HAVE YOU CONSIDERED
A SCOPING TRIP?
by Anita GatleyAs a Wedding Travel Specialist I am often contacted by couples who are thinking of travelling to the
destination they think they want to get married in. When a couple are in the very early stages of planning
a wedding, sometimes a destination wedding features in the mix as a possibility. A destination wedding is
not for everyone, and some couples rule it out very early on as they are aware that family and friends may
not be able to come, for a variety of reasons.However, for some couples, being able to spend more than a few hours with their nearest and dearest,
often in an idyllic tropical setting, is an option they wish to investigate.From my experience, destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular and the local destinations
such as Rarotonga and Fiji, whilst still extremely popular, are being expanded to horizons such as Thailand,
Hawaii, Bali and the rest of the South Pacific.As Kiwis, we are intrepid travellers, and this doesn’t change just because we are getting married. On
the contrary, we want to share these intrepid experiences with a group that happen to be our family and
friends.To this end, I have seen more couples arranging “scoping trips”. This is a trip to the preferred destination
to see exactly what is on offer for their wedding. They combine a holiday with meetings with wedding
planners, see resorts, chat to photographers, investigate hair & make-up artists, and even check out DJs.
They may even try out experiences that they want their group to experience, too – these can all be booked
prior.Often one or both of the couple may not have visited the destination, and it is a good way to see if this
really is the place they both want to marry. It is no different than visiting a host of venues or suppliers in
NZ before you make a choice.I regularly get asked to recommend suppliers, and this is one of the areas I can help with as a Wedding
Travel Specialist. I can arrange your trip in terms of flights and accommodation, and advise on wedding
packages prior to your trip so you aren’t visiting hundreds of properties or suppliers. I can put you directly
in touch with suppliers who come recommended.I recently worked with a couple who travelled to Phuket to meet with their “team” - they got to meet the
resort wedding planner, look at venues within properties and meet other suppliers. This ensures that when
they go over to marry, a year later, a lot of the emotions will be that of excitement rather than nervousness
about whether they have chosen the right suppliers! They have personal contact details with the suppliers
so they can ask any questions about the specifics of the wedding ... prior to the big day.A scoping trip may not be something you have thought your Wedding Travel Specialist can offer, but it
is all part of the service they provide. They want happy couples who get the wedding they want and, if it
takes a trip beforehand to make a decision, positive or negative, then it is a good outcome.http://www.weddingtravel.co.nz
❤90 PLACES TO BE 6 http://www.myweddingmag.co.nz 6 JUNE 2019