Magical Moments - Destination Wedding Planners
With our deep blue ocean waters, and friendly locals, Sri Lanka is the home to many destination weddings. Charm De Silva, director of Magical Moments - an event planning company, has been the force behind quite a few successful destination weddings that took place in our little island. Three years into the business, planning destination weddings has become the main core of Magical Moments.
In our interview with Charm, she gives us a behind the scenes look at how they plan destination weddings.
What exactly is a destination wedding?
It’s where people from foreign countries come to Sri Lanka to have their wedding celebrations. They would have their wedding and their reception in Sri Lanka with a small group of friends and family.
How does a couple know that a destination wedding is the right kind of wedding for them?
Well, it actually depends on what you want. Destination weddings are ideal for people who want something simple and intimate. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, having a destination wedding is something to think about.
When someone hires you as a planner, how does it work?
Most people hear of us through word of mouth so they would contact me and we would discuss the details. First thing we do is to look for a venue. So I would give them a few options. Most couples go for intimate places like beach fronts and villas. Once the location is set we would work on the décor and contact the vendors and plan out the wedding week. I would be their eyes and ears in to their wedding.
How do you know which location is the right location for the wedding?
There are a lot of factors that counts when it comes to location. It’s not just about a pretty place. You need to consider the infrastructure and the distance. So when you’re finding the right location think about the little things like how long you want to travel. We take a lot of time to understand our clients and their needs. Some people want good food and venue while some want great décor. You understand what’s important to the client and then find the venue.
Is it ideal to hire a planner in your own country to plan a destination wedding or is it better to hire someone from the country you wish to have the wedding at?
Ideally, get a planner who knows the country. It can even be someone from your country as long as they know the country you decided on very well and has the right contacts. Whatever it is, when you find a planner make sure that person knows that country very well.
What’s your biggest advice for someone planning a destination wedding?
Do your research and find a planner. Have someone who’s skilled. Someone who can deliver to your expectation whilst staying within the budget. They need to have the right contacts and good negotiating skills. Not everyone can provide service to the foreign clientele so if you are planning a destination wedding make sure to get a planner who’s experienced.
Interviewed by Panchali Illankoon
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