Intro:
If Thailand is on your radar for a destination wedding… yes, you’re in for something truly special! Reading brochures or browsing websites can never replace walking through venues, meeting hotel teams, and experiencing local culture in person. Arabia Weddings’ exclusive FAM (Familiarization) trip was designed to do exactly that. They took Dubai wedding planners to inspirational destinations in Thailand, specifically Phuket and Khao Lak, in partnership with Marriott International.
Inside the Arabia Weddings FAM Trip: A Planner’s Perspective
Ikigaii Planners joined the Arabia Weddings FAM trip with Marriott in Phuket & Khao Lak, where event planners explored venues, gained strategic insights, experienced Thai culture, and built collaborations. The trip offered invaluable firsthand exposure that helps planners elevate their expertise and broaden destination options for future couples.
What We Learned from the Phuket & Khao Lak Experience
Site visits across 10 Marriott properties in Phuket & Khao Lak
Over several days, we explored ten Marriott properties in Phuket & Khao Lak. Each had a unique personality — some vibrant and lively, others calm and intimate. Seeing them in person helped us understand how versatile these venues can be, whether for a grand wedding or a private celebration. It also gave us insights into guest flow, space flexibility, and how to make transitions seamless on the wedding day.
Direct collaborations with hotel & tourism teams
The best part of visiting in person was speaking directly with hotel managers and tourism representatives. These conversations gave us clarity on processes, timelines, and the kind of support couples can expect. It also helped us build relationships that will make future planning smoother and more collaborative.
Peer learning with elite planners
We also met some incredible wedding planners from the region. Exchanging stories, challenges, and solutions was both inspiring and practical. These conversations gave us new perspectives and ideas that we can bring back to our own clients.
How Site Visits Shape Better Wedding Planning Decisions
Site visits let us imagine real guest experiences. We test pathways, lighting, acoustic concerns, and vendor access. Those small checks prevent big surprises on the wedding day. We returned with realistic timelines and contingency plans that we can offer clients.
Fun Activities We Enjoyed Beyond the Venues
Elephant care program in Phuket
One of the highlights was visiting an elephant care program. It wasn’t just fun; it was meaningful. Watching how these gentle giants are cared for gave us a deeper appreciation for experiences that can be woven into a wedding journey responsibly.
Zipline adventures in Khao Lak
In Khao Lak, we got adventurous with ziplining at Sky Rock Adventure Park. It reminded us how couples and their guests can enjoy activities together beyond the wedding day, making the celebration more than just a single event.
Thai hospitality & traditions
Every meeting and handshake built stronger ties with people who matter — hotel teams, tourism boards, and fellow planners. These connections mean faster responses, more creative possibilities, and smoother execution when planning weddings abroad.
Building Stronger Industry Connections
Every meeting and handshake built stronger ties with people who matter — hotel teams, tourism boards, and fellow planners. These connections mean faster responses, more creative possibilities, and smoother execution when planning weddings abroad.
Why Direct Hotel Collaborations Matter More Than Brochures
No brochure can show you the way staff handle a large group check-in or how a ballroom feels when the lights are dimmed for dinner. Direct collaboration gives us the reality we need to design better experiences for couples.
Behind the Scenes: Logistics and Guest Experience Insights
One of the biggest takeaways from our trip was understanding how much the “little things” matter in a destination wedding. From smooth airport transfers and warm welcome drinks to thoughtfully planned group activities, every detail sets the tone for the celebration. Even something as simple as managing luggage can make guests feel at ease. When these behind-the-scenes arrangements are handled seamlessly, the couple and their loved ones get to focus only on joy, not logistics.
The Role of Tourism Boards in Supporting Destination Weddings
What surprised us was how supportive tourism boards can be when it comes to destination weddings. They help planners navigate local processes such as permits, cultural requirements, and regulations that could otherwise feel overwhelming. Having this backing not only gives us confidence but also ensures that couples feel reassured about choosing the location. It’s like having an invisible partner who smooths out the challenges and allows us to focus on creating meaningful moments.
How FAM Trips Strengthen Planner–Vendor Relationships
Meeting vendors in person changes everything. During our trip, we tasted menus, tested décor styles, and got a real sense of how each vendor works. These interactions build trust and allow us to match couples with the right partners who fit their personality and vision. Instead of relying only on online research, we now carry personal experiences that translate into stronger recommendations and more creative wedding designs.
Turning Experiences into Strategic Wedding Proposals
Every insight from the trip eventually finds its way into our proposals back home. Because we’ve experienced these destinations firsthand, we can now design weddings that are not only beautiful but also practical. Our suggestions include realistic timelines, authentic cultural elements, and fun group activities that make celebrations more memorable. When clients see that we’ve walked the path ourselves, they feel reassured knowing their wedding is in capable hands.
How Do Planners Benefit from FAM Trips Like This?
- Strategic insights – Practical knowledge of venues, logistics, and guest experiences.
- Networking value – New collaborations with hotels, tourism boards, and fellow planners.
- Professional growth – Confidence to design unique, authentic, and well-executed weddings.
FAQs (Planners Often Ask)
Why should wedding planners attend FAM trips?
Because nothing replaces firsthand experience. It makes planners sharper, more creative, and more reliable for their clients.
Do FAM trips only focus on venues?
Not at all. They include cultural activities, logistical checks, and opportunities to connect with tourism boards and vendors.
How does this help future clients?
Clients benefit from realistic planning, stronger vendor connections, and creative ideas that come from real experiences — not just pictures.
Reflections on the Future of Destination Wedding Planning
Destination weddings are evolving, and planners must evolve with them. Couples today want more than just a beautiful venue; they want an entire journey. Trips like this with Marriott in Phuket & Khao Lak keep us ready to design weddings that are not only stunning but also deeply personal and smooth in execution. If you are interested in a destination wedding in Dubai, you can contact the Ikigaii Planners at any time.
Closing Reflection: What Ikigaii Planners Take Back Home
For us at Ikigaii Planners, this wasn’t a holiday, it was a learning journey. Co-founder Vaibbhav Anju Arora puts it best: “This trip reminded us that planning is not about selling destinations. It’s about understanding them, connecting with people, and bringing back ideas that make every wedding unforgettable.”
We return from Phuket and Khao Lak with sharper insights, stronger relationships, and fresh inspiration to serve our couples better.