| Destination weddings are so much fun, and they are | | | | hot weather). It could mean that you take the planner's |
| more popular than ever. There are some things about | | | | advice and schedule your ceremony for the late |
| planning a wedding in an exotic land that might be | | | | afternoon instead of sunset because the area gets |
| different than planning a wedding near your home. To | | | | too buggy at dusk. Whatever it may be, accept that |
| get the most out of your destination wedding, try these | | | | some of your pre-conceived ideas may not be |
| simple tips: | | | | feasible. That is okay, though, because a special |
| - Book a site that also will make a dream honeymoon | | | | destination will have many other wonderful things |
| spot for you and your spouse. Having your wedding | | | | about it. |
| and honeymoon all in one place is called a | | | | - Buy travel and event insurance if you are planning a |
| "weddingmoon", and many resorts will offer special | | | | tropical wedding during hurricane season. |
| packages if you choose to do this. | | | | - Don't let the ladies in the straw market convince you |
| - Arrive at your destination a few days before the | | | | (or worse, your groom!) to braid your hair the day |
| ceremony. This will give you time to check up on the | | | | before your wedding. Remember that you have to live |
| details of your wedding, as well as allowing time for | | | | with those pictures forever. If you feel like getting |
| any travel delays or late luggage. Having a few extra | | | | swept away in the island spirit, get a few braids the |
| days will help keep the stress to a minimum, so that | | | | day after the wedding. (And grooms, just say no on |
| you are relaxed and ready for your big day. | | | | any day, please!) |
| - Send out save the date cards well in advance of a | | | | - Serve seasonal and local food, as recommended by |
| destination wedding (6 months or more). Since | | | | your venue's wedding coordinator. Part of the fun of |
| everyone will be traveling, it will allow them plenty of | | | | going on a trip is exploring their culture. Don't get hung |
| time to schedule the days off from work, book the | | | | up on what you think every reception must have, |
| flights, and make hotel arrangements. If you have | | | | whether it is steak or pigs-in-a-blanket. Be open to |
| relatives or friends who you would like to invite, but | | | | trying the local delicacies. |
| that you believe will not be able to make the trip, go | | | | - Be prepared to let go of some of the control of the |
| ahead and invite them anyway. It is always nice to be | | | | wedding planning. Any time that you are planning a |
| asked, and who knows, they might surprise you by | | | | wedding by long distance, it is necessary to trust |
| coming. | | | | someone at your site to handle many of the details for |
| - Dress appropriately for your wedding destination. If | | | | you. If you surrender to the process, you may actually |
| your wedding will be held on the beach at sunset, this | | | | find preparing for your wedding to be fairly relaxing. |
| could mean a romantic and flowing gown with | | | | The good news is that most resorts will have on-site |
| handcrafted bridal jewelry. A simple dress always | | | | coordinators, so you will know that you are in good |
| looks better on the beach than a big formal one, and | | | | hands. |
| the handcrafted bridal jewelry will give your ensemble | | | | There is a great spirit of celebration present at most |
| a beautiful, yet relaxed flavor. | | | | destination weddings. Not only is it a joyous occasion, |
| - Let go of elements that are not suitable for the site | | | | but everyone is also on vacation. The most important |
| that you have chosen. This might mean having a cake | | | | thing to remember is to relax and have fun on your |
| with fondant frosting, even though you had your heart | | | | special day. |
| set on buttercream (which is notorious for melting in | | | | |