How to Vet a Destination Wedding Planner / Travel Pro (So You Don’t Get Duped)

Not all “destination wedding experts” are actually qualified. Here’s how to separate the experienced pros from the hobbyists, side-hustlers, and self-tagged “specialists” who may never have stepped foot in the resort they’re recommending. This guide walks you through the key questions, credentials, and red flags to watch for when you vet a Destination Wedding Planner so you can book confidently.

So...Why Vet a Destination Wedding Planner?

Let’s be honest, your wedding is not the time to roll the dice on someone who just slapped “destination wedding planner” into their Instagram bio last week. Planning from a distance takes real experience, industry connections, and the ability to solve problems before you even know they exist.

Start With These 5 Reality-Check Questions

Ask these right off the bat:

1. How many destination weddings have you personally planned?

   This weeds out the hobbyists. Numbers matter. If they can’t give you an honest count or start talking in circles, run.

2. Have you visited the resorts you're recommending?

   A legit planner and travel professional will have personally stayed or toured the resorts they sell. No Googling the photo gallery five minutes before your call.

3. Are you a full-time planner or is this your side gig?

   If this isn’t their full-time focus, your wedding isn’t their top priority.

4. What’s your process from start to finish?

   Real pros have a clear, step-by-step planning process. Vague answers = vague service.

5. How do you help with guests’ travel questions and booking needs? A strong destination wedding travel planner doesn’t just book your resort, they manage guest bookings, payment plans, RSVP tracking, and support every traveler. If their answer is “we just send them a link,” that’s not enough.

Red Flags to Watch For

These are your “thanks but no thanks” signs:

• ❌ No website (or one that’s all fluff, no substance)

• ❌ Stock photos instead of real client work or travel

• ❌ No reviews or testimonials from past destination wedding couples

• ❌ No resort training or certification (e.g., Sandals, AMR, etc.)

• ❌ Can’t explain resort differences, wedding perks, or group contract terms

What the Real Pros Bring to the Table

• Firsthand experience at 100+ resorts (not just Google research)

• Established relationships with resort wedding teams

• Deep knowledge of group contracts, room blocks, and guest logistics

• Tools like wedding websites, RSVP tracking, and wedding assistance

• Access to exclusive perks, upgrades, and insider workarounds

• 24/7 support while you and your guests are traveling

Bonus Tip: Ask for Proof

• Certifications & Affiliations: These things matter. Things like Sandals Certified, Romance Travel Specialist, Destination Wedding University graduate, or DWHSA certification or other certification show that this person has invested real time, training, and money into learning the destination wedding space. It means they did not just wake up one morning, update their bio, and decide they were a “destination wedding expert” after binge watching a few Instagram reels.

  A true professional will happily explain what those certifications mean, where they trained, and how that education directly helps you avoid costly mistakes, contract surprises, and last minute stress. If they cannot clearly explain their credentials, that is your sign to keep shopping.

• Resort Familiarity:  Asking “Which properties have you been to lately?” is one of the easiest ways to spot fake familiarity. A true destination wedding pro will talk about resorts the way someone describes a place they have actually walked through. They can tell you which ceremony locations are windy, which ballrooms feel dark at night, where cocktail hour flows best, and which resorts are a dream for guest experience versus a logistical headache in a pretty dress..

  Listen for specifics, not buzzwords. “It’s gorgeous” and “everyone loves it” are not answers. Names of venues, recent site inspections, changes in management, and honest pros and cons are what you want to hear.

• Sample Work: Ask to see real examples of their work. A past couple’s wedding website, group booking page, or a sample itinerary tells you everything you need to know. This shows how they communicate, how organized they are, and how much thought goes into guiding guests who may be traveling internationally for the first time.

  A professional will already have examples ready and will happily walk you through why things are structured the way they are. If someone hesitates, says they cannot show anything at all, or offers only styled photos from a resort gallery, that is a red flag. Pretty photos are easy. Clear systems and guest experience are the real skill.

Trust Your Gut (And Google Reviews)

If something feels off, it probably is. Check reviews. Ask to speak with past clients. Real pros have no problem sharing references. You deserve to feel confident, cared for, and heard every step of the way.

Ready to Work With a Vetted Pro?

Schedule a Free Destination Wedding Consult - Not sure what questions to ask or how to start? Let’s walk through it together! No pressure, just clear answers and real help.

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👉 Now grab a copy of our 37 Question to ask a Destination Wedding Planner