Brides have different reasons (or motives) for choosing a destination wedding. Some want to escape from the hullaballoo of getting married in the local area where they are forced to invite even people they don’t like. Some make it an excuse to finally see their dream vacation place. Others simply just fell in love with the idea. Whatever your reason is, this extensive wedding planning checklist will help ensure that yours will be a stress-free one.

One year to nine months before the big day

• Buy a big thick notebook. What is this for, you may ask. Well, it’s the best place to keep records, contracts, receipts, notes, ideas and other information pertinent to your big day. Bring it anywhere you go so when inspiration strikes you, you won’t have to wait until you come home to jot it down.
• Make a guest list. Collect people’s addresses, both email and snail mail. Yes, there are still those who are oblivious to electronic mail so be ready to send save the dates and invites through the post office.
• Lay out your budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend. Allocate this budget for every wedding expense. Determine which ones you’d want to cut back on and want to splurge on.
• Pick a date and decide on a destination. Find out about the marriage requirements there. Research for possible wedding and reception sites along with wedding vendors and suppliers.

Nine to six months before your I Do

• Send out save the dates to emails and snail mails.
• Get recommendations on wedding vendors including florists, bands, DJ, photographers, caterers in the area where you’re planning to get married. Be sure to check references from the vendors’ past clients.
• Choose an officiant.
• Get to know about the tours and activities available in the destination.
• Shop for your gown. Don’t forget to consider the ceremony site as well as the climate in your choice of destination.
• Select the wedding party.
• Put up a wedding website. See to it that you link it to the tourism board, hotels and airlines so guests can easily book their travel needs.
• Shop for the wedding party’s attire.
• Learn about the ethnic customs and cultural traditions in the destination of your choice. Consider incorporating them into your event to make it unique and memorable.
• Register for gifts. Better yet, create a honeymoon registry.

Six to four months until getting hitched

• Order the wedding rings.
• Get the necessary travel documents such as passports, visa and travel insurance. Obtain necessary blood tests or vaccination.
• Arrange for rental of all equipment needed for the event.
• Order wedding invitations and other stationery items like menus, maps, itineraries, place cards and many more.
• Book accommodation and airfare for you, your spouse, your families and wedding party.

Four to two months before you’re officially a Mrs.

• Arrange for group tours and activities.
• Create playlist for the musicians to play during your wedding.
• Order or create wedding favors.
• Send out formal invitations to your guests.

Just one more month and he’s all yours

• Have final fitting of the gown.
• Assign last-minute tasks to family, friends and wedding party.
• Write your vows.

Only two more weeks to go

• Review all the travel and wedding details.
• Create the seating chart for the reception.

When you finally arrive

• Confirm all wedding vendors and suppliers.
• Confirm with the wedding officiant.
• Apply for the marriage license.
• Visit and inspect the ceremony and reception sites.

On the special day

• This shouldn’t be included anymore for it’s common sense: have fun and make the most out of your big day!

Where can I find wedding guest books to match my theme? After all, using a themed guest book adds a professional feeling to your wedding reception. When the reception is over, your guest book will be a valuable resource for writing thank you notes to your guests and may even become your first marital phone book.

A wedding guest book is a focal point at your reception. Usually the guest book is displayed on their own table so the guests can comfortably sign it at their leisure. Decorative, themed accessories decorate the guest book table and a matching, attractive pen is displayed so guests can easily write a few words.

After the reception ends, the wedding guest book is a wonderful way to capture the day all over again. As you read all the statements made by your guests, both of you are certain to laugh and cry. The guests include their names, addresses and telephone numbers so you can write thank you cards without a hitch. Once your thank you cards are sent, your wedding guest book will be the place you turn when it is time to write holiday cards or make a call to invite a few people over for dinner.

So where can I find wedding guest books to match my theme? Online resources are the best place to start. You can shop anytime at your convenience because the Internet never closes. Peruse your options in your pajamas or during your break at work. You can select a lovely item to match your style, order it and have it delivered right to your door.

Destination weddings are increasingly popular. As more celebrities visit exotic locations to tie the knot, more everyday couples also choose to exchange their vows at the beach. If you have a sensational seaside wedding with your toes in the sand, a seaside allure traditional guest book is the perfect touch. With a starfish embellishment, everyone will have a seaside feeling when they sign it.

