Top Destination Wedding Planners to Bring Your Dream Overseas Ceremony to Life!

Transcending from the majestic, yet breathtakingly palatial or coastal locales of India, are you looking to tie the knot with your beau at an exotic, overseas destination? While it surely sounds like a phenomenal and dreamy feat., planning a traditional wedding abroad can be quite challenging if you do not have your go-to village, aka, bonafide wedding planners, who are well-versed with your chosen destination and the local resources available to make your fairytale saga come to life.

Image Via: @jccastilloweddings 

Opening up a wonderful world to you and your guests ensuring that you have an outwardly experience of a lifetime as you embrace new beginnings, the idea of being amidst picture-perfect landscapes, mouthwatering cuisines and gastronomy, and an immersive, welcoming culture surely serves as a magical tapestry of cherished memories and mesmerising revelries. 

Shedding insight based on their numerous years of experience, here are our few recommended top-notch wedding planners who have established a niche across countries in South East Asia and the Gulf, which are super popular for Indian weddings. 

The Event Designer★ 5

 

Image Via: Sumi and Tarkik

Founder/s

Sahil Sachdeva and Nishita Aggarwal

A Little About Their Journey

Following their philosophy, "Where each wedding is an 'Art'", The Event Designer was founded by two dynamic visionaries, Sahil Sachdeva and Nishita Aggarwal in 2011. Their unwavering commitment to transcending borders and curating luxurious experiential celebrations across unique destinations has earned them a reputation for excellence in the wedding industry. With your loved ones around, The Event Designer helps you create a treasure-trove of cherished memories as you celebrate this significant milestone. 

While Sahil Sachdeva coordinates logistics and manpower for events, his partner, Nishita, is a design aficionado, trained at NIFT Delhi and the London School of Fashion. Together, they make the perfect A-Team. Their company was founded after working together on a social event and realizing their teamwork was magical. Over the years, they have curated numerous weddings, especially in international locations like Dubai, and have been awarded several accolades like the ‘Best Destination Planner in Delhi NCR at the Shubh Wedding Awards’, 'Experimental Celebration of the Year at Silver Wow Awards Asia’, and the ‘Best Destination Wedding International’ at Bronze Giwa Awards’.

Top Recommended International Destination: Dubai

Shedding insight, Sahil Sachdeva quips, “If you are planning your wedding, it’s important to select a location that matches your style". Recommending Dubai as a great destination, this city, stands out for its luxurious hotels and flawless service, amalgamating modern elegance with a hint of traditional cultural éclat. Moreover, the city's infrastructure, easy accessibility, and widespread availability of Indian and global cuisines make it a top contender for a lavish wedding celebration. In fact, they highly recommend opulent venues like Palazzo Versace and Zabeel Saray for their unparalleled grandeur. 

Advice For To-Be Weds

One's personal choice and a realistic budget are important in planning a wedding. The prime focus is to create an experience that pays homage and is as unique as a couple's love story. Playing a major role, top hospitality will leave an inedible mark on you and your guests.

Designer Events Inc★ 5

Image via: Kam and João

Founder/s

Kaveri Vij and Akshay Chopra

A Little About Their Journey

Designer Events Inc. is the brainchild of Kaveri Vij and Akshay Chopra, a dynamic duo who bring their unique talents to create unforgettable weddings. Kaveri, the Chief Dreamer and Planner, is the visionary behind the company that transforms your dreams into flawless reality. Akshay, the Creative Designer and Conceptualizer, weaves his magic through stunning design elements transforming your wedding into a visual masterpiece.

By combining their talents, they make every detail of your wedding flawlessly planned, beautifully crafted, and beautifully executed, exceeding your expectations and leaving you with lasting memories, creating days filled with love and feeling like home. As part of its exclusive services, the company offers aesthetics planning, creative styling, set design, and more. In addition to planning and designing weddings worldwide, they have offices in the Middle East and India.

Top Recommended International Destination: Dubai

As mentioned earlier, Dubai offers excellent flight connectivity around the globe, making it convenient for guests to travel. It is often, an accessible layover stop for many flights since a lot of cities are in a proximity of 5 to 8 hours from there. Moreover, their multicultural immersion and a seamless blend of modern norms with enriching traditions, amidst ultra-luxurious landscapes and hotspots make it an ah-mazing location to say 'I Do'- from the boujee yachts to the majestic palaces, does it get any better?

Advice For To-Be Weds

Planning a magnum-opus wedding requires setting a realistic budget and considering all costs, including travel, lodging, venue fees, and services to ensure it matches your vision. Further, it's important to hire an experienced, reputable wedding planner who can seamlessly accommodate your preferences. This will help you navigate the complexities of planning a destination wedding. Once you've locked in a team, it is crucial to trust the wedding planner- believe us, they know their way around! As a final tip, embrace the local culture and offer your guests an experience they won't soon forget!

