destination wedding planner

When to Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

July 24, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

When to Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

Destination Weddings can be tricky to plan. It involves more things that need consideration than the traditional one. Some circumstances can go beyond your control and might cause a serious dilemma on your big day. Don’t worry because there are so many ways to successfully pull off a destination wedding with the help of a destination wedding planner.

If you are still skeptical about hiring one, here are indications when is the right time to hire a destination wedding planner:

You live far away from your chosen destination

There are many hidden gems where you can celebrate your destination wedding. Often, it is away from where you reside, making it hard to plan. The unfamiliarity of the place is a struggle, and its entirety is new to you.

A destination wedding planner that knows every corner and venue in your chosen place would be very convenient. The hassle of going in and out of the country to check on your sites, accommodation, and other wedding stuff is exhausting. Your planner is your representative to check on those things and will keep everything in track even if you’re not physically there.

Related: Destination Weddings Bahamas

You have a busy work schedule

Your work pays the bills but it can also take up more of your time postponing wedding plans. There are instances that urgent matters cannot be left unattended, and it can delay planning appointments. The lack of time can also mean missing some critical details of your wedding.

Your destination wedding planner will help you focus on your work while keeping all the wedding preparations on the move. Checking every essential detail and making sure everything is in their right places.

Your guest list needs a proper organization

The guest list is a crucial part of a destination wedding. The number of guests can be too stressful to handle, including all the accommodation and their itinerary arrangements. One of the wedding planner’s vital roles is organizing this and ensuring that they enjoy your day as much as you will do.

Related: US Honeymoon Destinations

You have a tight time schedule

If you are one of those couples who want to get married as quickly as possible after the engagement, you seriously need a destination wedding planner. Aside from relieving you of the stress of arranging things in a rush, their expertise and efficiency will make sure that no important thing will be left behind.

You have a tight budget

Making that dream wedding come to life can cost so much. Laying out your budget plan intended for your wedding to your planner will put everything in balance. With a destination wedding planner, you are guaranteed that all expenses will fit in your budget, and alternatives will not damage your big day.

Planning a destination wedding is not easy. You want everything to be perfect and will turn out to be as what you have imagined. Knowing that there will be someone who will help you run errands and make sure your dream day actualizes eases the stress.

That is why we are here to help you with your big day preparations. Contact us now, and we will be sure to deliver the destination wedding of the century!

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How To Travel With Your Wedding Dress

July 17, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

How To Travel With Your Wedding Dress

Celebrating your wedding in your dream destination is beyond magical. The music when you walk down the aisle, the touch of silky linen on your skin, and the smell of freshly picked flowers while you are in your wedding dress will make your fairytale dreams come true.

However, one major struggle of destination wedding brides is ensuring that they don’t damage their wedding dress while travelling. So, we put together tips that will help you ensure that the most important dress of your life will stay beautiful on your big day even while you travel.

Check them out here:

Choose a wrinkle-free fabric.

Wrinkles on cloth will always be untidy to look at. For your wedding dress, choose a wrinkle-free fabric like tulle. It is lightweight, soft, and it still keeps its shape. Also, if tulle will have slight wrinkles, a bit of steam will straighten back the fabric. Lace and crepe can also be your other option since fold lines go well with these kinds of cloths.

Don't put your dress inside a suitcase.

Folding your dress inside a piece of luggage will not give you peace of mind, especially if you check-in your luggage. Always think that things might not go well, and you don’t want your dress to be stained, damaged, or worse get lost with your baggage.

Take Your Gown as a carry-on

Carry-on is the best option for your problem. You can lay your dress on top of the baggage in the overhead compartment or ask a flight attendant to hang it inside their closet. Make sure that you cover the dress with a garment bag to protect it from stains and thread runs.

Related: 8 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

Buy an airline ticket for your dress

Yes, you heard it right! You can buy a spare seat for your dress if you want to ensure that it stays in shape throughout your boarding. You can also make use of the extra baggage count that goes with the ticket for your dress.

However, if your budget won’t permit this option, you can always try and push your luck. Ask a flight attendant if there is a place or even an empty seat where you can lay your dress flat.

Give it extra care during ground travel.

When riding a car to your destination, make sure that you place your dress in the trunk without crumpling it. It is suggested that the dress rests on top of the luggage. Better yet place it on your lap or the empty seat next to your if there’s any.