Many girls dream of a fairytale wedding when they grow up and they imagine themselves twirling around with Prince Charming just like Cinderella. Bring that thought to your wedding reception and beyond with a fairy tale dreams traditional guest book. Much like a chariot and elegant gown, no Cinderella wedding is complete without a matching guest book.

Western weddings are a fun way to include guests of all ages at your wedding. From little ones to seniors, everyone has a good time an old-fashioned hoe down. Have your reception in a renovated barn, wear cowboy hats and hire a caller for square dancing. Make sure you include a romantic vintage western traditional guest book so all your guests can write how they feel in their own words.

Are you a military member? Are you proud to be marrying a military member? Show off your pride by using a discerning camouflage traditional guest book. All your guests will salute you with their words in this attractive camouflage guest book, which will be a perfect accent on the coffee table in your new marital home together.

Couples often choose a wedding theme to reflect the season. While summer weddings are a classic choice, many couples prefer the ambiance of other seasons. During a spring wedding, everyone feels the excitement of new life. Often butterflies are released at spring garden weddings to celebrate the moment when the couple exchanges their vows. A butterfly dreams traditional guest book captures names, sentiments and the vision of your wedding day. For a fabulous fall wedding, an autumn splendor guest book is an eye-catching accent at your reception.

The spirit of an Irish wedding brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. From green accents to lacy trim, the atmosphere at your wedding reflects Celtic cheer. Place a Celtic charm traditional guest book on a lovely table with a doily so your guests can write their own unique messages to you. After the reception, this cheery Celtic charm guest book will be a treasured keepsake for the rest of your lives. Where can I find wedding guest books like this? At easy-to-shop online retailers such as My Beach Wedding.

Wedding News from BridezillaTimes.com

With the scenic blue sky and enticing ocean as your backdrop, the fun little charms and treasures on the beach as the souvenirs, and nature’s beauty as decoration, a beach wedding can truly be one awe-inspiring event. Just one more thing you need to get this event started, and that is the invitation.

The wedding invitation is an essential part of this occasion because it gives the guests preview about your wedding as well as provides relevant details such as date, venue, and theme. But just because it is “important,” it does not mean it has to be serious! If you are going to have a beach wedding, you would want something that would be fun, bright, and cool. These tips will help you pick the nicest beach wedding invitation for your special day.

• Pick a theme

The vast wealth of options you have when it comes to beach weddings can surely be overwhelming. Having a specific theme would help you narrow down your choices. Some of the themes you can choose include treasure hunt, tropical, Hawaiian, and nautical.

• Choose the colors

The wedding motif color should be your guide when picking colors for the invitation. Popular choices for colors include blue, white, off-white, beige, green, brown, yellow, orange, and pink. Choose one color for the base of the invitation (preferably light shade like white, off-white or beige) and another one or two colors for the accent (blue and green, pink and brown, or yellow and orange).

Island Adventure This fun, bright white invitation ensemble is all about the beach! TAF5583-672 0.00 for 100	Make Way for Waves Make this simple seaside scene on a bright white card your destination wedding invitation. TA6199-68 5.00 for 100	Show and Tell A bright white pop-up adirondack chair displays your invitation wording. TA9168-208 8.00 for 100
Swaying Palms Pearlized palm trees flatter this tea-length invitation. MR6575-223 6.90 for 100	Amazing Aqua The bright hues of aqua on this textured white card are perfect for an elegant affair, or a casual beach wedding. VR3214H-43 9.90 for 100	Picture Paradise Set sail for the tropics with this bright white, layered invitation featuring your photo. WAN8976-87 4.90 for 100
Colored Curls It’s all wrapped up when you order this shimmering self-mailing pocket invitation. TAN8094 0.00 for 100	Tropical Flowers Bright white card featuring two debossed floral designs. WR8749-68 2.90 for 100	Island Paradise An embossed, tropical scene with pearlized accents. WR5211-87 2.90 for 100

• Decide on the wording

It would be fun to break away from the traditional invitation wording and make use of beach phrases to inform the guests about your big day. Something like, “Come and bask under the warmth of the sun while we tie the knot…” or “Enjoy the sun, sand and the sea as Mike and Wendi unite as one…” would be a good way to start the invitation wording.

