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{Day #27} Thank You, Merci, Dankie, Grazie

Sending a Thank You note is important! It lets your guest know that you appreciate not only their gift, but the time and effort they spent in picking it out and also sharing your special day with you.

 

Etiquette says you have NO LONGER than 3 months to mail your Wedding Gift thank you notes out. Ideally, you will do them within 2-4 weeks of returning from your honeymoon! For Engagement parties, Bridal Showers and Pre-Wedding gifts you have 1-2 weeks to get those notes outs.

 

And wouldn't it be so nice to send those Thank You notes that match YOUR wedding ensemble and leave your day complete in your guests mind? Thank You Notes are one of my favorite things to create because I know that so many good thoughts will be written inside.

 

 

{Day #26} Change my Name, Change my Name

Article by -- Cindy Hobson {TheKnot.com}

To change your name or not to change your name, that is the question. Before you decide, read up on all of the options and learn what you need to do to make it legal.

Reasons to Change Your Name

Let's face it: The evolution of women's roles aside, many traditionalists still expect married couples to have the same last name. So, at least convenience-wise, taking his name will make your life easier, especially if you have children. You won't have to explain to that perfectly annoying stranger at the kids' school that you two really are Beth and Sam's parents -- and you are married -- even though your names are completely different. Another potential upside of taking his name: It might be better than yours. If your family stubbornly hung on to Skunkowitz for generations -- or your parents thought it would be cute to name you Jackie Mackey -- this is your opportunity for an upgrade. Other pluses: no arguments over painting the mailbox, easier monograms, and less complicated dinner reservations. Plus, it's kind of nice sharing a name with the man you love. There's something very "connecting" about it.

Reasons to Resist Changing Your Name

These days it's perfectly acceptable for a woman to keep her own name. After all, you've had your name your whole life, and, if you're like most people, it's pretty much your identity. Taking his name may feel like you're losing you -- as well as perhaps being unnecessary, overly traditional, and even sexist. The change may also mean people you've known throughout your life won't recognize your name or know how to find you -- a good or bad thing, depending on who they are. Perhaps professionally you have made a name for yourself, and you sure do like the way it sounds when your assistant answers the phone "Ms. Schmidt's office."

How to Change Your Name

If you've decided to change your name, after the wedding it's time to make it official. (By the way: Contrary to popular belief, obtaining a marriage license that uses your new last name does not automatically mean you've changed it.) Start with your Social Security card and driver's license: Without these, you won't get very far down the list of other important changes. Here's a list of four basic steps to new-name bliss.

1. Get Proof
Arm yourself with a certified marriage license -- be sure it has a raised seal, which means it's authentic. Call the office where your license was filed to get copies if they aren't automatically sent to you.

2. Set Social Security Straight
Contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213; an automated system will talk you through the name change process. Your new card will be free -- if you're contacted by a company that claims to do this for a fee, don't buy it. These companies have nothing to do with the SSA and should be reported to authorities.

3. Motor on Down to the DMV
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles, which requires you to make a personal appearance (read: wait in line). Bring a book to read and every form of identification you can lay your hands on. No matter what, do not forget your certified marriage license.

4. Fill in the Blanks
Once you have a social security card and driver's license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some institutions only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or social security card. Be sure to notify:

• Friends and family
• Employers/payroll
• Post office
• Phone company and other utilities
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Credit card companies
• Schools and alumni associations
• Voter registration

And don't forget to get your new name on these documents as well:

• Passport (Do not do this before the wedding -- your passport name must match the name on your ticket and all other travel documents! It's easier to take your honeymoon with your maiden name.)
• Mortgages and leases
• Wills
• Insurance policies

To help you some more, you can find many handy name change kits online!

{Day # 24} Practice Makes Perfect - Rehearsal Dinner Do's and Don'ts

The purpose of the Rehearsal dinner is to properly thank everyone involved in planning your wedding. Mainly, your wedding party and immediate family. Traditionally the Groom's parents will host the dinner and it is somewhere where that will provide little effort or clean (there will be enough the next day)! It is a time to enjoy yourselves, however don't go overboard on the fun and remember to relax and get a good night's sleep! Here are a list of Do's and Don'ts related to the Rehearsal Dinner...

