If you’re a wedding planner, event stylist, photographer, videographer, or any other service provider looking to level up your business, we recommend launching right into destination weddings.

While stepping out of your locale might seem challenging at first, the rewards of going global are sure to outweigh the initial obstacle of scaling up your business. In fact, we at Wedded Wonderland see destination weddings as the future of the industry—from its emphasis on experience-based memory making, cultural immersion, and luxury for the five senses, a traveling wedding is exactly the kind of dynamic project that breeds innovation and collaboration among the brightest businesses in the trade.

For the second episode of the Wedded Digest, our weekly video series where CEO and Founder Wendy El-Khoury sits down to talk about the biggest trends in the wedding industry, we covered the evolving landscape of destination weddings, and why businesses will benefit from expanding their packages to servicing this market.

Destination Weddings Mirror the “New Normal” of Travel 

It’s a misconception that destination weddings are less likely to get RSVPs than a local wedding. In fact, research shows that 90% of today’s invitees are likely to give their yes to a destination wedding, which is significantly higher in comparison to the pre-pandemic RSVP rate of 65%. This proves that a low guest turnout is never going to be a threat to the traveling wedding; guests tend to plan vacations around the event, ostensibly fuelled by a post-pandemic tendency to maximize trips.

So, if you’ve been hesitant about whether you’ll find clients who need your help on an overseas wedding, don’t fret—these clients are out there.

Emerging and Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations are Gaining Popularity 

If you are based in a high-potential locale that isn’t necessarily a wedding hotspot yet, now is your chance to dominate your corner and market it to couples. Emerging, unique destinations are now gaining popularity as many couples would prefer a sense of exclusivity and meaning. Some might want to avoid trendy spots, and instead go somewhere under-the-radar, yet offer exciting experiences that the couple and their guests will fall in love with.

Cost-efficiency is also another strong selling point, as are niche packages that are heavy on personalization. Also, advertising yourself as a subject matter expert on your locale will undoubtedly make you more appealing to clients if you speak the language, have a strong A-team of suppliers you frequently work with, and can offer insight on local culture and how these can be incorporated into weddings.

Build Local Partnerships for Seamless Execution

Collaborating with local vendors is a crucial aspect for an efficient and expertly-planned destination wedding. If you are unable to prepare on-site, having on-the-ground partners brings valuable insights into regional regulations and major logistical challenges that those based overseas may not be able to anticipate. Therefore, liaising with these local service providers can streamline negotiations and prevent costly missteps!

In addition to the big strokes, professionals based in the area will have insider knowledge on the flourishes and details unbeknownst to foreigners. For example, local florists understand which blooms are in season, reducing costs and environmental impact. Meanwhile, a regional caterer ensures that ingredients are fresh and culturally appropriate, enhancing the couple’s overall experience. Building strong destination partnerships requires a proactive approach. Wedding businesses should prioritize networking by attending local trade fairs, industry events and collaborating within community driven platforms like the Wedded Network. Additionally, considering exclusive partnerships or preferred vendor agreements can strengthen brand presence in a specific destination while maintaining consistent service quality.

Plan with Flexibility and Potential Risks in Mind

Given how many moving parts make up a destination wedding, it’s in both the client’s and your best interest to remain flexible and have plenty of contingency plans.  Unexpected challenges—such as flight delays, adverse weather, or issues with suppliers—can change the entire fate of the event. Adaptability and readiness in planning helps businesses navigate these uncertainties while ensuring a seamless experience for clients.

Tight vendor contracts are a fundamental step in reducing risk. Carefully reviewing cancellation and refund policies, force majeure clauses, and terms of service will greatly help clarify the responsibilities of the involved parties, and define the financial implications.

Additionally, investing in comprehensive travel insurance packages is another top priority. Coverage for trip cancellations, lost baggage, and various emergencies protects both wedding professionals and their clients. As a business, covering all bases with regards to risk management is essential to ensuring the success of the destination wedding!

Sustainability as a Necessity and Selling Point 

Nowadays, sustainability is beyond just a buzzword—it’s a built-in expectation of quality service. As more and more couples prioritize eco-conscious weddings, businesses that stand by sustainable practices gain a competitive edge. In other words, minimizing the environmental impact of your event is not only a responsibility given the sheer scale of destination weddings, but it also serves as a compelling marketing differentiator.

Incorporating sustainable elements doesn’t have to be difficult—this can take many creative forms. Local sourcing of food and flowers reduces the carbon footprint, while supporting businesses in the area. Carbon offset programs—such as tree-planting initiatives for wedding guests in Indonesia, for example—allow the celebrations to leave a positive mark on the host locale. Minimizing waste through digital invitations, reusable (or re-giftable) décor, and donation programs aligns with the growing demand for responsible event planning.

At the end of the day, sustainability requires both innovation and commitment on the part of the suppliers. As a business, you always have the opportunity to choose the more sustainable option and lead the charge in positive change. In addition to the numerous environmental benefits of eco-friendly solutions, your efforts can also position you as a standard-setter in your niche.

Join the Wedded Network Today 

In light of the changes that advance the wedding scene year after year, staying informed and ahead of the curve is the key to success. For exclusive access to market trend reports, educational resources, industry events and a powerful high-end network of destination wedding vendors worldwide, join the Wedded Network today. Visit our website to learn more.