Planning a wedding can be a very exciting part of your special day. More and more couples are choosing to have their ceremony at a location other than their hometown. Instead of letting this task become overwhelming, let it be fun and romantic.

After setting your wedding date, choosing your location should be your first step. Do you want an elegant event at a beautiful resort, or would you prefer a romantic and intimate celebration with just family and friends? Either way, you can have the wedding of your dreams.

Make a list of certain things that you must take care of before the big day. This list can include checking with a wedding coordinator from the area. She or he will have resources available to you to help with choosing a photographer, securing your marriage license, as well as checking with the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Center to see if there are certain requirements to have a wedding in their area. Remember as well that you will need someone to perform the ceremony. Some states allow a Notary Public to officiate, while other states require a minister that is licensed in the state that the wedding will be held. This would be another great question to ask when checking on local event requirements. Also, make sure that there are accommodations nearby for guests that may be traveling to your wedding.

Another point to remember is that a destination wedding does not have to be an expensive affair. There are very few backdrops as beautiful as nature provides.

Once the major decisions of when and where are taken care of, now the fun can begin! You can finally begin to build your theme around your venue. You may choose wedding favors to decorate your tables. If you are having a sunset beach wedding, you may want to choose nautical wedding favors for your guests to remember your special day. If you have a more elegant theme in mind, you might choose a beautiful picture frame for place card holders that can be used by your guest once they return home.

Close your eyes and picture the way you want your reception to look. Do you see linen-covered table and chairs with beautiful place card holders for your guests, or do you see a more relaxed casual atmosphere with a “toes in the sand” beach feel?

Remember that this is your wedding day. Make it everything you have ever dreamed of.