{DO}

Make life easy on yourself. Plan the dinner somewhere there is little clean up.

Plan for some downtime and make it early enough to get a good night's sleep.

Be creative and have a fun theme.

Invite all your wedding party and any out of state guests who have traveled just for your wedding.

Have a different menu than will be offered at your wedding.

Make sure to thank the people that got you there.

{DON'T}

Over do it with the alcohol.

Forget about the Toasts. This is a nice time for you as the couple to thank everyone.

Forget about the gift giving (parents and bridal party).

Forget to take LOTS of pictures.

Check out this FUN Rehearsal BBQ here at SnippetandInk.com

{YourWedding101.com, SnippetandInk.com}

{Day # 23} Just You & I - Keeping Weddings Small

One of the biggest trends is weddings right now is small guest lists and here are 10 of the main reasons why...

{Rush Order} You now have the option to get married in a shorter amount of time. With fewer people and details to oblige you can cut down the timeline.

{Spare Feelings} You will only be surrounded by those people that love you. You have an easy out to tell people that they are unfortunately not invited.

{Lavish Honeymoon} You are saving money with fewer guests and can put that toward the honeymoon of your dreams.

{Destination Wedding} You now have the option for a Destination Wedding with only close family and friends.

{A Moment Alone with Your Spouse} Stop. Soak it in. It’s not something many couples get to do on their wedding day because of stress, obligatory conversations and details they have to manage and take care off.

{No Small Talk} With smaller guests lists your guests will feel at home and have more time to  mingle. You as well won't have to catch up with that Facebook friend.

{Keepsake Photos} With too many guests it can be hard to gather together to get keepsake photos.

{Go Green} There will be less waste period in smaller weddings. Less paper, less food, less trinket favors, etc.

{Cut Loose} Being surrounded by only those you love mean you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. You will be able to cut loose and dance the night away.

{Wedding, Not a Reunion} There is no need to spend $100 a plate to rekindle old friendships. Again, the whole point of smaller weddings is to be around those who love you and will be in your life 5-10-20 years from now!

{IntimateWeddings.com}

{Day # 19} Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

10 Most Romantic Cities for Honeymoons

                                              

{Paris}

The City of Light tops the list of most romantic cities, and for good reason. A day spent sipping cafe au lait in a tiny side street bistro, window shopping along the ritzy Champs Elysees, and visiting Sacre-Coeur Basilica for a jaw-dropping view of the city, and all the while eyeing the Eiffel Tower, is enough to make any pair of honeymooners feel like they're floating on air. Pack your itinerary with culture and take in modern art at the Centre Pompidou and classic masterpieces at the Louvre. Spend a leisurely evening people-watching and drinking champagne.
Romantic Must-do Take a stroll along the Seine (the river that cuts through Paris) and admire the scene along the left and right banks. Along the way, spend some time relaxing on the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris) and check out the unbelievably beautiful cathedral Notre Dame. At night, visit one of Paris' famous jazz clubs (try Le Caveau de la Huchette).

{Venice}

Few images are more emblematic of romance than a gondola ride on the waterways of Venice, the city that came in a close second in our survey. Venice's unique layout -- curvy, narrow streets interspersed with canals -- makes it a wonder to explore. Although you shouldn't miss the major tourist spots like Piazza San Marco, the city's main square, and Ponte dell' Accademia, a bridge across the Grand Canal, you should also take a boat off the beaten path. Travel by a water bus (called vaporetto) to visit the nearby island of Murano, famous for the glass-blowers who practice their trade there, or to the less-traveled Burano, known for its lacework.
Romantic Must-do There's no better way to see Venice than to wander because you can't get lost. Start at Piazza San Marco and see where the side streets take you. Be sure to stop in a bacaro (a Venetian wine bar) for a glass of Chianti in the afternoon.

{Rome + Florence}

Two more Italian cities finished neck and neck in our poll, each with its own reasons to rank among the world's most romantic cities. Rome has a more energetic feel, and you can spend each day admiring monuments like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. The ambience in Florence is all about the Renaissance, so soak in the art of Michelangelo and Botticelli, and marvel at the dome in the Duomo Cathedral.
Romantic Must-do In Rome, sample gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino and visit some of the city's famous fountains at night. If the Trevi Fountain is too crowded, head to the Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Navona (but throw a coin and make a wish at each). In Florence, climb to the top of the Palazzo Pitti (one of the biggest palaces in the city) for a fabulous view or place a lock on the bridge Ponte Vecchio and throw the key into the Arno River: According to legend, this means your love will last forever.

