Destination wedding planning etiquette: fast and easy tips

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We live in a world of bite-sized information, and with good reason! Hectic schedules, demanding careers and social lives leave little time for anything else. So if you're looking for the inside scoop on etiquette for your upcoming destination wedding without thumbing through a novel's worth of information, here are some fast and easy etiquette tips that we swear by.

Send invites early: Send save-the-dates 8-12 months out to give guests ample time to save and plan. If you don't have that long, three to four months is okay. Invitations go out 6-8 weeks in advance.

Include guests that can't attend: It's easy to make everyone feel included! If you have close friends and family that can't attend, consider a reception once you return home. There are hi-tech options for the actual ceremony too, like video cams so guests can watch the wedding live. Or, go the social route and create a #hashtag for your wedding so family and friends can follow along.

Be kind to the kiddos: Ask about camps, water parks, day and night activities for all ages and if babysitting is offered on the property. Plan fun activities for the kids during your rehearsal dinner, like scavenger hunts or leave out a basket of board games to win extra brownie points.

Make time for your spouse: It's important to remember why you're at this amazing resort celebrating -- because you're starting a life as a couple! Take a sunrise walk on the beach, get a spa treatment, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed. Trust us, your guests will understand.

Thank your parents generously: They've been there for you through thick and thin, so don't gift them with anything cheesy or impersonal. Take your time to find something timeless that suits their personality and taste. And of course, don't forget the handwritten note.

Don't combat the opposition: And better yet, don't think about it as combat. You're trying to plan the best wedding possible for you and your guests, so why waste your energy on the naysayers? As long as you are thoughtful and communicate well with your guests, there's no reason you should have to explain or justify your choices.

Find out if your resort is handicap accessible: If it's important for your grandparents to make the wedding, then they shouldn't also risk life and limb at your resort. Make sure they have a comfortable seat at all times and that your resort has accessible walkways and attendants to lend a hand.

Budget: Know what yours is and be reasonable about what you can accomplish with that number. It's that plain and simple.

Add an opt-out clause: It's nice to let your guests know that their presence is a gift, not a requirement. We like the idea of an opt-out clause on the save-the-dates. Keep it upbeat and maybe mention a home reception or party if you're having one so they can still celebrate with you.

Be sensible with gifts: Try a honeymoon fund instead of asking your guests to lug bulky, expensive gifts. Or, opt out of gifts altogether if it feels right and try a charity fund instead.

Create enthusiasm for your wedding: Your guests might not yet have been to a destination wedding before yours. Get them amped up with a wedding website that includes excursions, details about your resorts and any group activities you have planned. A little weather forecast never hurts either.

Get everyone together on night one: Some of your guests might not have met each other before. Let everyone mingle and break the ice with a laid back party or event pre-ceremony. There might be some surprise friendships in the works!

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Congratulations! You are enganged! Now what?

He popped the question. You said yes. Now what? These 10 things will help you figure out what to do first—and how to enjoy every second of the wedding planning process.

Congratulations! You're engaged. These 10 to-dos—from the fun (get a manicure!) to the nitty-gritty (set your budget)—will get you organized, on track, and well on your way to planning the best wedding ever.

1. Call your VIPs

Share the big news with your inner circle before updating your status on Facebook. It's not cool for your acupuncturist to find out before Grandma.

2. Get your engagement ring insured.

It may not be the most thrilling task in the world, but if your engagement ring falls down the garbage disposal, flies off a rollercoaster, or sheds a diamond or two, you'll be ever-so-glad you got that precious stone insured.

3. Get a manicure

Everyone's eyes will be on your hand, so grab your BFF, splurge on a professional mani, and start showing off that sparkler.

4. Enjoy the moment

Being engaged means you get to plan the wedding of your dreams. But it also means that you just committed to spending the rest of your life with your soul mate. Take some time (at least a couple of weeks) to savor how epically romantic that is before you dive into logistics.

5. Start dreaming

This is the fun part: brainstorming with your guy about the big day. Compare fantasies (tequila tastings! beach vows!), and sign up for a Pinterest account to create an online inspiration board. Go crazy—you can refine things after you've picked your venue.

6. Add up your wedding budget

Ready to get down to the nitty-gritty? Settle on a rough guest list and budget. Without them, you can't book the right venue and vendors for your price point.

7. Get out your calendar

Have a range of dates in mind before you tour venues. Are you envisioning a spring garden wedding, or fall I do's in the woods? Do you want to honeymoon in Yosemite, or cruise the Caribbean? The answers will help steer you toward your ideal time of year. Tip: Ask engaged friends when they're getting hitched, so you can avoid those dates.

8. Hire a wedding planning pro

If you want to work with a wedding planner, book her before you choose your venue.

9. Find a wedding venue

Your venue will influence every decision you make, from your color scheme to the style of your dress, so lock it down early. The key is finding one that meshes with your vision (black-tie ballroom, modern minimalist, etc.). And don't be afraid to think beyond the banquet hall.

10. Stay organized

This is not the kind of party you can throw together at the last minute. Stay on track by creating a comprehensive timeline of your wedding to-dos.

source: http://www.brides.com/

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FAQ: Why do we need wedding insurance?

Though you might not want to think about it, disasters can strike your wedding day. From a sudden cancellation to stolen gifts to a damaged gown, wedding insurance can help protect you against the unforseen, and can also afford you great peace of mind. 

Wedding insurance is always a good idea but must for a destination wedding. The price of a wedding insurance policy for a destination wedding varies depending on the amount of coverage. Most policies cover the following:

Weather. If your wedding must be postponed due to bad weather, your insurance should cover the cost of rescheduling. This is especially useful for Florida or the Bahamas during hurricane season. But remember, a few drops of rain isn’t going to qualify. The inclement weather must so bad that your wedding can't be performed or the majority of your guests won’t be able to attend.

Physical injury. If you, your groom, or other essential members of the wedding can't make it due to injury, illness, or death, your deposits should be covered.

Vendors. If any of your vendors don’t come through, you can recover some, if not all, of the costs of rescheduling.

Additional riders
Military. If you or your groom is in the military and one of you is called to duty, all deposits will be covered.

Wedding attire. Should your airline lose your gown or your tux rental store goes out of business, the cost of damages will be reimbursed.

Gifts. Sometimes this is covered by homeowners insurance. If not, this additional coverage will protect against damage or theft.

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