Although a destination wedding can be seen as less formal than a traditional 'at home' wedding, there is no less amount of planning involved Follow this simple checklist to help you plan a successful destination wedding

I suggest printing this out & keeping it with your planning notebook for easy reference

Destination wedding Checklist

• Set your wedding budget
• Choose your wedding style
• Announce your engagement if you haven't already done so
• Select your wedding date
• Choose your desired destination & location
• Carry out research using internet resources, libraries, family & friends Also talk to the local tourist office & ask a selection of resorts for package information
• Find out about any marriage license requirements
• Look into hiring a local wedding coordinator or ask the resort of your choice if they provide one
• Draw up your wedding guest list
• Send out your 'save the date' cards
• Try to get a general head count after you have sent out your cards, email or phone guests
• Shop for your wedding dress, especially if you want a traditional style
• Start to think about the groom's attire
• Think about the remaining members of the wedding party & their attire
• Obtain any necessary legal documents required to get married in your chosen destination Look into visas, forms of identification, affidavits
• Start thinking about your bridal beauty
• Organize, with the wedding coordinator, florists, musicians, photographer & officiant You may also want to look into hiring a hairstylist & makeup artist
• Finalize your wedding menu
• Finalize your ceremony & reception, including getting any contracts sent to you
• Order your wedding invitations
• Set up your gift registry
• Choose your wedding rings
• Reserve your plane tickets
• Try & negotiate any discounts with airlines & hotels for group bookings for your guests
• Consider setting up a wedding website to share all your information & wedding details with your guests & keep them informed
• Finalize your groom's attire
• Send out your invitations
• Choose & write out your wedding vows
• Buy your wedding shoes & accessories
• Finalize all travel arrangements with family & bridal party members
• Finalize the bridal party attire & accessories
• Buy your wedding favors & gifts
• Attend your final dress fitting
• Shop for your vacation wardrobe
• Confirm all details with the hotel (s), vendors & wedding coordinator
• Plan a seating plan if necessary
• Make up your favors &/or welcome bags
• Arrange your wedding license
• Arrange to meet with your wedding coordinator & officiant
• Visit your ceremony site
• Hand out welcome bags to your guests
• Check over all last minute details
• Relax you have done all the hard work, now is the time to sit back & enjoy time with your family & friends