{New York City}

What do brides choose as the most romantic city in the United States? None other than New York. There are countless places to have a romantic moment in the city -- a picnic in Central Park, a walk around The Cloisters museum, or a candlelit dinner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea in the West Village. Tourist traps like Times Square are worth a visit if you've never been, but you'll probably have a better time strolling along the side streets of SoHo or relaxing on the lawn amid the skyscrapers in Bryant Park.
Romantic Must-do Walk from Manhattan into Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge (stop at Grimaldi's for pizza), and then along the promenade for an amazing city view.

{Honolulu}

The islands of Hawaii are known for sparkling water, picturesque beaches, and idyllic sunsets. Honeymoon in Honolulu and you'll find all of that, plus the exciting nightlife and amazing restaurants you'd expect from any major city. Spend an afternoon shopping for clothes, art, and jewelry at the newly rebuilt Waikiki Beach Walk, and take a hike to the top of Diamond Head (a huge volcanic crater).
Romantic Must-do Cuddle up on a bench at the Foster Botanical Gardens, and then take a fun (and frightening) ghost tour. You'll probably need to cuddle here too. See OahuGhostTours.com for details.

{Barcelona}

Even if you're not architecture buffs, nearly everyone who sees the surreal designs of Antoni Gaudi -- which can be found throughout Barcelona -- is enthralled. The most awesome example is the enormous (and still unfinished) basilica Sagrada Familia, which Gaudi worked on for over 40 years. And don't forget to wander around the cool shops and cafes on Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona's most famous and lively streets.
Romantic Must-do Go to a flamenco show (try a place like Tablao Flamenco Cordobes) and then practice a few of your own moves of this steamiest of dances.

{San Francisco}

Honeymoon in San Francisco and you're practically guaranteed fine food and a laidback metropolitan vibe. If you can handle the crowds, spend an afternoon eating oysters in Fisherman's Wharf or shopping for souvenirs at Union Street. If not, drive to Inspiration Point in the Presidio for a romantic vantage of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco Bay.
Romantic Must-do Take a walk among the towering redwoods in Muir Woods outside of the city. The drive back into San Francisco will provide one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge imaginable.

{Vienna}

Austria's capital is totally conducive to taking long, romantic walks. The main streets are laid out in rings, and there are lots of little shops and cafes on streets like Karntnerstrasse. The buildings have the sort of stylized facades that make you really feel like you've traveled to Europe. And don't forget to try a traditional weiner schnitzel, a thinly sliced piece of breaded veal.
Romantic Must-do You can't visit Mozart's hometown without seeing an orchestra. Even if you're not into classical music, a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic can be overwhelmingly beautiful.

{London}

London is the perfect honeymoon destination for travelers who want the culture of Europe with the convenience of an English-speaking country. There's lots to see in the city's museums (trips to the Victoria & Albert and Tate Modern are a must), and if you're there in season, see a play at Shakespeare's Globe Theater. There's no roof and the space in front of the stage is standing room only. After the performance find a bench along the Thames River (preferably one with a view of St. Paul's Cathedral) and simply enjoy being newlyweds.
Romantic Must-do Reserve a private capsule for a 30-minute ride on the London Eye (it's like a big Ferris wheel that lets you see for 25 miles in each direction on a clear day) with a bottle of bubbly. See LondonEye.com for details.

{Prague}

Nothing says "fairytale" like a castle on a hill, and Prague has just that. Even in the winter (when there are way fewer tourists), Prague's dramatic architecture is a wonder. Spend a day exploring Prague Castle and return to the Old Town Square on the hour so that you can witness the chime of the 600-year-old astronomical clock.
Romantic Must-do Have a phenomenal meal right on the river bank at Kampa Park (see a menu at kampapark.cz), and then walk along the Charles Bridge to feel like you've been transported back 200 years. 
 

