If you don’t have family in the area or a trusted someone who can perform the necessary research for you, hiring a wedding planner and coordinator is a must for your destination wedding.

A local coordinator will assist you in finding the perfect reception site, source and secure vendors, make telephone calls, tend to local errands and save you unnecessary trips to the destination. Utilize the Internet for research or call the Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitors Bureau to locate a coordinator. Most offer very helpful “wedding packets” that list services you will need.

If you haven’t hired a wedding coordinator, plan on making four to six trips to the destination; one to two trips to locate the site, an additional trip or two for hiring vendors, one trip a few months in advance of the wedding to finalize the details, and the final journey to attend your rehearsal, ceremony and reception.

Make the most of your time by calling ahead and scheduling appointments for your planning trips. Many locations fill quickly, so planning at least 12 to 18 months ahead is highly recommended.

Are you ready to dress up your favorite informal wedding dresses?