Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

26 DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM

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KELSEA HOLDER PHOTOGRAPHY; OPPOSITE, LEFT: VINE & LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY (VINEANDLIGHT.COM)

QUESTION Can I rent or buy

men’s attire at the destination

instead of bringing it all the way

from our hometown?

THE PRO Chicago-based planner Ali Phillips has

planned wedding weekends in Turks and Caicos,

Grand Cayman and other far-flung locales.

“

It’s convenient for the men to

not have to travel with a suit

or tuxedo — not to mention there’s no

worrying about lost baggage. But before

committing to a menswear game plan,

check in and around your wedding

location to ensure that what you’re

looking for as far as styles — whether it’s

tux and tails or khakis and linen shirts —

is available and reserved, so that when the

men arrive, they can all go pick up and try

on their clothes right away. Check with

the hotel or surrounding area to see if a

tailor is available for onsite alterations if

necessary. If the guys are traveling with

their attire, ask your hotel what services it

off ers for pressing or steaming in case the

attire gets wrinkled en route.”

QUESTION How can I negoti-

ate with vendors from afar?

What kinds of deals, discounts or

bartering can I expect?

THE PRO Based in Washington, D.C., Christine Godsey

of Engaging Affairs has been creating elegant

destination weddings in the continental U.S. and

the Caribbean since 1996.

“

There are a couple of ways to up

your bargaining power right off

the bat: Off ering to pay the entire amount

upfront is a good way to score discounted

rates from vendors, as is paying cash instead

of with a credit card. Finding vendors

who off er packages that include multiple

services (like a DJ who also off ers special

lighting, one stylist for both hair and make-

up, or a fl orist who also has an inventory of

event rentals) is also a way to get discounts

based on the amount of services you bundle.

The more services you book with that

person or company, the better negotiating

power you have. Beyond that, booking your

wedding during an off - or shoulder season

drives down prices, as does marrying on a

by HOLLY V. KAPHERR weekday or a Sunday in many locales.”

DOES THE FIANCÉ NOT WANT TO LUG HIS SUIT IN A SUITCASE?

OUR EXPERTS ANSWER THIS AND OTHER BIG-DAY-AWAY QUERIES.

FOR YOUR TRIP

DIN

GS

&

List

Pro Tps

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