VI
EN
Ms. Minh Tú is currently the Wedding Collective Service Development Manager, under the management of the One Good Day travel and event company. As a wedding planner, she aims to promote wedding tourism by finding beautiful locations with all the necessary amenities. Such places are suitable for both celebrating the joyous occasion and sightseeing.
“By combining two burgeoning service industries, we believe that wedding tourism not only encourages tourists to extend their stay and explore the area, but can also inspire more international guests to return to the location for future vacations. At each destination, we also encourage couples to incorporate traditional culture into their weddings to create a unique touch. At the same time, we introduce new local cultures to our guests. Weddings now not only create unique and memorable experiences, but also promote tourism through beautiful images that are positively communicated across various social media platforms,” said Minh Tú.
A wedding planner is someone who helps couples plan their wedding day and ensures the event runs smoothly.
Travel weddings and city weddings
Combining weddings with travel is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam. As a wedding planner, Minh Tú believes that both travel weddings and traditional weddings have very clear advantages and disadvantages.
A travel wedding promises a romantic and unique experience, but requires extensive planning and can be more expensive. A traditional city wedding might be convenient and cost-effective, but it will lack privacy and a unique atmosphere. Regardless of the style, there are ways for the bride and groom to reduce stress and add a special touch to their big day.
The lavish wedding of Linda Ngo and Phong Dat was held outdoors in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa.
"In major cities, most families only hold traditional ceremonies at home, while wedding receptions are usually held in wedding halls. Modern weddings also seamlessly combine Vietnamese wedding customs with Western wedding activities such as wedding dresses, cake cutting, and wine pouring... therefore, I will use the term 'city wedding' instead of 'traditional wedding'," Ms. Minh Tu added.
For city weddings, brides and grooms often choose a centrally located venue that's easily accessible to guests. This can reduce travel stress, encouraging guests to stay longer. To add a unique and memorable touch to a city wedding, couples can choose a venue with stunning city skyline views or incorporate delicious local cuisine into the menu. Furthermore, organizing small activities around the wedding day, such as a bachelorette party, cake fitting, or a final date, can add joy and reduce the pressure of having entertainment on the wedding day itself.
Outdoor weddings are a very popular form of wedding celebration. No longer confined to restaurants and hotels, outdoor weddings emphasize simplicity and elegance.
For a resort wedding, while a smaller guest list might not reduce overall costs, it will certainly make planning activities and accommodations easier. The bride and groom should communicate early and regularly with guests about the location, costs, and related logistics, and provide a detailed itinerary. This can help guests plan their trip and make the most of their time at the destination.
To reduce financial pressure, organizers need to prioritize wedding items and plan spending on the most important ones first. Then, they can look for more economical options for the rest. Couples who choose a travel wedding are usually those who prioritize experiences and have financial independence. The modern, free-spirited lifestyle of the couple themselves is the biggest factor that distinguishes a travel wedding from a city wedding.
Weddings now not only create unique and memorable experiences, but also boost domestic tourism in the near future through beautiful imagery.
Advice from a wedding planner when organizing a travel wedding.
Besides the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, couples often gravitate towards tourist destinations with beautiful scenery and a wide range of accommodation options. Ms. Minh Tu suggested four reasonable choices for the beginning of the year: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Sa Pa. These locations offer stable climates, rich culture, numerous service options, and convenient sightseeing. Couples and their guests can easily travel by plane or car from the major cities.
Ms. Minh Tú believes that when choosing a tourist wedding destination, couples should pay attention to three important factors: weather, accessibility, and personal touches.
First, weather is a crucial factor to consider, as the climate in Vietnam varies by region. While spring is often considered a good time for weddings, couples should still check the specific weather conditions of their chosen location to avoid unexpected changes. When choosing a wedding location with a rainy climate, the bride and groom should ensure they have enough indoor space to accommodate their guests.
Weather is a crucial factor in wedding planning, especially for outdoor weddings.
Secondly, accessibility is a key consideration, as guests will be traveling from afar. The venue should be accessible by multiple means of transportation, ideally close to the airport, with convenient city transport and a wide selection of hotels for guests to stay in. A wedding will be considered memorable if the travel experience is pleasant.
Ultimately, she found that clients with high EQ (emotional intelligence) tend to care more about making their wedding memorable. Couples won't randomly choose a wedding destination based on trends, but rather select a culturally distinct location that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences to celebrate their special day in a meaningful way.
Ms. Minh Tú said: “In the future, we are also very willing to explore less popular locations. Because many clients request weddings in places that offer more pristine and unique experiences.”