• Select something out of the ordinary

Before, invitation meant paper and envelop but today, it can be anything from handcrafted items to accessories. If you want your beach wedding to stand out, it would be a great idea to choose a non-traditional invitation. Look at the list of options below and see if something fits your and your partner’s taste and style.

A Pair of Flip-flops

It can be a real flip-flop, a mini version of the real thing or a paper shaped like one—whatever your choice is, this pair of nice and colorful slippers can be a cool way to invite people to your wedding.

Rollin’ Waves – Magnet Let this peaceful ocean view get guests to save the date. NBN98KV-15 5.90 for 100	Down by the Seashore A celebration down by the sea! EW65UK-227 1.50 for 100	StarFish Set the tone for that destination wedding with this ecru, starfish save the date card. NB3712-70 7.90 for 100
Parties! Your choice of ink color and design makes this bright white card a party invitation favorite!! NA6NV-93 .90 for 100	Parties! Your choice of ink color and design makes this bright white card a party invitation favorite!! NA6NV-93 .90 for 100	Message in a Bottle Send a message that has just drifted ashore. NA6139-C4 1.90 for 100
Party with Sage Choose a complimentary design for this sage party invitation. NA1762H-93 .90 for 100	Pink and Mocha Mixer Contemporary colors unite to border your special wording. NA7066V-93 0.90 for 100	Black and Gold Gala This rich-looking invitation shines when your invitation wording is presented on it. NA7068V-93 0.90 for 100

Beach Pop-Out Card

Open the card and voila, a striking beach scene pops out of the card. You can even sprinkle some real sand and glue them on the card for a more dramatic effect.

Message in a Bottle

A scroll of luminous paper inside a bottle can add a nice touch to your tropical island beach wedding.

Treasure Chest

Many toy and craft stores sell mini treasure chest that you can use to put in your invitation that resembles a treasure map.

Now you know all these tips and suggestions, let the search for the best beach wedding invitation begin!

	Party with Black Choose the perfect border for this black party invitation. NA1764V-93 .80 for 100	Under the Sunset Your sunset awaits! EKH42QQW-227 0.90 for 100	With Sand Beneath Our Feet By the sea, you’ll say “I Do”. WA98JP 8.10 for 100
	Destination: Mexico The perfect invitation for a destination wedding! EKH42NNC-227 4.90 for 100	Nautical Dream Anchor your guests with this nautical invitation! EKH42PPM-227 4.90 for 100	Pink Summer Love A summer scene will spread the warmth of the tropics to your loved ones! EKH42PPR-37 0.90 for 100
	A Shore Thing This invitation is the perfect way to announce your tropical wedding . EW65DDV-227 1.50 for 100	Tiki Time Set the theme for your celebration with this tropical invitation! EA8808-227 5.00 for 100	Two Birds of a Feather – Magnet Flock together… for our big event! WAN99FW-15M 5.40 for 100

The whole point of brainstorming wedding gift ideas is that you want to veer off a little bit maybe from the traditional thing that is usually done. Not that if you choose to go with those gifts they wouldn’t be appreciated, but a change is also a welcomed thing in some instances. And getting a list of wedding gift ideas for the bridal shower should not be a problem as well, since the host of the shower is supposed to know the bride best after all.

And much like the planning for and getting ideas for the wedding shower, ideas for the gifts too can be listed down, and then suggested to the guests who are going to be attending on that day. Again, be sure to list down the gifts with the future bride-to-be in mind, what she would like and what she would appreciate getting. Ultimately, no matter what sort of gift the guests choose to give the bride she will appreciate it, but she will love it even more if it is something she has been wanting or something she likes.

When a person celebrates a special occasion, an occasion that is going to make a big impact in one’s life in one way or another, they would want to do everything they can to keep the memories of that occasion intact if it is a happy one. We all want to hold on to the happy memories and happy occasions, and there is no occasion quite like a wedding ceremony for an occasion that changes lives in a tremendous way.

