The dynamic ladies of Signature Event Consulting and Design in Mexico are not only passionate about weddings, they’re obsessed with all the details, design and graciousness that goes along with planning them! Saraí Flores, the founder and creative talent behind Signature, as well as Martha Huerta, Signature’s Senior Event Producer, are offering a little planning advice on how to “scout smart” for your destination wedding.

1. Set priorities and know your wedding goals. If you want to find the perfect venue, you need to illustrate that vision. What does perfect look like for you? How many guests will be attending? Is a barefoot beach ceremony a must? Or would you prefer to have the ceremony on a terrace overlooking the water? Or maybe in a chapel? What kind of reception are you hoping for? An open-air intimate affair? Or a dance party celebration? What is the average age of your guests? And where are you hoping to keep your budget? Answering all of these questions in advance of your visit will guarantee that you find a venue that matches your criteria and achieves your vision for that very special day.

2. Identify desirable venues. Research the destination before you travel and narrow down your potential venue options. If you have your priorities set and create a wedding wish-list, you will realize that not every venue can satisfy them. If you have a large group, rule out locations with limited capacities. If you have many children on your guest list, eliminate adult-only resorts. It is a more effective and productive use of time to visit those venues that will be able to accommodate your preferences and satisfy your requests.

3. Get organized! Organize your site visits and agenda in a smart way. Have a detailed timeline of your visit, including addresses, emails and phone numbers for the main point of contact for each venue. Confirm all of your appointments prior to the scheduled visit. Once you arrive, make the most out of your tour (at Signature, we take care of this, of course!). Prepare a detailed list of your questions and goals to make your meetings most constructive. It is best to explore wedding venues during the day and make stops for lunch and dinner at potential reception or rehearsal venues for an informal sample of menu offerings. If you are planning a scouting trip, you may want to book multiple hotels over the course of your stay to experience the accommodation options available for you and your guests.

4. Make smart choices. Even when you think you’ve found THE place, continue your investigation. Usually local wedding professionals and vendors, and certainly former clients will be happy to share their experiences regarding the quality of service you can expect. Point is, you need to know exactly what you are getting into before signing a contract or putting down a deposit.

Saludos!
Saraí & Martha