Your Destination Wedding Guide

Where to Go?

Here are the basic criteria to consider when choosing your locale. First, think about the type of place that suits you. Mountains? City? Beach? Vineyard?

Next, think about distance. Sure, your family and friends will pony up the fare, but be nice—make sure your destination is easily accessible by air, and your site doesn't require hours of driving time from the airport. Don't forget to take the honeymoon factor into account. Is there plenty to do after the wedding that will keep the two of you blissfully occupied for at least another week?

Finally, of course, consider costs. Don't ignore the lure of the all-inclusive resort. For the price of a stay of three to five nights, many of these offer a basic wedding package rate that includes an officiant, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake and in some cases a reception with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Details, Details

Just because you're escaping to somewhere beautiful doesn't mean you can avoid the practical matters that are part and parcel of any wedding. So don't forget to…

• …set and stick to a budget. Yes, a destination wedding can be cheaper than a shindig where you live, but there's no guarantee. Have a firm number in mind when you start, and shop around. Often, it's the destination wedding's smaller guest list that keeps costs down.
• …start early. Six months before the big day, you should have all the details pinned down (see "Countdown!" right). So, well before that mark, start scouting airlines and hotels or resorts to find out about packages and group rates.
• …be a legal eagle. Thoroughly research the requirements for tying the knot in your chosen spot (even within the U.S., requirements differ). If you're marrying in the Caribbean or Europe (or anywhere beyond U.S. borders), you'll find a lot of regulations. This is where a local planner can come in handy—she'll be able to cut through any red tape. If the legal mumbo jumbo is just too much, consider having a civil ceremony at home before you go.
• …keep guests in the loop. This does not mean daily e-mail updates on your search for the perfect dressy flip-flops, but rather the lowdown on dates, times, hotels, weather updates, tentative wedding schedules, and so on. Consider setting up a personal website for posting wedding info (and, later on, the pics!).