Tips For Communication With Your Destination Wedding Vendors
Effective communication is key when planning a wedding from afar! Be detailed and thorough with all of your communication.
The vendors in our Wedding Vendor Collection have excellent communication. You can reach out to them directly or fill out the form on their vendor page and The Tropical Code will help check availability and pricing for you!
Email
The best way to reach a vendor is usually by email.
You’ll want to make sure you find vendors that you are comfortable communicating with. If you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll want to find a vendor that has excellent English. The preferred method of communication should be in writing so that you have proof of the agreed-upon services and pricing.
WhatsApp/Phone
WhatsApp is an extremely popular text messaging and calling app in Costa Rica and it is often the fastest and easiest way to get a hold of someone.
If you are having difficulty connecting with a provider, then I recommend sending them a message on WhatsApp, which is an entirely free app for text messaging and calling.
Additionally, it is free! You can learn more about it at www.whatsapp.com.
When communicating via phone call make sure to follow-up with an email to make sure nothing gets lost in translation.
Wedding Day Point-of-Contact
Prior to the wedding, make sure to provide multiple ways the vendor can contact you or your assistant when needed. Ask if they are familiar with your venue and send directions and a map.Keep in mind that there are often villas and beaches with the same name throughout the country so make sure to clearly specify which one your wedding is taking place at.
If you choose not to have a wedding planner you will want to assign someone to help you with the coordination before the wedding and the day-of. You’ll be busy throughout the day, so you’ll want to assign this task to someone who can be available for your vendors and guests. Be sure to give their contact information to your vendor contacts.
To ease communication with local vendors, make sure this person has WhatsApp downloaded on their phone. Ideally, they have also installed a SIM card from a local cell phone company, so they have cell service at all times. This person should not be in the wedding party as those in your wedding party will be busy with other tasks on the day of the wedding.
Happy planning!
XO, Kirsten