Beach weddings are becoming more popular as couples see them as an opportunity to flee an inflated guest list and to have a more relaxed affair. They are even more common for people on their second or third marriages who have already had a traditional wedding with all the formal trappings.

If you are planning a destination wedding, it can involve a little more ground work since you must first research your possible locations. If you can, give yourself a year for planning in order to have a less stressful experience.

If you've never visited the destination that you are interested in, read books, check out websites and contact the local chamber of commerce. The chamber can be a hidden jewel in the planning process. They know the local people and who to recommend depending on what kind of experience you are looking for.

While you are researching locales, price out how much it will cost your guests to travel and stay at that destination. Look into group discounts, all-inclusive deals and off-season rates. Then feel out your family and friends to see if those costs are comfortable for them. You don't want to book your dream location only to realize that no one is going to be able to afford to come.

Many resorts and cruise lines offer wedding packages that can take much of the pressure off of the bride by supplying all of the essentials such as photographer, minister, reception and cake built into one price.

If you decide not to go with an all-inclusive option, an invaluable tool can be a wedding planner based in the destination that you choose.

The wedding planner can put you in touch with reliable vendors that they have worked with in the past and can keep tabs on them as the wedding day approaches. They can also help you navigate any legal paperwork that you may need to fill out before your ceremony.

Visit your destination at least once before making any solid commitments. Have a vision in your mind of what you want, and do your homework on possible vendors before you go. Check out portfolios and call people who have had weddings similar to yours for references.

When you get there, visit the venues you are thinking about using at the time of day that you plan on having your ceremony. Keep in mind what the weather will be like during that time of year.

Try to arrange a tasting with your caterer of choice. Consider including items that are specialties of the area.

Request a trial centerpiece from your florist, so you can see it in

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