| nation Wedding Engagement Guide | | | | figure out your budget, remove question marks, and |
| Planning for the big day can begin as soon as you | | | | make everyone less stressed. Sitting down with both |
| utter the words "yes." With all the excitement and | | | | sets of parents and finding out what they are looking |
| energy that is happening around you post engagement | | | | to contribute, whether it's covering the cost of the |
| it is easy to get overwhelmed fast. Thoughts such as | | | | whole wedding or helping out with a part will be a |
| "Who do we invite, what type of destination, what | | | | much easier conversation if had earlier rather than |
| style wedding?" can quickly begin pouring into your | | | | later. |
| subconscious. So to help you tread through the | | | | 5. Stick to a budget: |
| turbulent planning waters we've asked some of our | | | | Whether your budget is big or small, having one and |
| resident experts to help you chart what destination | | | | sticking to it is an easy way to make sure that the |
| wedding decisions need to be made first and where to | | | | financial stress level stays low. Setting a budget will |
| begin. | | | | help you determine your priorities as well as help |
| 1. Figure out the size of your wedding: | | | | determine the things that can be skipped or perhaps |
| Don't panic, this doesn't mean figuring out your guest | | | | taken on as DIY projects. If as a couple you are the |
| list. This is really the 50,000 ft. view of how big or small | | | | ones paying for the wedding, start saving as soon as |
| your wedding will be. Defining size will help to guide you | | | | possible. If you can put away $100 a week, in 12 |
| towards what a good destination might be and what | | | | months you'll have $5,600 to put towards your |
| type of wedding is right for you. For instance, if you're | | | | wedding. That amount can go a long way if planning a |
| planning on inviting a large number of guests (for a | | | | smaller destination wedding. |
| destination wedding that's about 80+) picking the | | | | 6. Get the groom involved: |
| Seychelles or someplace in Europe might not be very | | | | The earlier your husband-to-be gets in on the |
| realistic. However, more distant places might be | | | | conversation the more likely he'll be to participate |
| feasible with a smaller and more intimate guest list. | | | | throughout the planning. Alright, we know he's never |
| 2. Start to think about timing: | | | | going to care whether you choose roses or |
| For destination weddings seasonality will play a big role. | | | | ranunculus, but the big ticket items like where, who's |
| Destination wedding locations can face seasonal | | | | coming and what kind of a feeling you want your |
| changes that include hurricanes, monsoons, humidity, | | | | wedding day to have are areas he most likely would |
| and more. So thinking about when you are looking to | | | | like to be a part of. So ask his opinion: you just might |
| get married will also help guide where you might get | | | | be surprised how much he's willing to contribute. |
| married. Since most of your guests will likely take a | | | | 7. Find the perfect dress: |
| few days off to enjoy the location, thinking about | | | | The dress can help set the tone or be the one piece |
| planning the wedding around a holiday can also be | | | | of the wedding that is uniquely its own. Let's be honest: |
| helpful. | | | | for most brides this is one of the most exciting parts |
| 3. Consider your personal style: | | | | of the wedding process. People fawning all over you, |
| Figuring out your wedding style is crucial for destination | | | | dozens of gorgeous dresses being presented to |
| wedding brides. Not only will figuring out your wedding | | | | you--it's your moment to focus solely on you as the |
| style help you pinpoint what type of destination | | | | bride you have always imagined. Keep in mind though |
| wedding you are dreaming of, it will also help pinpoint | | | | that while yes, it is your day, if you have always |
| the place. How? Destination brides that can be honest | | | | dreamed of being married on the beach, a satin ball |
| with themselves upfront in regards to how elaborate | | | | gown might not be the best idea...even if it is what you |
| or simple they are envisioning their wedding to be will | | | | have always envisioned. |
| be well served. Many destination locations simply do | | | | 8. Identify a point person: |
| not have the breadth of vendors that brides are | | | | Your point person can be a wedding planner who is |
| accustomed to in the States. If, as bride, you can figure | | | | stateside, a wedding planner who is local, or the |
| out the amenities such as special linens, event rentals, | | | | coordinator from your hotel, but have someone. Having |
| lighting, etc. that are important to you, it will help | | | | a contact is essential when planning a destination |
| eliminate many destination possibilities. | | | | wedding, especially if you are unfamiliar with the locale |
| 4.Talk about money: | | | | or don't speak the language. In the end a planner |
| This is perhaps the most uncomfortable part when | | | | coordinator/or liaison of some type will save you |
| planning a wedding, but it doesn't have to be | | | | money, time and help keep you sane. |
| unpleasant. Having the financial talk upfront will help you | | | | |