{Photos and Information: THEKNOT.com}
 

{Day # 17} - Incorporating your Furry Family

Believe it or not, there are some tasteful  ways to incorporate your furry family into your wedding. The most common way is to have your dog be the ring bearer with a someone walking them down the aisle on a lease (please use fake rings!).

 Other ideas include: taking engagement pictures with your furry family and displaying them at the ceremony/reception, having your table numbers include pictures of your pets, having a grooms cake made in resemblance to your pet, entering or exiting on horseback, having your pet be the best man/maid of honor or just be present at the ceremony.

Having your dogs part of the wedding is becoming so popular that there are many sites dedicated to Dog Formal Wear. You can also have your florist make a flower collar or decorate a wagon that will be pulled. All in all, remember to keep it classy and make sure your pet will be well behaved and quiet during the ceremony.

{Photo Credits: TM Photography, Jonathan Ivy Photography}   

{Day # 16} Creating NEW Traditions

Today's Brides are creating new wedding traditions that allow them to showcase their lifestyle, individual preferences, and unique interests!

Tradition # 1:  Matching formal {Attire}

Modern: Bridesmaids are often allowed to pick out their own dresses that are flattering to them. For themselves, many brides are opting for colorful shoes as their 'something blue' or just to add a flair. Those daring enough might even choose a non-white wedding gown. Instead of a veil, Brides are using unique flowers, feathers or clips. And many brides are going with themed attire such as the 1920s or 1950s.

Tradition # 2: Formal {Reception} dinner with typical customs

Modern: Couples are becoming creative in the spaces they choose to get married in. Loft spaces, old factories/warehouses, museums and antique stores are all becoming popular. Instead of the formal dinner, many are incorporating a party style into their reception complete with festive party themes.

Tradition # 3: {Bouquet and Garter}

Modern: The anniversary dance or generations dance are both replacing the traditional bouquet and garter toss. These dances honor either the oldest guest or the couple who have been married the longest and they are handed the give-away bouquet.

Tradition # 4 {Maid of Honor and Best Man}

Modern: Gender bending rituals are now taking place with the Man of Honor and the Best Woman. If you have a best friend of the opposite sex, by all means have them stand up for you.

Tradition # 5: Only your {Culture}

Modern: Couples these days come from diverse backgrounds and faiths, so it is fairly common to see traditions from different cultures or religions being combined. However, many Brides see something they like at a friend's wedding and decide to incorporate and borrow that tradition for her day.

Tradition # 6: {Not seeing each other} before the ceremony

Modern: Many couples are creating a pre ceremony "first look". This way they can take photos before hand and often feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the day.

Tradition # 7: {Officiant}

Modern: Another growing trend is to ask someone other than a clergyman to officiate your day. All they have to do is register online and have the official certificate mailed to them. An ideal officiant is someone who is important to the bride and groom, but is articulate and capable of handling such an important event.

Tradition # 8: Alternative {Registry}

Modern: If you have lived on your own or together for quite some time and feel you already have all of the necessary household items, then you can opt for a honeymoon registry or a registry to your favorite charitable cause. But keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable with these alternative registries. It is a good idea to create just one traditional registry to placate those guests.

Tradition # 9: Leaving the {Reception}

Modern: For some time the tradition of the Bride and Groom leaving the reception early has been refuted. Brides and Grooms want to celebrate the day with their close family and friends and stay until the very end. Choose to have a special farewell after the night is over, like a sparkler send-off.

Tradition # 10: {Name Change}

Modern: Many Brides today are torn as to whether or not to change their last name. It is part of their identity and they have had it their whole life. Another option is to blend your two last names. Keep your last name as your middle name, or hyphenate the two.

{Credits: WeddingChannel.com; WeddingCreativeBlog.com; Lolaeventproductions.com; RebeccaCalagna.com}

{Day #14} Keeping Your Wedding On Track

Even the most organized of Brides will lose track of time on her Wedding Day. Isn't that to be expected? You should be enjoying every minute, not worrying about what to do next or dealing with any problems that arise.

The most logical solution is to hire a Wedding Coordinator. You could enlist help from relatives, but it is always hard to make sure they will do the 'job' and not get caught up in the day, besides, they are guests and should enjoy themselves! A wedding coordinator has the challenging role of executing your wedding perfectly and making sure every detail is orchestrated to match your, the client’s, needs. A coordinator will work behind the scenes to keep your wedding moving, give vendors time frames and the Bride and Groom cues in order to get from point A to B with calm comfort and make sure that you are able to do nothing but enjoy your finest night.