Weddings By Evensia★ 5

Image via: Pragna and Sahil

Founder/s

Bharat Jagasia and Samidha Banssal

A Little About Their Journey

Bharat Jagasia is an experienced specialist in the travel and hospitality sector. He has substantial leadership experience with well-known organizations like SOTC-Kuoni, CNK-UK, and TUI-UK. He is a pioneer in the NRI industry, having helped launch SOTC and CNK in North America, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Southeast Asia. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer for both TUI and CNK's Visa Outsourcing divisions. In this function, he successfully established Visa Application Centres (VACs) for several diplomatic posts across the world.

As an "accidental wedding planner," Bharat's passion for creating flawless events led him to start his destination wedding brand after organizing successful weddings for family and friends. With his meticulous attention to detail and no-nonsense approach, he and his team ensure that every wedding they manage is an unforgettable experience. 

Serving as the Co-founder, Samita Banssal is a qualified Learning & Development Consultant and a certified Image Coach who's worked with companies like ICICI, TCS, and Genpact. A creative soul with a keen interest in design, decor, and production, she holds certificates in wedding & events design, with her impassioned designs successfully coming to life at destination weddings in the breathtaking locales of India, Bali, and Thailand. 

Top Recommended International Destination: Phuket, Thailand

With its stunning beaches and abounding natural beauty, Khao Lak, Thailand, stands out as a premier destination for Indian weddings. Offering secluded and intimate settings with mesmerizing backdrops, Khao Lak boasts luxurious high-end resorts like the Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, the JW Marriot Khao Lak Resort & Spa, and the Avani+ Khao Lak that features exceptional Indian and international cuisines. Guests can also enjoy thrilling, adventurous activities, while newlyweds can retreat themselves to a perfect honeymoon setting. Its proximity to Phuket also works in its favor tremendously. 

Advice For The To-Be Weds

Planning your dream wedding in Khao Lak can be quite rewarding if you remember some key tips. Start planning your festivities well in advance to get the best deals and availability. It is also advisable to choose a local planner, who knows the area and personnel around, you and trust them to execute your grand fairytale wedding. The next step is to schedule a site visit with your planners to determine the venue, logistics, and other details.

And, if you have your heart set on saying 'I Do' in Khao Lak, the ideal time to marry is between November and May due to favorable weather conditions. From providing your guests with a comprehensive in-room welcome guide specifically designed for them to incorporating local culinary delights, these tidbits will make your wedding a memorable event!

Mandala Events★ 5

Image via: Sachi and Jay

Founder/s

Vandana Sachdev

A Little About Their Journey

Mandala Events was founded in 2018 by Vandana Sachdev, a wedding planner born and raised in Thailand. Drawing on a rich blend of knowledge doused in the Indian and Thai cultures, Vandana started Mandala Events to help couples create unforgettable weddings. With years of experience in the industry, she and her team specialize in curating ethereal destination ceremonies, fusing vibrant ethnic traditions with the region's natural beauty. Having organized weddings for family and friends, she decided to turn her passion into a business dedicated to providing unique and personalized wedding experiences.

Top Recommended International Destination: Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its diverse terrains ranging from picturesque beachfronts, islands, luxury resorts, and scenic green spaces. Moreover, its cultural éclat, exceptional hospitality, infused with warmth and friendliness, and affordability make it an ideal destination to host heartwarming weddings. Spoiling you for choice, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Khao Lak are especially popular for grand celebrations. In addition to their phenomenal settings and matchless services, properties like the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, the Avani Hua Hin Resort & Villas, the Dusit Thani Hua Hin, and the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa are highly recommended.

Advice For The To-Be-Weds

The founder of Mandala Events, Vandana strongly recommends booking your venue of choice and vendors at least a year in advance as they're popular choices amongst millennial couples. Again, like the other experts, they too, believe in choosing local wedding planners who have the right connections and access to your dream property. To enhance the uniqueness of your wedding, you can incorporate local traditions like the Thai water blessing ceremony to add a touch of sanctity to your new beginnings. 

Hitchkey Weddings★ 5

Founder/s

Aayushi Modi

A Little About Their Journey

Coming from the vibrant and versatile hub, popularly called the 'City of Dreams', Mumbai, founder Aayushi Modi has over a decade of experience in wedding planning. With Hitch Key Weddings, a renowned pan-India brand with collaborations internationally, she is redefining the way weddings are designed.

Balancing the art of organizing stellar weddings in India, the U.S., Canada, and Thailand, Aayushi soon realized that mastering time management across different time zones was the key to her success. Calling her journey, nothing short of a whirlwind, filled with ups and downs, she believes that seeing the diverse cultural influences come to life through her events is what makes this process rewarding. 