Nesting Unity Sand Ceremony Set $49.98 USD	Personalized Memorial Pillar Candle 2 colors $39.98 USD	Flower of Love In Romantic Red Square Ring Pillow $39.98 USD
Chocolate & Strawberry Cream Flower Girl Basket $39.98 USD	Modern Monogram Personalized Unity Candle 2 colors $39.98 USD	Happily Ever After Personalized Unity Candle $39.98 USD

There are a number of ways in which couples hold on to the memories of their wedding day, usually done through keepsakes which are things that were used during the wedding ceremony that the couple take away with them and keep in memory of that day. Some examples of things that are kept from the wedding are like unity candles which are reused during wedding anniversaries, toasting flutes, personalized gifts that were given to them by the guests, and personalized items that the couple had made especially for the big day.

Contemporary Double-walled Champagne Flutes $29.98 USD	Venice Gold Toasting Flutes $79.98 USD	Venice Silver Toasting Flutes $79.98 USD
Silver Plated Interlocking Heart Stems with Glass Flutes $39.98 USD	Silver Plated Stem with Cut Out Hearts Goblets $39.98 USD	Silver Plated Stacked Hearts Glass Flutes $39.98 USD
Silver Plated Love Stem Champagne Holder and Glass Flutes $39.98 USD	Silver Plated Stem with Crystals Goblets $49.98 USD	Silver Plated Heart Stem Glass Flutes $49.98 USD

But the couple should not only want to remember the things that happened on that big day and take away things that remind them of their wedding day; they should also want to remember each and every single one of the guests that was present on that day to share in that memorable event with them. After all, a celebration isn’t a celebration if you aren’t surrounded by the people you love and the ones that love you so it is only right that the couple try to remember everyone who was there on that day.

Choosing wonderful winter wedding favors is simple when you check out online resources. Give your guests unique winter wedding favors to remember your sparkling celebration.

Formerly unpopular, winter weddings are now the choice of many modern couples. The breathtaking backdrop of natural bling is a perfect romantic setting for a wedding. Create your own winter wonderland scene for a fabulously unforgettable wedding.

Have your reception at an inviting, cozy location such as a ski lodge, rustic cabin or romantic restaurant. The venue should have a welcoming, warm fireplace and big windows so the guests can view the outdoors if it snows. String white lights on the walkways to guide your guests. Illuminate your tables with candles.

Candle winter wedding favors give your guests glow to take home. Show you are “Snow in Love” with whimsical tea light candles shaped like snow people near each place setting. Have a real snowman and snow woman dressed as a bride and groom near the entranceway of your reception to greet guests.

Since snow is inevitable in winter in many part of the country, celebrate those unique flakes with snowy winter wedding favors. Capture the individual beauty of a snowflake with a snowflake gel candle for each guest. Give guests snowflake bottle stoppers in shimmering gift boxes to memorialize the moment.

For an elegant, traditional winter wedding, give your guests an impressive gift. “Snowfall” exquisite glass photo coasters truly express gratitude to your guests. They will display your wedding photo in this gorgeous coasters to remember your day forever.

If you decide to have a Christmas-theme winter wedding, ornaments are perfect winter wedding favors. Place snowflake place card holder/ornaments near each seat to guide your guests and do double duty as wedding favors. Your guests will love to put your wedding photo in this ornament to decorate their own Christmas trees at home.

One of the famous holiday songs features a partridge in a pear tree.

Feature pears at your winter wedding for a refreshing change of pace. Give your guests “The Perfect Pear” pear timers to show off you’re a perfect pair. Your guests will love attractive pear candles in sheer organza bags with leaf tags. Top off the day by giving your guests an “Icing On The Cake” winter wedding cake candle. This unique candle memorialize the moment when you first feed each other as a married couple.

Winter wedding favors are the perfect way to thank your guests with a lasting keepsake of your day.

Thank your groomsmen with a bottle of their favored wine! A wine bottle stopper is a perfect substitute for disintegrating corks. A well-chosen bottle stopper with a classy look will keep your wine effortlessly fresh. It is an ideal thank-you gift and you can always engrave them too. Your groomsmen will think of you every time they relish a special bottle! Or if not for the bottle stopper, why not a bottle opener? It is a great gift for all the groomsmen and a fabulous memento as well as a necessity! Affixing a touch of status to anyone’s home bar, a cool personalized bottle opener is a great way to say ‘I appreciate what you’ve done.’ Honor the event by affixing your groomsman’s name and the wedding date. They’ll treasure this ingenious bar tool for a lifetime!