A Wedding Coordinator (or planner ) should start by preparing a timeline and planning how the day will go from start to finish. This will tell you exactly when to start getting ready, how to prepare for the evenings events and what to be expecting as the night goes on. Your wedding coordinator will make it an enjoyable day that flows without any issues.

A Coordinator will take care of minor emergencies, manage vendor arrival times, organize the wedding party for the ceremony and grand entrance and give the DJ cues for appropriate moments. The best part is that we bring experience with us to your wedding day; knowing how to advise you and your family, how to deal with overbearing guests and always have back up plans in case of the unexpected. A wedding coordinator will help bring everything together for you wonderful wedding day and be the only guarantee that your day will stay on track!

“Behind every great Bride, is a great wedding coordinator!”

{Day # 13} Wedding Soundtrack

What is a wedding day without music? Music sets the general mood and tone for your ceremony and reception, while also allowing you to express your feelings through music. It is one of my favorite parts of the day because it adds so much drama and feeling into YOUR story - there are no right or wrongs here!

These are the main parts of your day that you will need to make selections for and next to each I have included my personal favorite:

{CEREMONY}

Prelude {Music used to establish the mood for your wedding ceremony} The Gift

Processional {Music played while you and your wedding party march down the aisle} Cannon in D

Bride Entrance - Traditional Wedding March

Interlude {Music played to accompany a tradition or a significant moment at your wedding ceremony, such as the lighting of a unity candle or a sand ceremony}  The Prayer

Recessional {Music played while you and your wedding party exit the ceremony} Hallelujah

Postlude {Music played while you and your guests leave the ceremony and/or while you greet your guests} Beautiful Day

{RECEPTION}

Grand Entrance - Let's Get It Started

First Dance - I Finally Found Someone (The choice is so personal here - this was our wedding song)

Mother/Son - Perfect Fan

Father/Daughter - In My Daughter's Eyes, I Loved Her First

Cake Cutting - How Sweet It Is

Bouquet Toss - Single Ladies

So how do you make the decisions? The best advice is to do your research. The web is full of sites where you can listen to clips of music...check with The Knot and Wedding Channel or download the song from iTunes to listen in full. Your DJ will also be able to help you through the selection process and recommend popular songs. Below are two very awesome companies that I have had the pleasure to work with and highly recommend:

AMAZE Productions {Carlos Valadez} - www.amazeproductions.com

Invisible Touch {Timothy Espinoza} - www.invisibletouchdj.com

{Day # 10} Do Me A Favor

Your wedding is unique and a reflection of you as a couple. Your favors should be too! Here are some innovative favor ideas on the market now:

1. Have a candy buffet or dessert bar at your reception. The printed thank you label on the bags or boxes act as your favor.
2. Have a photo both at your reception. The prints can be turned into a bookmark and act as your favor.
3. Create a CD of your wedding day soundtrack, favorite love songs, or songs that represent you.
4. Make a donation to a charity in lieu of a favor.
5. Bride and Groom caramel apples. YUM!
6. Half splits of wine with a custom label.
7. Packets of Coffee.
8. Mini bottles of your favorite liquor.
9. Cigars for the Men.
10. Brownie or cookie mix in canning jars.
11. Individual wedding cakes for each table.
12. Multiple vases of flowers so that each guest can take home a part of the reception decor.
13. Themed favors for destination weddings.
14. Popcorn Bar at the reception with custom popcorn containers.
15. Custom bookmarks.
16. Succulent favors for a 'green' wedding.
17. Miniature pies.
18. Regional treat (such as salt water taffy) in a decorative box.
19. A bit of Tea and Honey.
20. Milk and Cookies.

Don't forget to check out our favor collection by Kate Aspen at the {Shop}!

{Day #9} Budget Tips

Planning your big wedding on a tiny budget DOES NOT mean sacrificing your taste and personal style! All you need to do is prioritize and make some concessions on smaller details or be willing do DIY. Here is the biggest budget cutting advice:

{Dates} Schedule your wedding for the off season. (January, February, March and November). For further discounts, be willing to host your wedding on a Friday or a Sunday. You will get better deals on nearly every wedding service if you schedule during the off season. Also, avoid on or near holidays (late November through December when Hotels are busy with holiday parties).

