Hiring a Wedding Planner for your UK or Ireland Destination Wedding
by Anne Lanier Weddings
If you are considering a UK or Ireland destination wedding for your big day, you may have discovered that you are not alone. The ever increasing trend of destination weddings may be due to the fact that the world is now more accessible with the aide of the internet – and cheaper airfares don’t hurt either! As more and more families are finding themselves spread out across the country and even the world, travel is already a part of most weddings. Destination weddings allow the couple to choose a unique location and vacation they can enjoy together with their intimate circle of family and close friends. Your first step should be to choose a location for your wedding. After you’ve chosen a location you will need to find an expert who can plan your wedding or guide you towards the best locations and vendors (music, florist, hair dresser, etc.) in the area. This is where the internet can be of great assistance in finding that expert.
If you intend to have a wedding with more than 10 guests traveling to a destination wedding, I would strongly suggest you get some professional assistance. Such assistance may include a specialized travel agent or wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings in that area. Although it can be hard work if you pursue planning without professional help, it can be done. Some coordinators offer a vendor and locations list for a minimal fee. This is great option for couples with experience in planning or who may be working with a tight budget because you have access to the top local vendors and you get the pre-negotiated rates. Be careful when buying vendor lists – make sure the coordinator selling the list has been in business for at least 3 or 4 years – new coordinators have not had the time or experience to weed out the bad vendors.
As with any wedding, most couples have little or no experience in planning an event and finding the perfect location, hiring the top local vendors and organizing a wedding in another country may seem daunting. But with the skills and experience of an expert coordinator, planning your wedding in Ireland or the UK will be effortless and enjoyable. When shopping for a coordinator, look for a firm that has a solid reputation and excellent client testimonials. It’s also important that you fully understand the coordinator’s terms and fees. It’s best to choose a firm that works on a flat fee system to protect yourself from inflated 'estimate work' (hourly rates and percentages). Be sure to get a written contract that states exactly what you will be paying. You don't want to be surprised by the bill on your special day. It can also be helpful if the firm has offices in both the location and in US so that you may visit them prior to the wedding if possible.
Hiring a wedding coordinator could be one of the best decisions you make for peace of mind as well as making your budget go further. Remember that an expert in the area will always get better rates from the locals. With a well planned wedding the couple is free to be good hosts and guarantee their guests have the time of their lives too.