After expanding her business to Canada, she pursued a certification with the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada (WPIC), to gain the essential knowledge and credentials to practice in this country. She also garnered hands-on experience by assisting local planners and collaborating with various venues, florists, and other vendors. This thorough preparation helped her successfully integrate into their regional market. From incorporating strategic planning to fostering heartfelt connections and continuous learning, Hitch Key Weddings is always evolving. 

Top Recommended International Destination: Canada

Replete with breathtaking scenic venues and abounding natural beauty, the Canadian landscape is a dream come true for couples who desire a picturesque backdrop for their nuptials boasting a cooler climate. The majestic Rocky Mountains, pristine lakes, and lush gardens serve as stunning settings for outdoor weddings.

In addition, the presence of luxurious locations and cutting-edge technology make it a perfect fit for lavish celebrations. While Canada may be a bit further away on the world map, it surely has excellent connectivity for international guests, especially those traveling from the U.S. and Europe, thanks to the easy visa process and modern infrastructure. Moreover, with a large Indian community present, there is a good network of resources, and with this brand's networking, you can ensure a celebration that is tailor-made to your tastes and preferences.  

Advice For The To-Be-Weds

Reemphasizing this mainstay feature, it's better to start planning your ceremonies well in advance and book your desired vendors, venues, and accommodations.  When it comes to weather, each season has its unique offering- summer is perfect for beautiful outdoor weddings, fall offers marvelous, color-changing foliage, while winter gives you a pristine white, snow-clad backdrop (and layers of cozy, warm clothing).

Whether you reside in this North American country or are celebrating your festivities out there, always remember that each province has different marriage regulations and paperwork required. Therefore, research about the same and get that sorted well in advance. Choose a destination that is easily accessible for the guests and fits your budget. Personalizing unique details and knick-knacks will make it an affair to remember. While most of you would wish to say 'I Do' amidst the unparalleled natural beauty, let's face it- the weather in Canada can be extremely unpredictable, and therefore it is better to have a backup plan to move the ceremony indoors if need be. Certain recommended venues would be Renaissance By The Greek, the Hart House in Toronto, and the farm-inspired, Belcroft Estate in Innisfil. 

Two Fat Ladies★ 5

Image Via: Rashi and Karan

Founder/s

Namrata and Khushboo

A Little About Their Journey

Considered a relatable, yet top-notch and eclectic wedding planning duo, these dynamic ladies and founders of the company, Two Fat Ladies, Namrata and Khushboo help to commemorate and weave your love story into your celebrations through their stellar range of wedding planning facilities, including decor. From photography and videography to flowers, lights, and catering amongst other services, they pride themselves in providing a holistic experience in this domain. Their main USP is to honour the real-life experiences that brought you to this point of saying 'I Do' to your soulmate.

Top Recommended International Destination: Bali

Based out of Juhu, Mumbai, and with a strong foothold and expertise in organizing weddings, both within India and abroad, they strongly recommend the beautiful, yet pious locales of Bali to host your heartwarming wedding celebrations in. A predominantly Hindu island located in Indonesia, whose roots are embedded in the philosophy, "One by One", this breathtaking coastal locale, invites you to slow down, unwind, and relax while truly soaking in all the festivities, ensuring the perfect harmonious balance between the external world and your inner being- a nuance that helps you pay homage and retain the sanctity of our culture's traditional wedding-day rituals and customs. 

Moreover, as a destination, Bali provides a vibrant ambiance, thanks to its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and luxurious abodes and hotels. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this 'Land of the Gods' has something in store for everyone. With direct flights available from metropolitan cities like Delhi and Bangalore, Bali is easily accessible. And, with its currency, also known as the Indonesian Rupiah being weaker in denomination than the Indian currency, Bali surely offers an affordably grand experience, making it an ideal choice to house the wedding of your dreams without leaving a hole in your pocket. 

There are also several spectacular properties to lodge your guests in and arrange your functions such as the Grand Hyatt, Conrad, Sofitel, Ayodhya Palace Resort, and Aayana, which guarantee superior amenities and diverse venues.

Advice For The To-Be-Weds

As a couple about to tie the knot next year, these seasoned professionals definitely give Bali a big thumbs-up as an 'I Do' destination. But they strongly advise you to plan your festivities between April and October, as the monsoons set in after.  Boasting a tropical climate throughout the year, Bali has comfortable temperatures for the guests to enjoy. Moreover, since most of the vendors are available locally, one doesn't need to stress about the logistics and coordination with professionals back home, thereby saving time and money.

 

ALSO READ: Real Brides Reveal: One Destination Wedding Planning Hack That Will Help You Save Money!