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How to build a destination wedding portfolio to attract your dream destination couples
If you’re hoping to book weddings abroad, the first step is to build a destination wedding portfolio. But it’s a bit of a Catch-22. If you need the destination content to book destination weddings, how do you get the content without booking weddings? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll learn today!
You’ll be relieved to learn that there ARE things you can do to create a destination portfolio BEFORE booking real weddings. And when done intentionally, this portfolio will ensure you’re able to attract the right destination couples for you and your business. Plus, you’ll be communicating your expertise along the way—another key step in booking destination clients.
Here are three ways you can start to build a destination wedding portfolio:
01. Plan a content-creation trip
First and foremost, the most obvious (and crucial way) to build a destination wedding portfolio is to plan a trip to your dream location. During this trip, you should create as much content as possible! Set up a styled shoot, meet with local planners and offer them portrait sessions, visit and photograph venues, get your own headshots taken, and shoot general travel content of that location. You’ll come home with LOADS of gorgeous content to begin implementing into your marketing and portfolio.
02. Plan a destination-inspired styled shoot
Next up: If you’re simply unable to invest in a trip at this time, you can plan a local destination-inspired shoot. Take inspiration from your ideal destination and create a shoot that encompasses the same charm and aesthetic. Look for a venue with a similar style—and think outside the box! It doesn’t have to be a traditional wedding venue. You’ll need to get creative here, but the challenge will be a fun one! The goal is to create a shoot that will seamlessly blend in with the destination content you’ll eventually begin to incorporate into your portfolio.
03. Style & create flatlays for bonus content
Lastly, another simple way to start building your destination wedding portfolio is by creating detail and flatlay photos inspired by your ideal location. I did this in the beginning, and it provided me with a great mixture of content to share on social media.
For example, because I wanted to attract weddings in France, I purchased antique French books, brass skeleton keys, and antique French handwritten letters. Etsy and Facebook Marketplace are great places to hunt for treasures! I also reached out to a stationer whose work I loved, and she sent me a sample invitation suite she created for a French château wedding. I bought a pretty bundle of ranunculus flowers, styled it all together, and had some gorgeous French-inspired flatlays to share!
I hope these tips inspire you to go build a dreamy destination wedding portfolio and begin booking weddings abroad.
Bon voyage, beauties!
Kristin xo
Ready to make your destination dreams come true?
Discover more educational resources:
5 Reasons You’re Not Booking Destination Weddings
