Are you one of the thousands of couples planning a destination wedding?  Destination weddings have increased 400% in the past decade according to a survey conducted by Conde Nast, the publisher of Brides, Modern Bride and Elegant Bride magazines. 
Reasons are varied from wanting a more low key wedding, avoiding family stress, saving money, don't want the traditional wedding,  second marriages or the desire to marry on a tropical beach.

Here are some tips to make your destination wedding planning easier:

Visit the place you are going to marry in advance to check out your options.

All inclusive resorts offer weddings and honeymoons in one spot, including your lodging, food and entertainment.  If you marry at the resort, the services of their wedding coordinator are included.

Hire a wedding coordinator in the location as your contact person to arrange all the details.  Ask for references and check out the references of the coordinator, the resort and the vendors BEFORE you sign.  You can find travelers opinions of resorts and hotels by going to Trip Advisor. Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Caribbean
I live by what the actual travelers report on their travels, these are real people reviewing the locations and you'll find wedding reports on there, too.

Know the marriage license requirements and assemble all the legal documents they require like birth certificates, etc.

Apply for a passport if you are marrying outside the USA.

Send out your save the date cards 6 to 9 months in advance so your guests will have time to arrange travel, get their finances in order and get time off work.  The rule of thumb is about a third you invite will actually travel to your destination wedding.

Arrange for your guests to get discounted room rates by having the hotel, resort or wedding coordinator block off rooms for the wedding. 

Keep your guests in the loop by having a web site such as wedsimple.com. to give your guests up to the minute details on your wedding.  Include links to travel sites or a travel agency where they can get airfare.  Give them an overview of the area of the wedding and the things to do in that location so they can plan some excursions of their own during their free time.  Its your wedding, but its also their vacation!

Go to Beach Bride To Be for more destination wedding planning tips and ideas!  You'll find destination information, marriage license information and how to pack and travel with your wedding dress.  Have a happy wedding in paradise!