How to Choose Your Destination Wedding Vendors

Curious how to select wedding vendors for your destination wedding? Then, keep reading for a little inspiration and our personal recommendations!

Resort Vendors or Outside Vendors?

There are 3 different kinds of "vendors" when planning a destination wedding.

1. Resort Vendors - Typically, your destination wedding resort will provide you with a list of approved vendors to choose from. From catering and photos, to makeup, music, décor and flowers - they've got you covered! The resort has already vetted these vendors and has contracted them to provide services for weddings being held at the resort.  This is great if you like the vendor, as the vendor already knows the resort and there are not extra fees to work with them. You'll just pay for their services. 
2. Outside Vendors - If you find another vendor who lives in the destination that needs access to the resort for the day, they are considered an Outside Vendor. Because these vendors are not approved or contracted, the resort will charge you a fee, called an Outside Vendor Fee, to allow them access. These fees can range from $500 per vendor to over $2000 per vendor. Ouch!
3. Wedding "Guest" Vendors -  If you have a preferred wedding vendor back at home that you’d like to bring in for the big day, it’s totally doable! As long as the vendor is booked under your wedding group for a minimum of 3 nights, they are considered a guest, not an outside vendor. Most resorts allow this and will waive the outside vendor fee since the vendor is a guest staying at the resort. You will want to negotiate the vendor's travel costs in exchange for their services.

Types of Vendor to Bring In

While this may vary, couples will bring in a hair stylist, make-up artist, and photographer. If you'd like to bring in another vendor, simply let your travel coordinator know and they'll work with them to make it happen! DJ's are tricky because of all the equipment, but you can still ask about it.

Have additional questions for us? Then, click below to get in touch with a destination wedding specialist, today!
​

contact an expert, here!

P.S. Be sure to pin this post so you can refer to it later!