Destination Wedding tips from celebrity planner JoAnn Gregoli

Posted Jan 11, 2019 by Jenna Francke

Destination weddings provide a vacation-like atmosphere and time for the bride and groom to truly enjoy the company of all of their guests. JoAnn Gregoli is a top wedding planner specializing in high profile and destination weddings. She has been kind enough to share her top Destination Wedding tips with EJ readers. Over the years, destination weddings have grown immensely and are more than just a trend. JoAnn has been recognized as a guru in this area. Modern Bride magazine included her as one of their Trendsetters of the Year and she was also recently recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Wedding Planners in the world!

JoAnn’s Tips:

1. Pick a destination that has easy air access (one stop is acceptable – more than one and you will lose guests)

2. Select a wedding gown that is easy to transport on a flight (unless you want to buy a seat for your gown)
3. When choosing a destination, check out the weather patterns and avoid rainy season
4. Always have a rain back up plan at the venue for the ceremony and reception

6. Make sure the hotel provides a steamer for your gown (do not let them take the gown – have it steamed IN YOUR ROOM)

7. Never ever check your wedding gown with the luggage, same goes with ALL bridal party members

8. Make sure you know the sound restrictions at the property – outside beach weddings may have an early end time due to surrounding rooms, please be sure to ask about sound curfews

9. Ask about hidden charges: site fees, corkage fees, cake cutting fees, vendor fees to be on site

10. Hire a planner who works and knows destinations weddings

11. Avoid booking your destination during high season (Jan, Feb and March)

12. Relax, keep in mind most of the time responses are on ISLAND TIME and come in slower