THE HONEST TRUTH ABOUT PLANNING A EVENT — WEDDING IN TURKEY

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Turkey, you’ve probably seen endless articles about “beautiful venues, great service and perfect sunsets.”But the real wedding industry here has changed — and couples deserve to understand what truly defines quality today.

1. Economic changes reshaped the entire market 

Turkey used to be known for a perfect formula: affordable, delicious, and high-quality.This middle segment — the balance between price and service — simply no longer exists.

Today, the market has split into two extremes:high-priced but genuinely high-quality,or budget options with very low standards.

It’s not about preferences — it’s about the economic reality of the country.

2. Many venues can no longer afford professional staff

Because of the financial pressure, many restaurants and venues can’t keep experienced teams anymore.Instead, they hire: — seasonal workers– students– people with little or no traininghoping they will “learn quickly” during the season.

But this leads to frequent issues: — slow or inconsistent service– mistakes in timing– weak kitchen performance– lack of coordination– stress for the couple and guestsProfessionalism has become a luxury — and only certain venues truly maintain it.

3. Low prices always mean low quality — there are no exceptions today

If a venue offers 100–150 € per person, it’s important to understand what this price actually reflects: — cheap ingredients– untrained staff– outdated equipment– unstable service

The old idea of “affordable but good” simply doesn’t apply in today’s Turkey.  Cheap options look attractive — but lead to disappointment in 99% of cases. 

4. Choosing a venue is not about Pinterest — it’s about reality

Many couples fall in love with a photo, a sunset, a stone wall, or a garden.

But the real criteria are: — does this venue have a professional team? — is the kitchen reliable? — does the service match your expectations? — can it support your format and guest count? — is the price aligned with today’s market? 

Only someone who works locally knows these nuances.

5. A local wedding planner is not a helper — they are your guide through the real Turkish market

A planner who lives and works in Turkey sees the industry from the inside: — which venues still maintain quality
– where the staff is trained
– which places fit your budget realistically
– which vendors are professional and trustworthy
– where hidden costs may appear
– which options simply will not work for your expectationsThis is not theory — this is everyday practice.A local planner protects your budget, your nerves, and your experience.

6. A venue sets the foundation of your entire budget

A beautiful venue is just the beginning.  You still need: — décor– lighting– florals– music– service staff– logistics

A venue alone does not create a wedding.  Which is why choosing  the right venue — one that matches both vision and budget — is essential.

But that is a topic for another blog post.