Couples seek simplicity

From page 2: “We encourage bridal couples to get legally married in South Africa and then offer a Renewal of Vow ceremony,” said Watermeyer. Fletcher warned that trying to get legally married in a foreign country introduces layers of bureaucracy that can completely overshadow the romance. Human touch Despite technology and AI increasingly influencing travel distribution, both operators believe the weddings and honeymoons segment will increasingly reward specialist agents capable of delivering personalised service and emotional reassurance rather than transactional bookings. “Couples planning the most romantic trip of their lives don’t want to deal with someone reading off a brochure. They want to connect with an agent who has been there, who can describe the feeling of that first sunset on the beach, who genuinely cares whether the honeymoon is perfect. That cannot be replicated by an algorithm,” Fletcher said. Watermeyer said social media plays a big part in allowing couples to dream big. “We as agents need to be equipped to make the impossible, possible. Unique ideas like exchanging vows on a small cruise ship, such as Star Clippers or on a hot air balloon in Turkey, are trending and with a bit of investigation it can be done.”