Bring a hand steamer and a sewing kit.

Your sewing kit can save you from ruining your big day because of snagged threads and other things that might go wrong with the fabric. Despite the precautions you made on your travel, it is normal for your dress to still have wrinkles. If you have a handy cloth steamer with you, a crumpled garment will not be a problem.

Call and give the airline and resort a heads-up about your dress.

Never forget to tell them that you have a wedding dress with you. Some airlines give special service for passengers who have fragile or valuable luggage. If you don’t have any portable steamer with you, you can contact the hotel management beforehand if they have a press and steam service for your gown.

Just follow these 7 tips on How to Travel with Your Wedding Dress, and you’ll never go wrong. So, are you ready to travel to your dream destination wedding? If so; let Honeymoons and Vacations by Vonda help you get started on your wedding planning journey.

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How & When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations

July 3, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

How & When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations

The preparations for a destination wedding can be quite different from the usual. This type of marriage needs intense planning to avoid missing the critical details, from choosing the perfect venue, reception, theme, guests and in sending the invites.

Getting the correct timing and ways to send invites for a destination wedding is crucial. You have to be meticulous and on point in doing it. You don’t want to miss out on any beloved guests and give them ample time to prepare for your big day.

With the amount of things to do, it is essential to keep them organized and laid out. So, here are 5 essential steps to follow in sending destination wedding invites:

Establish Your Personal Website

Creating a personal website is helpful in terms of communication. Establish a personal website where you can update your guests regarding important dates, locations, dress codes, and other essential details.

A personal website makes communication a lot easier and faster. Ensure that you make this as soon as you finalize the wedding date and destination. This will give your guests time to prepare and clear out their schedule for your wedding day.

Related: Perfect Destination Wedding Invites

Send Your Save The Date Cards

When you decide to have a destination wedding, months or a year before the big day, you should have already sent your Save the Date cards. This is the point where your final date, location, and guests are all laid out. You can utilize your website to save the date or opt for the traditional mailing of save the date cards to your guests.

Save the date cards should be informative. Opt for a fresh and straightforward design that would not contrast with your overall wedding theme. Include all the important details like the wedding date, location, and the URL of your website.

Related: How to Choose a Destination Wedding Planner

Provide Constant Updates On Your Website

Update your website from time to time to keep your guests in check with changes in the essential details. This will also signify that your website is active and that your guests can rely on it for communication.

Send The Formal Invitation

The fourth step is sending your formal and in paper wedding invitation. By this time, guests already have a solid foundation for your wedding details from the website and save the date cards. Invitations should be sent 2-3 months before your wedding.

Your formal wedding invitation is a symbol of your warm invite to your chosen guests. Make sure to transmit the feeling of love and connection through your invitations. The overall design and layout will speak volumes to those who will receive it. Incorporate your theme and fresh colors that will take part in the unification of your love.

Set Your RSVP Deadline

It is vital to set the deadline beforehand of your RSVP to confirm the total guests that will be attending. Align the period that would not overlap any important dates in your preparation. The deadline for an RSVP depends on the corresponding deadlines of other matters in your preparations.

Ensure to give a good 4-6 week time for guests to decide. The layout for your RSVP is also essential. It should have straightforward queries and answers you need from your guests. Have it simple and can be included in your formal wedding invitation.

Committing to someone for better and for worse is life-changing. You do not want your special day to have an epic turn of events, especially if it is a destination wedding. Following the provided steps, you are guaranteed to be a step closer to your dream wedding.

Destination wedding invites are a part of the whole conceptualizing and actualization process of your big day. It is a reflection of your dedication and the effort you put in to achieve the best. Show your guest how your wedding means to you through your invites. With the help of the great artists from minted, your wedding invites are guaranteed to be as beautiful as the love you share with your partner.

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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8 Reasons To Say Yes To A Destination Wedding

June 26, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

8 Reasons To Say Yes To A Destination Wedding

There is something unique and wondrous about celebrating the union of love in a foreign place. A destination wedding will answer your call for uniqueness and adventure on your special day. Share the fun and love together with your guests and partner with the various activities your chosen destination offers.

The sky’s the limit for all the things and sceneries you can witness, making your special day one for the books. If you are still looking for reasons why you should opt for a destination wedding, then we have laid it out for you.

