Important things to remember for Destination Weddings

Not to be confused with an elopement, a destination wedding is one in which a wedding is hosted, often in a vacation-like setting, at a location to which most of the invited guests must travel and often stay for several days. Destination weddings often take place in tropical areas such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii. Others decide to move their celebration a little further across the pond. Places such as Europe, South America, or the South Pacific. The entire wedding party will travel to the destination and enjoy a long weekend - or an entire week - and be on vacation while attending the wedding. Although a destination wedding is both fun for the bride and groom and their guests, there are a couple things that are important to consider before you send out your save the date and request your guests to expedite their passports.

Location, location, location! Make sure to choose a location based on your wedding style and nonnegotiable guest list (if any). Unlike a hometown wedding, you can't assume everyone will be able to spend the money and vacation days to attend, so you'll need to wait to get a read on how many people can come before you choose a venue.

Start researching and planning your destination wedding as soon as possible. Give your guests the most notice possible, so they have time to plan and make the decision as to whether they will be able to make it or not. Not only do you have to reserve your venue, but fulfilling the marriage requirements of the country in which you are to be wed may take a few months.

If you've chosen a cross country locale, make sure each guest have more than enough time to fulfill passport requirements. With this being said, make sure you go easy on their bank accounts: Consider an all-ages, all-inclusive resort or cruise during low season (generally May through November at resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico), to keep costs down and provide the most built-in activity options possible. Since guests are still required to pay all their own expenses, make sure you insist they not buy you gifts, and ask your travel agent or wedding coordinator about group discounts on air and hotels.

Ok, now to the kids “issue”. If you're asking people to travel for your wedding and they have children, chances are they will want to travel with their kids. I think the best thing to do would be to offer to pay for a sitter or a kids camp for the reception portion of the wedding. Most other pre-wedding activities can accommodate children. No matter what, make sure you give them plenty of time to figure out an alternative and definitely give them options. I think it would be really hard to find childcare in a city you're not familiar with, so make sure you help them relieve some anxiety by sending a special email to those guests with children outlining activities, accommodations and options. These guests with small children in-tow will be very appreciative!

Working with a bridal consultant who specializes in destination weddings and/or a wedding planner based in the area where you'll be married to help you navigate a city's marriage requirements.

Destination weddings are a great way to celebrate with your guests. But, like all other weddings they take a lot of preparation and planning. Make sure you plan well so you can enjoy your wedding day! Whether it be in Hawaii, Aruba, Florence or any other exotic location, the purpose of your wedding is still the same…to share in your wedding day with your closest friends and family!