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Event planner Preston Bailey offers his cost-saving tips for an amazing destination wedding that won't break the bank.

The planner takes a stand with his Caribbean Sunset Collection.

The table is set at Sandals.

Preston Bailey, event planner to the stars, has created some of the most memorable over-thetop weddings in the world: He counts couples like Catherine Zeta- Jones and Michael Douglas and Donald and Melania Trump among his clients. Recently, Preston teamed up with Sandals, the Caribbean all-inclusive resort chain, to offer destination wedding packages designed in his signature one-of-a-kind style. We caught up with Preston to get the inside scoop on what it takes to create a fabulous destination wedding celebration.

Bridal Guide:What are the best things about hosting a wedding away?

Preston Bailey: One is cost. When you’re going away to wed, you have to edit your guest list, and you’ll find that having a smaller group of friends and family members can really help you stay on budget. Also, instead of just a single day for your celebration, you can have an entire vacation experience with your guests—and that is priceless. Another big benefit is access to wedding planners. Many resorts, including Sandals, have an on-site event coordinator, who can assist with all of the preparations. And no matter where you get married, the extra-nice thing about a destination wedding is the beautiful, natural backdrop.

BG:What are your top three costsaving tips for brides?

PB: You must set a budget and stick with it. This is very important! If you are too open-ended, your costs can spiral out of control. On the same note, realize that you can’t have it all. Make a list of your priorities and spend your money there. For example, you can just as easily make a playlist on your iPod as hire a band. Also, consider a more casual wedding. If you host a buffet celebration on the beach, you will need fewer tables, which translates into fewer flowers and linens—and less money.

BG:What would you tell a typical stressed-out bride?

PB: Enjoy the process by gathering a great team. The right people will enhance the planning and the party. Keepthings simple. And third: Remember this is a celebration! Relax, stay in the moment and have a good time.

BG:What do you like best about planning weddings?

PB: I love connecting with brides and their mothers. I enjoy setting the scene and creating an unforgettable experience for all the guests. Entertaining and being creative—these are the things that make me happiest.

BG:What are your favorite destinations for weddings?

PB: Jamaica is a beautiful island and home to seven Sandals properties. The Maldives in the Indian Ocean and Bali in the South Pacific are both gorgeous. And the beaches are terrific places to host a party. Recently, I visited Panama, where I was born and raised. It is an exciting country, full of music and color—and I still love it.

The Preston Bailey for Sandals Collections

The Water Lilly Collection

“Since I generally work with high-end events and clients, I was intrigued by the opportunity to make great design accessible to more people,” Preston Bailey says. “Sandals resorts are located on beautiful islands, and I used the locations as an influence for the five collections I created. For example, one is named the Water Lily, which features silk water lilies and tropical greenery, and another is called the Crystal Collection, with white silk roses and orchids. One of the newer ones is the Caribbean Sunset, which features fresh pink roses and exotic tropical blooms.

To make sure that every bride gets the beautifully executed destination wedding she wants, I personally trained the staff as well.” Preston Bailey’s destination wedding collections all feature ceremony decor and flowers, table settings, centerpieces and seating decor. A cake, bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere are also included. The exclusive packages start at $1,700 and have optional add-ons such as music, enhanced decor and a decorated cake knife. For more information, go to sandals.com.

For more on Preston Bailey, go to prestonbailey.com.
Photos Courtsey of Sandals Resorts.