Planning a destination wedding can be complicated. But when you and your guy are standing on a beach at sunset -- or in a vineyard, or on a mountain, you name it! -- it's worth all the trouble. Find out the 13 most important tips when planning your destination wedding!
1. Get Help
If you've signed up for a wedding package, the services of a planner are probably included. If not, try to earmark part of your budget (about 10 percent of the total) for a wedding planner. He can shoulder the burden of researching, auditioning, and securing local vendors -- especially valuable if said vendors speak English only as a second language. She is also the behind-the-scenes queen, creating gift bags for guests, greeting everyone at the airport, keeping people busy with fun activities once there, vetting special requests (babysitters, dry cleaners, and so on), and getting everyone where they need to be on time.
2. Schedule a Test Drive
Remember, unlike a wedding in your hometown, guests are dependent on you once they reach the destination. Make sure you provide transportation to and from the airport, as well as to all the events of the weekend. Insist that bus drivers do a dry run of the route so they don't get lost between the ceremony and reception.
photo credit © The Knot/Chrissy Lambert Photography