Sendy Raymond of Your Bali Wedding Shares Her Business Success
Sendy Raymond is the Owner and Managing Director of Your Bali Wedding, a premier wedding planning company specializing in luxury and bespoke destination weddings in Bali. Originally from Batam Island near Singapore, her journey into the wedding industry began with a passion for hospitality, creativity, and personal storytelling. With a background in language and tourism, Sendy found her calling in event planning when she was asked to organize a friend’s wedding, an experience that changed the course of her career.
Under her leadership, Your Bali Wedding has become one of the most sought-after wedding planning services in Bali, attracting couples from around the world. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for bringing dreams to life, Sendy continues to redefine destination weddings with innovation, style, and heartfelt dedication.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
I grew up on Batam Island near Singapore, where my love for languages and hospitality first developed. After studying at the Foreign Language Academy and attending music school in Jakarta, a trip to Bali changed my career path. I started in sales but discovered my passion for event planning when a friend asked me to organize a wedding. That experience led me to launch Your Bali Wedding, where I now specialize in creating seamless, personalized, and unforgettable destination weddings for couples from around the world.
What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration came from a deep love for creativity, hospitality, and the joy of bringing people together. When I planned my first wedding for a friend, I realized how much I loved curating beautiful, meaningful experiences. Bali’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture provided the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations, and I saw an opportunity to help couples create their dream weddings here. With my background in tourism and event planning, launching Your Bali Wedding felt like a natural step, allowing me to blend my passion with my expertise while making a lasting impact on couples’ special moments.
Where is your business based?
Your Bali Wedding is based in Bali, Indonesia, one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for weddings. With its breathtaking beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and stunning venues, Bali offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations. From luxury cliffside resorts to intimate beachfront ceremonies, we specialize in curating bespoke weddings that capture the magic of this beautiful island.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
I started Your Bali Wedding after planning a friend’s wedding and realizing my passion for creating memorable events. The first steps involved building strong relationships with local vendors, understanding the logistics of destination weddings, and refining my planning process to ensure seamless execution. I focused on networking, gaining hands-on experience, and curating a portfolio that showcased my style and attention to detail. As word-of-mouth referrals grew, so did the business, allowing me to develop a trusted reputation in the industry and expand my services to international couples seeking a dream wedding in Bali.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
The most effective way of raising awareness for Your Bali Wedding has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, social media marketing, and strong vendor relationships. Happy couples sharing their experiences have been invaluable in building trust and attracting new clients. Instagram, in particular, has been a powerful tool for showcasing our work, as weddings are highly visual and inspire future couples. Additionally, collaborating with Bali’s top vendors and venues has helped expand our reach, ensuring we are recommended to couples looking for a seamless, luxury destination wedding experience.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing the logistics of destination weddings, especially when coordinating with international clients who aren’t physically in Bali. Time zone differences, cultural expectations, and last-minute changes can add complexity. To overcome this, I prioritize clear communication, offer virtual consultations, and work with a trusted team of vendors who share my commitment to excellence. Another major challenge was navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to postponed weddings and uncertainty. By staying flexible, supporting couples through rescheduling, and maintaining strong vendor relationships, we were able to rebuild and continue delivering exceptional wedding experiences.
How do you stay focused?
I stay focused by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and keeping my passion for wedding planning at the heart of everything I do. Using detailed timelines, checklists, and strong communication with my team ensures that every event runs smoothly. I also take time to recharge by embracing Bali’s natural beauty, whether it’s a walk on the beach or a quiet moment in nature. Staying connected with my clients and seeing their happiness on their wedding day keeps me motivated and reminds me why I love what I do.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
Your Bali Wedding stands out by offering highly personalized, detail-oriented, and stress-free planning experiences tailored to each couple’s vision. What sets us apart is our deep local knowledge, strong vendor relationships, and commitment to creating seamless, elegant, and meaningful weddings. I take the time to truly understand my clients, ensuring their wedding reflects their unique personalities rather than just following trends. My team and I prioritize exceptional service, flexibility, and creative execution, ensuring every couple enjoys not only a breathtaking wedding but also a smooth and enjoyable planning journey.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
The most effective marketing strategy for growing Your Bali Wedding has been a combination of social media presence, word-of-mouth referrals, and strategic partnerships with top vendors and venues. Instagram has been a powerful tool for showcasing our weddings, as visually stunning content attracts engaged couples looking for inspiration. Additionally, client testimonials and personal recommendations have helped build trust and credibility. Collaborating with luxury resorts, photographers, and florists has also expanded our reach, ensuring that couples planning a Bali wedding are introduced to our services through trusted industry connections.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
My best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to start with passion but build with strategy. Success comes from a combination of doing what you love and understanding the business side of it. Focus on building strong relationships, delivering exceptional service, and staying adaptable to challenges. Be patient, growth takes time, and consistency is key. Most importantly, always prioritize your clients' experience; happy clients are your best marketing tool, and their trust will fuel your success.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
App: Instagram - because it allows me to showcase my work, connect with clients, and stay updated on wedding trends.
Blog: I love “Style Me Pretty”, as it’s a great source of inspiration for both couples and planners.
Book: A book I always come back to is "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker because it highlights the importance of meaningful and intentional event planning.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
My favorite business tool is Trello because it helps me stay organized and manage multiple weddings seamlessly. It allows my team and me to track timelines, vendor communications, and client preferences all in one place, ensuring nothing gets overlooked. For resources, I find The Knot Pro and WeddingWire incredibly valuable for staying updated on industry trends, networking with other professionals, and understanding what modern couples are looking for in their wedding experience. These tools help streamline my workflow and enhance the overall planning process for my clients.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Mindy Weiss, a world-renowned wedding planner known for her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to execute breathtaking events. I admire how she seamlessly blends elegance with personalization, ensuring every wedding feels unique and unforgettable.
How do you balance work and life?
Balancing work and life in the wedding industry can be challenging, but I make it a priority by setting boundaries and managing my time effectively. I ensure I have dedicated time to recharge by enjoying Bali’s natural beauty, whether it's a beach walk or a quiet moment in nature. Delegating tasks to my trusted team also allows me to focus on both my business and personal well-being. Most importantly, I remind myself that taking care of myself makes me a better planner, allowing me to bring fresh creativity and energy to every wedding I design.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
My favorite way to decompress is by spending time outdoors, especially in Bali’s natural beauty. I love taking long walks along the beach, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and reflecting on the day. I also find that practicing mindfulness and yoga helps me unwind and clear my mind. These moments of solitude allow me to recharge, so I can return to my work feeling inspired and centered. It’s important to find time for self-care amidst the busy wedding season to maintain balance and creativity.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
In the next six months, I’m focused on continuing to grow Your Bali Wedding by expanding our offerings and enhancing the client experience. We plan to collaborate with more local vendors to provide even more unique and personalized options for our couples. Additionally, I’m looking to introduce new services, such as curated experiences for honeymooners and guests, to make each wedding even more memorable. I’m also excited to continue staying at the forefront of wedding trends, ensuring that we offer fresh and innovative ideas that reflect each couple's love story and vision.
How can our readers connect with you?
The best way to connect with me is through Your Bali Wedding's website at www.yourbaliwedding.com.au, where we share details about our services, inspiration, and real wedding stories. You can also follow us on Instagram @yourbaliwedding for a closer look at the weddings we’ve curated and the beautiful island of Bali. For personalized consultations or inquiries, feel free to reach out via our contact page, and I’d be happy to assist in making your dream wedding a reality!
