The destination wedding is a win-win, really. It's a family reunion, a big party, three or four days to enjoy your guests away from the day-to-day stuff. It's a great reason for everyone to go on vacation, not just the people getting married. In addition, the brides and grooms often are surprised to discover that the cost is lower and the planning less intensive than with a wedding held in their hometowns. Destination weddings are typically not as stressful as traditional weddings. There are fewer people, so it's often less expensive. You often do less in terms of the elaborate fussing. Couples who get married in their hometown are less likely to hire a wedding planner or coordinator, instead feeling that they have to do much of the investigating and booking themselves.

When you book a wedding at a resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, the wedding planner is usually included. They can do a lot of the legwork for you, finding the photographer, that kind of thing. And as for flowers, you can wait and pick those when you get there. The places that really have this wired, they have a binder that shows you the choices, and they can get everything there within a day or two. And it's all beautiful stuff, because you're usually talking about tropical locations. Some all-inclusive resorts such as Beaches and Sandals offer free services -- even a free wedding ceremony -- to couples who book at least a minimum number of rooms. And regardless of the location, all-inclusives also are becoming popular. especially if everyone is going to stay there, all of the food and drinks are taken care of and included.

HOW TO DO IT

The only hitch that should be happening at a destination wedding is the one that involves the bride and groom. To keep things running as smoothly as possible, the professionals say: Plan, plan, plan as far in advance as you can.

Here are some ideas for making your dream nuptials a well-organized reality:

• Send out save-the-date cards. Mail your cards out about nine months in advance, giving people plenty of time to decide, make arrangements and find airfare deals. The earlier people know it's happening, the more able they are to find a way to attend.
• Be patient. Many countries, especially ones with beaches, are on a more relaxed schedule -- you've heard the expressions ''Mexico time'' and ''island time.'' It's less stressful to accept that and go with it. Other countries are sometimes less `do it now' than we are.
• Be flexible. While it's good to have a clear idea of your wants and needs for the big day, it also helps to have some wiggle room. Many locales have customs and rules that may not jibe with your vision of the perfect wedding, and even after the most careful planning things still may go wrong. 
• Visit ahead if you can. Not only does it cut down on surprises -- the beach turns out to be much smaller than you pictured, there's a seedy neighborhood right next to your hotel -- but it allows you to better customize the experience. 
• Don't plan too much. Outside of wedding-related activities and maybe one other day of get-togethers, let your guests have their vacation. 
• Tailor attire to the locale. Headed to a tropical isle for an outdoor affair? Then black tuxedos may not be the way to go. Know it's going to be windy? Long, filmy veils have a tendency to blow -- across your face, around your groom, onto the minister. 
• Think about trip insurance, particularly if you are going to Mexico or the Caribbean during hurricane season. 
• Offer guests choices. You can send out elaborate ''travel packets'' to your guests six months ahead, with three lodging options in a variety of price ranges and deadlines on booking, as well as travel agent contact and flight information, and other helpful hints about planning the trip.
• Think about transportation. If the weeding is to tak place off the resort it is a good idea to hire transportation to the reception to eliminate any alcohol related incidents. 
• Talk things over ahead. The toughest part about booking the wedding is when couples aren't on the same page or family members are putting in their two cents. Especially when it's a first wedding, the couples' parents have a big influence over the arrangements. Couples will come in and know exactly what they want, make their plans, and then come back and say, Our parents want this,' and we'll have to start over. That's hard on everyone. So keep the family involved in the planning, meet ahead of time to decide on things before you visit your destination wedding professional to start the booking process.

For more information on Destination Weddings call us at 866.377.2228 or e-mail info@SevenSeasEvents.com