Here are 8 reasons why you should say yes to a destination wedding:

Escape The Ordinary

A breath of fresh air, new sights and uniqueness are some of the many things a destination wedding will bring you. Give your relationship a treat and experience a ceremony that you will remember for the rest of your lives as a couple.

Go out of your comfort zone, and you will see the exciting things a different place will give you. A wedding is a once in a lifetime experience that should be exceptional, and this is your chance to do that when you decide to opt for a destination wedding.

Related: How to Choose a Destination Wedding Planner

Get Away From The Hustle and Bustle Of The City

The hustle and bustle of the city can be quite exhausting. Taking the time to celebrate your special day in a place where there is peace and serenity will be worth it. Explore sites that offer the breath of fresh air you need that lacks in your highly urbanized home.

Realize the value of privacy

Having your wedding in an unfamiliar place where you have limited acquaintances will highlight your privacy. If you are a person that gives high value to this, then you should consider holding a destination wedding.

Be intimate with your invited family and friends, away from the stressful crowd in your hometown. Destination weddings will set boundaries and limitations you crave in the traditional kind of wedding.

Related: More Destination Wedding Tips

You can control the guest list

Most destination weddings are held in a foreign place, away from your hometown. With this, you can limit your guests and be intimate with each one of them. Limited guests also mean fewer expenses and the controllable crowd.

Discover New Culture And Destinations

Explore the wonders of your chosen destination, where you can enjoy the sight and learn new things about other cultures—a definite win-win situation for you and your guests. You will have the time of your lives and give yourselves the best intangible souvenir from your wedding.

Bond With Your Guests Through Various Activities

There are a lot of destination weddings celebrated in islands and beach resorts. This comes with multiple activities you can enjoy with your guests and will enable you to create a deeper connection with them.

The bond that you will share with your partner extends to the special people in your lives. Your wedding will not be a one-day event, but several days of enjoyment and bonding.

Enables you to save time and money

Contrary to popular belief, planning a destination wedding is more manageable and less stressful than a traditional one. Some resorts offer numerous designed packages that will help you have the best wedding in a beautiful place and inclusive of all the things you need.

From the things you need before, during and after the ceremony will all be laid out for you. This will save you some time and money, taking you away from the hassle of the nits and bits of the planning process. All you need to do is enjoy your mini-vacation and special day.

Make Your Wedding The Most Memorable

What is more special than having to share your union of love in front of your close family and friends? Celebrating it in a place that holds an essential part in your relationship. It could be your dream destination, where you met each other or somewhere that makes you feel that your love can conquer everything.

Saying ‘I do’ matters more when you say it in front of the people you treasure and to your soul mate. Planning a destination wedding can be hectic and includes a lot of pressure especially if you don’t know its basics. But with our help, you can ensure that your dream destination wedding will come true.

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

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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:

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

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 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.

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?

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.

destination wedding planner

When to Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

By Kavonda L. Rogers

You live far away from your chosen destination

You have a busy work schedule

Your guest list needs a proper organization

You have a tight time schedule

You have a tight budget

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How To Travel With Your Wedding Dress

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Choose a wrinkle-free fabric.

Don't put your dress inside a suitcase.

Take Your Gown as a carry-on

Buy an airline ticket for your dress

Give it extra care during ground travel.

Bring a hand steamer and a sewing kit.

Call and give the airline and resort a heads-up about your dress.

Spread the Word!

How & When to Send Destination Wedding Invitations

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Establish Your Personal Website

Send Your Save The Date Cards

Provide Constant Updates On Your Website

Send The Formal Invitation

Set Your RSVP Deadline

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.

Spread the Word!

8 Reasons To Say Yes To A Destination Wedding

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Escape The Ordinary

Get Away From The Hustle and Bustle Of The City

Realize the value of privacy

You can control the guest list

Discover New Culture And Destinations

Bond With Your Guests Through Various Activities

Enables you to save time and money

Make Your Wedding The Most Memorable

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

Spread the Word!

How to Choose a Destination Wedding Planner

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Get to know them

Know their communication channels

Are they a specialist in your destination?

Look into their experience.

do they have time to service your needs?

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.

Spread the Word!

5 Things to Know Before Setting Your Destination Wedding Budget

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Narrow Down Your Destination Options

All-Inclusive or Cruise?

How many guests will you invite?

How much time can you afford to take off?

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

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.

Spread the Word!

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.