Take Me With You Podcast

(Ep. 109) Destination Weddings with Emilee Sutherland

November 30, 2020 Ryan & Cheryl Season 3 Episode 5
Take Me With You Podcast
(Ep. 109) Destination Weddings with Emilee Sutherland
Show Notes

Wedding Planner, Emilee, joins us to share about her experiences planning destination weddings! 


  • The magic of “destination” can be 3 hours from where you live 
    • It doesn’t have to be an exotic location; you don’t have to have a passport 
    • KEY = has to be at least 3 days 
    • Guest count is small enough for guests to stay in the same place 
  • Who are the “destination wedding” type of people 
    • If you feel like you’re giving something up, you probably shouldn’t do destination 
  • Everywhere she goes, she builds in extra days after the wedding (not before) to explore and experience the location 
  • The “wedding hangover” is a real thing 
    • Can’t really do anything immediately after the wedding 
  • Honeymoon advice: don’t leave the night of your wedding if it takes more than 4 hours to reach your destination 
    • You will enjoy your trip so much more! 
  • Unrealistic expectations for destination weddings: 
    • How much it costs to bring stuff there 
      • Factor in paying for extra baggage 
    • All wedding information needs to be offloaded to the coordinator ahead of time so she knows all the info without having to bug the wedding party while in country 
  • Packing 
    • Guests - on their own 
    • Brides - remember to pack something cozy and comfy, not just cute/sexy 
    • It is humid in Mexico, so be sure not to bring hot, long sleeve, heavy material 
      • Bring extras of everything because you’ll sweat more! 
  • Traveled into Mexico with 180 maracas! 
    • Was pulled aside in customs  
    • She is often traveling with the materials for the guest welcome bags 
  • How to make a wedding planner super happy? 
    • Don’t buy things for them, but tips are great 
    • Message gift certificate, wine 
    • Once you make a decision, stick with it and don’t look back 
  • Destination weddings are often cheaper than local weddings for the couple, but they are more expensive for guests 
  • Working with the travel agent: 
    • Intake 
      • Kids or no kids at the resort 
      • Look & feel (all inclusive or not) 
      • How far away from the airport? 
    • Options from agent 
    • Agent coordinates all the travel! 


Wish You Were Here 

Cheryl: Glen Eyrie Castle, Colorado Springs, CO 

Emliee: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Ryan: Eques, Bellevue, WA 


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Leave us a voicemail (or text message): (406)763-8699 

Email: tmwypodcast@gmail.com 

Follow Emliee: tastefultatters.com