One of the most unique ideas that Canadian Bridal has to offer is the personalized coaster puzzle set. It is a fabulous gift to thank the men, an item they will love using and showing off! It is a clever coaster puzzle set which split up to become fur practical coasters. Unique and exceptional, the puzzle coaster set is a great way to express your gratitude.

5 in 1 Tape Measure $19.98 USD	Stainless Steel Outdoor Torch $19.98 USD	Black Nylon / PVC Shaving Travel Kit $34.98 USD
Novelty 5 Piece BBQ Tools in Black Golf Bag and Golf Grips $35.00 USD	“Best Man” Wedding Transfer $6.98 USD	Stainless Iron Luggage Tags Set as low as $9.98 USD
Car Wheel Holder and Pen Desk Set $19.98 USD	2 Section Wine Carry Bag 2 colors $34.98 USD	Key Fob with Cable 2 colors $4.98 USD
Silver Plated Brass Money Clip $8.98 USD	Stainless Steel Yo Yo $11.98 USD	Digital Portable Clock 2 colors $14.98 USD
Silver Plated Brass Cigar Tube $16.98 USD	Flip Top Card Case $16.98 USD	Footed Pilsner Glass $17.98 USD
Golf Ball Bag $19.98 USD	Luxury Steering Wheel Key Holder $19.98 USD	Stainless Steel Multi Tools $19.98 USD
Wine Gift Set $21.98 USD	Stainless Steel Flasks 2 designs $15.98 – $24.98 USD	Travel/Desk Clock $24.98 USD
Crystal Cube Photo Frame $26.98 USD	Silver Plated Double Photo Frame $29.98 USD On Sale Now	Premium Java Vacuum Traveler 2 designs $14.98 – $29.98 USD On Sale Now
Brushed Finish Stainless Steel Tankard $29.98 USD	Contemporary Acrylic Photo Frame 2 sizes $24.98 – $29.98 USD

For the groom’s party, groomsmen gifts with proper engravings are sure to give pleasure to those to receive them! Exquisite personalized gifts are thank you items that are lasting words of your appreciation.

Cheap wedding shower favors may be a necessity on a tight budget but they should never look cheap. Shop around online to find the best deals on cheap wedding shower favors so you have presentable presents to present to your guests.

You don’t have to break the budget to get wedding shower favors. Whether the bride helps plan her own shower or it becomes a surprise celebration planned by family and friends, cheap wedding shower favors make the event more affordable. As costs for everything continue to rise, you can save a little money by carefully selecting attractive cheap wedding shower favors.

While many folks are tempted to search local retailers and dollar stores for cheap wedding shower favors, remember your guests shop at these places, too. When they receive an item they saw at a mass merchant, they may minimize its value rather than appreciating the sentiment behind the gift.

Maintain confidentiality by shopping at online retailers so your guests never know what you paid for cheap wedding favors. You can search for budget-conscious deals at your convenience online to find the best deals on cheap wedding shower favors. Once you peruse online resources, you will discover thousand of options for cheap wedding shower favors.

Narrow down your options by matching your cheap wedding shower favors to the theme of your big day for a uniform appearance everywhere your guests go. Carefully select cheap wedding shower favors so they graciously express gratitude and become lasting keepsakes of the day for your guests.

Let your cheap wedding shower favors do double duty as place card holders so you save more money. Display an elegant bud vase and place card holder near each seat with a silk blossom for guests to take home. Tuck small treasures into miniature chair place card holders and favors boxes. If your guests love to shop, they will appreciate "Signature Style" purse and shoe favor boxes and place card holders.

Plantable gifts are great cheap wedding shower favors. Give out "Love Grows" favors in adorable flower and heart shapes. Guests can plant these favors and enjoy fresh flowers by the time your wedding date arrives.

Candles are beautiful cheap wedding shower favors. Your guests will love receiving fun-loving "Two Peas In A Pod" candles in ivy print boxes. Show off your sense of style with a traditional wedding gown candles in designer window shop boxes for each of your guests.

Carefully chosen cheap wedding shower favors look more precious than the price you paid.

Online Wedding Planning – This how-to video by Angela Fiebelkorn is about the different planning tools, including books, magazines, software, and other guides and tools. It’s part of a free wedding planning tips series.