The whole package

Marsha-Ann Brown, director of romance at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, explains the new Aisle to Isle wedding programme.

WHAT IS THE NEW PRODUCT ALL ABOUT?

Our Aisle to Isle custom-wedding programme has been designed with modern brides and grooms in mind, who seek inspiration and information above all else when planning their nuptials.

We created nine “inspirations” influenced by the tropics, gardens, romance, passion, the islands, sophistication, nature and sand and sea, all of which can be mixed to suit each individual couple’s requirements. Our newest addition is English Royalty.

WHAT SETS SANDALS’ WEDDINGS OFFERING APART?

Sandals and Beaches Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other hotel operator, so our guests can always rest assured they will have a luxury experience.

We take care of all the arrangements right from the very beginning, covering every aspect of the big day from destinationinspired wedding websites to customisable stationary. Our Aisle to Isle programme has also expanded its photo and video options.

Sandals and Beaches guests can still take advantage of our free wedding option if they stay for three nights or more, which includes a cocktail reception, a wedding ceremony, a wedding entourage, a wedding cake and more.

HOW HAS THE DESTINATION WEDDINGS MARKET CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS?

Many brides report they are now choosing a two or three-day wedding celebration rather than the traditional five-hour celebration, whether at home or overseas.

New research by Sandals Resorts conducted with Britons who married for the first time in the past five years showed that, if the budget were no object, 83 per cent of couples would do things differently and more days of celebrations with family and friends would be one of the top priorities if they could do it again (11 per cent). Over a quarter said they continued their wedding party for two or three days (27 per cent) when they married.

WHAT ARE YOUR SALES TIPS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS WHEN SELLING A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Consider all of the options available to your guests and make recommendations based on their choices, as every part of a wedding needs to be planned out and thought through individually.

The more guests that join the celebration with booked rooms, the more tangible rewards couples will earn. For example, couples who have 12 booked guest rooms can choose from perks such as $1,000 towards a private catamaran cruise, a complimentary room upgrade, a two-minute wedding trailer video and more, all designed to enhance their wedding experience and optimise their special day.

DO YOU OFFER TRAINING ON THE PRODUCT?

Agents can find a series of online training modules at sellingsandals.co.uk, which includes a section dedicated to our wedding offerings.

Wedding training webinars are also hosted by our UK weddings brand manager, Olivia Knight. The next sessions are due to take place from 9.15am to 9.45am on July 11 and 19. Contact: olivia.knight@sandals.co.uk