{Time} Be creative with your timing. Host a morning brunch early in the day, a picnic style lunch or cocktails and appetizers in the early evening.

{Location} Think about more non-traditional wedding locations for lower costs. How about a park, public garden, historic building, museum, or backyard?

{Gown} Bridal gowns aren't the only white dresses out there. It may be that the dress for you is amongst the women's evening wear section of the department store.

{Decor} Spend your money on the things people will see the most of throughout the event. Your guests will notice the bouquets more than the pew flowers. They will notice your centerpieces more than the backs of the ceremony chairs being decorated or the extra flowers on the cake. Candles will add extra drama with little cost so, alternate your centerpieces to save money. Tiny white twinkle lights also add a special touch to the ambiance without breaking the bank. Have fewer larger tables to save on linens and centerpieces. But your most strategic way to spend money on decor is to pick a location that needs little or no embellishment like a garden in bloom or  scenic beach..

{Flowers} Use only flowers that are "in-season" and locally available for your wedding. Hydrangeas are the biggest in bloom and a beautiful flower. Carnations are by far the cheapest, so intersperse those in your bouquets and centerpieces.

{Theme} Picking a theme for your wedding reception can be a great way to cut costs and hide what isn't included. Have a Mexican Fiesta: the food will be cheaper and you can limit the bar to only Mexican imported beer and margaritas.  Serve a family style Italian banquet and limit the beverages to red and white wine with dinner and espresso with desert. Follow your barefoot beach wedding with bonfire grilled chicken and buckets of beer and sangria. The possibilities are all there, just think outside of the box!

{Talents} Harness the talents of your family and friends. You may have a classic car in the family that can serve as your limo or a graphics wiz that can help with your invitations and programs. Let everyone know you are looking for ways to save money and they may offer their services to help.

{Guest List} Unfortunately, one of the major ways to save money is to limit your guest list. You cut the cost down on virtually everything...food, alcohol, flowers, favors, etc.

{Resources} Consult websites and all of the resources available to you like Wedding Channel and The Knot. Make sure to stay organized and keep track of your budget to plan and control costs. If you have your budget in mind, there will always be a way to save money without sacrificing your style.

{WeddingChannel.com, DIYBudgetWeddings.com, APaperProposal.com}

Day # 8 - Picture Perfect {Capturing the Memories}

Your wedding photographs are the memories tying you to your wedding day forever. You want to make sure you make the best decision in picking your professional photographer. Browse photographers websites and set up interviews to find out pricing details and see their portfolio. You should pick the photographer that has the best personality with the best work and will provide you a great experience as well as lasting photographers of wonderful memories.

My suggestion is to make sure you feel comfortable with your photographer on a personal level, and that their style of photography meshes well with your own wedding day style. Book an engagement session in order to get yourself comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer. Make sure at least 2 photographers will be on site during your wedding day and that you communicate any special memories you want captured (i.e. pictures with elderly family members). Also, have a wedding coordinator help keep your photographers on track time-wise (kindly, of course!) in order to keep your day running smoothly.

If you are in the Southern California area, my favorite photographers that I can highly recommend on not only a professional, but personal level are:

Bleu Cotton Photography - Bleu and Alison Cotton {www.bleucotton.com}

Elle Photography - Laura Swendson {www.ellephotography.com}

Sipper Photography  - Dana and Jeff Sipper {www.sipperphotography.com}

I guarantee these photographers will make your day complete and your moments last forever!

{Day 4} Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are perfect to get away with close friends and family. They are mainly for the couple who want a casual, intimate occasion in their dream honeymoon spot. The style can be formal or lavish. The guest list will be kept short, as you should not expect everyone to be able to attend.

Why are Destination Weddings such a growing trend?

1. They are virtually stress free and simpler to plan than normal for two reasons:

a. Resorts and cruise lines have made it easier with full-time wedding coordinators and wedding packages that take care of your ceremony essentials (photographer, cake, minister, etc).

b. You can hire a stateside wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings, contact a wedding planner in the town you plan to wed.

