One thing to look for when assessing a resort: Great spots for your photos. Melanie Nashan Photography
Nowadays, it seems as though every hotel and resort with a smidgen of marketing savvy bills itself as ideal territory for a destination wedding. But how do you separate the places that are truly expert at putting together these complex, multi-day parties, from those that are simply hoping to fill some rooms on a slow weekend? An easy place to start is the lodging’s website, where a little scrutiny can go a long way.
1.Does the website have a specific “Weddings” tab on the navigation bar, or is there a more generic “Meetings and Events” category? If the resort considers weddings important enough to show up on the landing page, it’s likely you’re looking at a place that treats them seriously.
2. Is there a wedding photo gallery? If so, you’ll get a good sense of the type of parties that are possible, the various locations, and how the resort adapts to each couple’s individual style. If not, it may be because the resort has limited wedding experience.
3. Who’s in charge? Resorts and lodges that prominently feature their event and catering staff are generally places that place emphasis on weddings–bonus points if a coordinator is listed by name.
4. How quickly does someone get back to you? After filling out the obligatory form with name, wedding date, and other details, you should expect a response within the next one or two business days. If people don’t respond quickly before they have your business, you can’t expect fast responses once they’ve got your deposit.
5. How are things worded? “Intimate” spaces are generally small; a “cozy” atmosphere indicates limited facilities; “beach-view” properties are usually a walk from the sand.
Fifteen minutes spent really looking at a property’s website are 15 minutes very wisely spent.
