Hey guys – Dana here.
This week’s post isn’t a dis track… it’s a reality check. I’m sharing because I just watched a dream couple walk away – not because we weren’t a good fit, but because they hired the wrong pro first.
The Biggest Mistake? Treating a Destination Wedding Like a Domestic One
Most couples start planning the way they’ve seen it done before:
Step one… hire a wedding planner.
That’s great for a ballroom wedding back home. But for a destination wedding, it’s the wrong first move.
Because a destination wedding isn’t just a pretty event in a pretty place – it’s international logistics. It’s group travel. It’s a resort contract, a room block, a guest booking process, and a resort planning timeline that doesn’t work like what you’re used to.
And the person who handles that… isn’t your wedding planner.
A Real Example: What Happens When You Hire the Wrong Pro
Recently, I had a consultation with a couple and it was instant alignment. It was the kind of call you that you can feel the smiles though the phone. We clicked. By the end of our chat, they didn’t just hire me for all the planning – they asked to be placed on priority, upgraded to an on-site package so I’d be with them in destination. I was immediately pulling properties that fit their vibe and needs best.
Four days later, they backed out.
“My mom hired a wedding planner who’s a friend of the family, so we won’t be working with you anymore.”
A kind gesture, truly. Most parents mean well. But most haven’t planned a destination wedding – only local ones. So cutting out your travel lifeline could really kill the vibe.
The planner they chose? Probably great at what they do. Most domestic planners are. But they’re likely not:
- A destination wedding specialist
- Licensed for international travel
- Connected with resort partners
- Experienced with group contracts
- Built to manage 30–100+ travelers
- Focused on travel-first guest experience strategy
Sure, they can handle invitations or decor ideas. They can even call the resort. But have they been to the properties? Do they know the venues, the beach quality, the food? Have they seen which resorts look good but fall apart logistically?
They’re not negotiating room block perks or securing comps. They’re not managing bookings, travel timelines, or guest coordination.
That’s what I was hired for – and in this case, cut out before we even started.
They’ll still have a wedding. But the experience we were building – one with structure, perks, and actual travel support – that version is off the table.
What Most Couples Don’t Know: You Already Have a FREE Wedding Planner at the Resort
Here’s what most couples (and their families) don’t realize:
All-inclusive resorts already include a wedding planner in the package. So why pay for a second?
They’re on-site. They know the property, the setup options, the vendors, and the timelines. They’re the ones coordinating your ceremony and reception logistics in real time. And they’re already pro’s at working alongside wedding agents like myself.
When you bring in a second planner – especially one based in the U.S. without direct experience at your resort – you’re not gaining efficiency. You’re adding confusion.
Unless that person is also an expert in international travel, group booking strategy, and resort coordination (hey – there area some)… there’s a real risk of overlap, gaps, or missed perks.
◾️ “But Dana – haven’t you said there are some instances where you should definitely get a wedding planner?” I love it when you guys pay attention! Yes – of course. Only if you aren’t going the all-inclusive route and having your wedding at a villa in Europe, in a cave outside of Mexico City or if you’re going full-Kardashian with your decorations… its worth it to spluge-it. But guess what, your guests still need to travel and you’ll most likely still need a qualified travel agent.
Destination Weddings Start with Travel – Not Decor
Before you talk about table linens or welcome signs, you need to:
- Choose a resort that matches your style, guest count, and priorities
- Lock in a group contract with perks, room upgrades, and cancellation protections
- Build a travel-friendly timeline that aligns with your events
- Set up a clean booking process for your guests
- Coordinate with the resort’s wedding team so everyone is working from the same plan
That’s what I do – and that’s what makes the rest of your planning smoother.
Collaboration Works – If the Roles Are Clear
This isn’t about replacing a planner. It’s about doing what they can’t do.
If you already hired someone to help with styling, timelines, or creative details – amazing. That can be a great asset. But when it comes to destination weddings, that person can’t be the only one in charge.
I’m here to complement their work – not compete with it – by handling the travel side, the group side, the contract side, and the big-picture strategy that most domestic planners don’t cover.
Before You Hire Anyone, Ask This:
- How many all-inclusive resort weddings have you personally planned – including international guest travel, resort contracts, and coordination with on-site teams?
- What experience do you have being on-site in [your destination]? Do you know the properties well?
- What will you be offering as support to my guests when it comes to travel logistics and booking?
If the answer is vague, or based in domestic events, that’s your sign to pause.
✔️ Book your complimentary consultation
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▪️ I’m Dana Braun – destination wedding travel designer for couples who care about beautiful venues, good food, great photos… and guests who feel like part of something special.