2. No Family Drama

3. Cost Effective

4. You call the shots: While formal weddings hold meaning for many couples, linking them to the traditions of their ancestors and culture, others want the experience to be unique, with a ceremony and location that reflect their true colors.

5. Perfect for Second Marriages

6. Once-in-a-lifetime reunion: Destination weddings are on vacation time. You're usually required to arrive a few days early to fill out the paperwork, so by the time your wedding rolls around, you've had two to three days of fun with your sweetie, family, and friends.

{theknot.com}

Top 10 Destination Wedding Locations

1. Mexico

2. Jamaica

3. Dominican Republic

4. Bahamas

5. Hawaii

6. USVI

7. Aruba

8. Fiji

9. Cruise

10. Europe

Who Pays for What?

The Bride and Groom {and/or Parents} are expected to pay for a Welcome party, rehearsal dinner and morning after brunch.

If they can, the hosts should cover selected activities, transportation to the ceremony and reception, a shuttle to pick up the guests at the airport, attendant hotel rooms, and travel expenses for VIP guests (i.e. elderly grandparents)

The guests are expected to pay for their plane ticket, hotel room, meals/beverages that are not part of the wedding, and any non-wedding related activities.

The attendants are expected to pay for their travel, formal wear, hair/makeup/salon appointments, and any food/drinks that are non-wedding related.

Planning Points

With guests and vendors to coordinate, laws and regulations to abide by, and details to decide -- your destination wedding will require lots of planning. So check these planning points…

1. {LOCATION, LOCATION} First things first, choose the location for your destination wedding. Factors to consider include the expense of the location, the level of prowess needed to navigate local laws and requirements, available activities and amenities for you and your guests (theme parks, sports and recreation, spa services, outdoor activities, shopping), restaurant and accommodation options, and ease of travel to and from your locale.

2. {START DATING} Next is to choose a date for the wedding. If you schedule your celebration when your destination has the best weather and the most festivities (AKA tourist season), plan on higher prices and crowds. If you travel during the off-season, you may save some money but experience weather or travel problems. Your best bet may be to wed just before, or just after, big travel season.

3. {CHECK AVAILABILITY} Before you plunk down any deposits, check your date with close friends and family members. Remember, if you've chosen a faraway destination, don't expect all -- or even most -- of your guests to attend. Between time off for work and school and costly airline tickets and accommodations, attending your nuptials may be a lot to expect from even the dearest of friends. On the other hand, if you choose a particularly fabulous destination like the Caribbean where the weather is perfect pretty much year-round, you may be surprised at how many well-wishers will be eager to join you on your big day.

4. {LEGAL REQUIREMENTS} Most marriage bureaus require a few basic documents in order to grant a marriage license. If your destination wedding is in the United States, check with local authorities to find out what specific documents are required. If you wed abroad, however, sometimes a bit more than a birth certificate, marriage license application and blood test are needed to make your marriage legal.

5. {TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS} Find out what will be needed to safely and legally travel to and from your wedding destination. Contact the United States State Department for travel advisories and to find out about passport, visa and vaccination requirements.

6. {ADD IT UP} Price airfare (inquire about group discounts) and lodging options, and be prepared to furnish estimated costs to friends and family. Before asking your attendants if they can participate in your wedding, be up front about what your wedding will cost them. Be absolutely clear about what costs you can -- and cannot -- cover, whether that be airfare, lodging, meals, or wedding day clothes.

7. {PACKAGE DEALS} Many hotels and resorts offer destination wedding "packages," where some or all wedding details are coordinated by on-site professional. A simple package may include a bride's bouquet and officiant. An elaborate package may include food, flowers, photography, champagne, cake, limo service, and a string quartet. If these services are available to you, by all means, take advantage of them. Having an expert coordinate the details of your destination wedding can be the nicest wedding gift you ever receive.

8. {PROFESSIONAL HELP} If you are planning your destination wedding without a hotel or resort package, consider hiring a wedding coordinator on your own. Professional wedding planners can help you choose reliable vendors and venues, and often secure lower prices and better values. Whenever possible choose local florists, musicians and caterers, but you might think about flying in your own photographer/videographer.

{WeddingChannel.com}