More and more couples are trading in the traditional weddings in their hometown for an adventurous trip with their nearest and dearest interstate or overseas. Destination weddings inject a whole new sense of excitement into your special day.

But, it’s not all frivolous fun. Getting married in a distant city has its challenges, but with these tips you should be able to tackle the tough stuff with ease.

1. The Place – The first step of all wedding planning is to decide on a venue, but this can be a challenge if you haven’t yet decided on a city or even country. To get your creative juices flowing, think of all the places that are meaningful to you and your partner. If your heart is set on picking a completely new place, spin the globe and plonk your finger down anywhere. This is the fun part, so let your imagination run wild now and you can eliminate unrealistic places later.

2. Define a Budget – This is extremely important. Sit down with your partner and decide how much money you are willing to spend on your wedding. Go through each item of the wedding from the ceremony venue costs to the reception catering and set a realistic price for each one.

3. Guest List – This is extremely important because even though it is your wedding, you want to plan it to accommodate your family and friends otherwise it just won’t be the same without them. So figure out each guest’s probable schedule and location and take the time to organise your wedding date with them in mind. Make sure that you give them all the details as early as possible – organise booklet printing so that they have all the relevant information they will need to be a part of your wedding.

4. Go for the Deal – Once you have picked a place, it’s now time to look at the wedding packages they have available. Some of them are extremely comprehensive covering everything from transportation and reception venues to marriage licenses and accommodation for you and your guests. Compare prices and don’t be afraid to ask for a special discount!

5. Research Marriage Requirements – If you are getting married abroad this is very important as marriage laws sometimes vary. There may be some residency requirements or you may need some specific documents translated, so make sure you plan ahead.

6. Stay on Track – Don’t make the mistake of dropping the ball in the last few months. Make sure you double-check all reservations and services. It’s also a nice touch to send a small thank you to those who have helped you pull your wedding together – something as simple as a heartfelt card or a gift basket is wonderful.

And remember to have some fun – it is your big day after all!