One of the keys to an unforgettable luxury wedding is a strong relationship between the wedding planner and staff at the wedding hotel or resort.
Many ALHI properties excel in developing those strong relationships, and we asked professionals at four hotels how wedding planners can strengthen ties. Participating in the Q&A were:
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Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, known as the best in the Caribbean for luxury weddings with professional planners and culinary masters who produce indoor, outdoor and beach weddings ranging from elopements to weddings with 1,000 guests.
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Nemacolin Resort in southwestern Pennsylvania encompasses more than 2,200 woodland acres in the Laurel Highlands. The four-season luxury resort is internationally known and promises weddings full of luxury and magic.
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One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, specializes in designing iconic weddings ranging from seaside ceremonies, a starlit reception or a wedding weekend. The 70-year-old property is tailor-made for unforgettable events.
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Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has three ballrooms, three luxury poolscapes, 12 restaurants and lounges and the historic 17-story tower’s Pier Top lounge with skyline views for intimate to large weddings.
What Venues Look for in Planners
When asked what hotels look for in deciding to work with a planner, Pati Fagoaga, Weddings and Celebrations Manager at Kerzner International for One&Only Palmilla, said experience in planning luxury weddings is essential.
“We look for planners who understand the nuances of high-end events and can deliver exceptional service to our discerning clients,” she said.
Melinda Redling, Director of Wedding Sales for Nemacolin, said she offers recommendations for experienced luxury planners she trusts to bring a couple's vision to life.
“It's crucial for the planner and the couple to be a good match—ensuring their personalities and styles align is key to a smooth and cohesive collaboration,” she said. “The planner should also have extensive experience in luxury weddings, as our couples at Nemacolin are looking for something truly exceptional.”
Morgan Aneq, Senior Catering Sales Manager at Pier Sixty-Six, said they look for a collaborative spirit – and experienced luxury wedding planners with vision and artistry to maximize the property’s features.
“Pier Sixty-Six takes pride in partnering with locally and globally renowned planners, along with visionaries in the industry across specialized disciplines with exceptional talent,” she said. “We value a blend of unparalleled experience in curating luxury weddings and the ability to collaborate with the property teams to craft bespoke events elevating the unique beauty of the property.”
“It's essential that the planner demonstrates a profound understanding of the vision but also brings the creative artistry to tailor each celebration—maximizing the resort's distinctive features, such as the marina, spa to the grand spiral staircase and the iconic Pier Top,” she said.
Both Redling and Fagoaga added it is important for the planner to be familiar with their properties and their potential settings.
“I always suggest that the planner attend the first or second site tour to experience the resort with the couple's perspective and vision in mind, allowing them to bring the couple's dream to life,” Redling said.
Planners and Vendors
Most of the properties have a stable of vendors for planners, but they also welcome planners who can provide their own vendors.
Jena Conway, Director of Weddings and Special Occasions for Atlantis Paradise properties, said they have deep-rooted relationships with the best-in-class resources and vendors available throughout Nassau, Paradise Island and the Bahamas.
“Our team provides vendor recommendations for consideration but equally, we are happy to welcome partners that our clients request or prefer,” she said.
Fagoaga said Kerzner International prefers planners who are open to collaborating with their preferred vendors if they follow the property’s terms and conditions and give at least 60 days prior notice.
Nemacolin also offers recommendations for vendors, and couples and planners can bring their own – if approved by the property, Redling said.
Pier Sixty-Six is always looking for new talent, Aneq said.
“Cultivating strong partnerships and maintaining an openness to new relationships allows us to expand our scope, embracing fresh perspectives and possibilities,” she said. “While we value the loyalty of our trusted vendors, we equally cherish the opportunity to connect with emerging talent.”
Referrals
Planners should never underestimate the power of word of mouth as a way to start working with a new property.
“Referrals can play a significant role in establishing credibility and trust,” Fagoaga said. “We value and appreciate recommendations from respected industry professionals and hotels.”
Redling said she prefers referrals.
“While the wedding industry is vast, it’s a close-knit community of talented, creative hoteliers and vendors,” she said. “I prefer to connect with couples through referrals because it means the planner or hotelier has already vetted the couple and ensured that Nemacolin is a good fit for them. I truly believe that word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising, and colleagues within the industry are invaluable sources for referrals.”