.  Yet, the cruise option can be a bit more affordable if you are on a tight budget or you are having problems obtaining a passport.   With the number of cruises available it is an option worth considering.

How many guests will you invite?

Whether you chose a cruise wedding or an all-inclusive resort you will need to think about guests. Please note there are just certain people who will not travel (especially out of the country) to a wedding.  Don’t take this personal it’s just how the cookie crumbles.  As the bride and groom, you are not required to pay for their travel (flight/accommodations) but you are required to pay for their place in your wedding package.  This cost will need to be added to your destination wedding budget.  Wedding packages usually account for up to 20 guests.  After that you will need to pay an additional fee per guest.  These fees can range from $35-$125 per guest. 

How much time can you afford to take off?

This is important because many marriage laws and resorts require a minimum stay in order to get married legally in their country. This can be a little as 2 days PRIOR to the wedding and as many as 3 days.  You want to avoid a country or a resort where the marriage laws will require you to exceed the amount of time you can take off from work. 

Are you and your fiancé(e) able to obtain passports?

If you consider these times you will for certain be 5 steps closer to setting a destination wedding budget. Also, if you are seriously considering a destination wedding then make sure to check out the State Department’s website to ensure your wedding will be recognized by the United States government. 

Related: How to Apply for a Passport and Get Approved on the First Try

If you need more Destination Wedding Planning info be sure to get my free download 7 Steps to Plan Your Destination Wedding. It’s free I promise.

If you are already planning a Destination Wedding, please tell me where it will be. I would love to know.


I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Filed Under: destination weddings Tagged With: destination wedding, destination wedding budget, destination wedding planner, destination weddings

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Hello

I'm Kavonda L. Rogers (Vonda) and I help overwhelmed and stressed out couples achieve their dream destination weddings and honeymoons in Mexico & the Caribbean. I am here to share with you all the tips you need to plan an amazing honeymoon or destination wedding. So, grab your favorite drink and let's get going. Read More…

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