Destination wedding tips and ideas

Destination wedding tips and ideas: He popped the question. You said yes. Now what?

These 10 Destination Wedding tips and ideas will help you figure out what to do first—and how to enjoy every second of the wedding planning process.

Your head might start spinning as you try to find the difference between an escort card and a place card. Relax—here are all the basics you’ll need to help 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 closest friends and family before updating your status on Facebook. It’s not cool for your hairdresser to find out before Grandma.
2. Get your engagement ring insured.
It may not be the most exciting 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 your precious insured.
3. Get a manicure
Everyone’s eyes will be on your hand, so grab your BFF, celebrate with a professional mani, and start showing off that rock.
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 enjoy 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 narrow down things after you’ve picked your venue.
6. Draw wedding budget
Ready to get down to the nasty staff? Settle on a rough guest list and budget. Without them, you can’t book the right venue and vendors within your price range.
7. Get out your calendar
Have a selection of dates in mind before you start looking for venues. Are you envisioning a spring garden wedding, or fall I do’s in the woods? Do you want to honeymoon in Patagonia, or cruise the Caribbean? The answers will help you decide your ideal time of year. Tip: Ask engaged friends when they’re getting married, 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 book it early. The key is finding one that matches with your vision (black-tie ballroom, modern minimalist, etc.). And don’t be afraid to think beyond the banquet hall.
10. Stay organized