At this point in her career, Paloma Flores could probably plan a wedding in her sleep. But the director of weddings for Oasis Hotels & Resorts always goes above and beyond to help clients plan their dream ceremony. In fact, Flores is the creator of Oasis’ wedding destination concept — O Weddings by Oasis — which focuses on showcasing innovative, quality and elegant weddings at the brand’s properties in Tulum and Cancun, Mexico.
And Flores certainly knows her stuff: She began her career in the hospitality industry more than a decade ago at a hotel chain in the Riviera Maya, where she increased wedding performance from 40 weddings per year to 650 per year. In April 2015, she also represented the state of Quintana Roo in the romance sector at a National Tourism forum.
Here, Flores discusses the growth of O Weddings and how travel agents can help clients plan a paradisiacal destination wedding.
Can you tell me more about the recent expansion of Oasis’ wedding-planning services?
O Weddings’ new expansion is reflective of our mission to celebrate love with no limits. A couple’s religious or spiritual beliefs should never be the reason they miss out on a dream destination wedding. We want every bride and groom to feel comfortable and assured that the traditions they hold most dear to them can be honored, even beachside.
We debuted newly built ceremonial spaces for Roman Catholic weddings — structures that were approved by the prelature — to be able to host Catholic weddings. Additionally, we’ve partnered with brands that specialize in hosting Jewish, Hindu and South Asian events so that couples can feel confident they will have an authentic celebration.
What were some of your most popular wedding packages for 2017?
The most popular package was the O Eternity package ($6,620, accommodates up to 50 guests). I think it’s successful because it completes the dream: the wedding on the beach, a reception afterward and a nuptial suite. It also includes amenities such as a Smart Car for the bride and groom for a day, a 30 percent discount on spa treatments for the couple, a bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, sound equipment for the ceremony, a celebration toast after the ceremony, a wedding cake, a rehearsal dinner in an on-site specialty restaurant with a set menu for 30 guests and more.
What do you expect for 2018?
We expect to continue growing and positioning our brand by offering luxury, quality and service at an affordable price. Our goal is for every couple’s destination wedding to be something they live, love and remember.
For couples who are all about customization, what kinds of personalized wedding services and amenities does Oasis offer?
Beyond our preplanned wedding packages, couples can choose to have a completely custom, a la carte wedding where they can pick each and every essential element they want for their special day, and their dedicated O Weddings wedding planner will make it happen. We pride ourselves on being the most flexible and unique wedding planning service in the Riviera Maya.
For example, we allow the use of external vendors free of charge. And our unique policy of one wedding per day, per property ensures that our expert wedding planners are fully focused on each couple’s special day.
What are some added ways that agents can earn commission with O Weddings?
When booking O Weddings, agents receive commission for the wedding package and rooms booked. It’s truly a win-win for them. Most weddings that agents book are through referrals of happy brides and guests, so after every successful wedding they plan, agents can also expect their business to grow with future events.
Are there any additional updates on the horizon for O Weddings that agents should know about?
We are working on a new site-inspection program that will provide a complimentary two-night stay that will allow agents to experience our offering firsthand so they feel confident when deciding to plan a dream destination wedding at an Oasis Hotels & Resorts property. We will also be rolling out a new fam trip program this year so that agents can better familiarize themselves with our brand and be able to enjoy all that we offer.
The Details
O Weddings by Oasiswww.o-weddings.com
