You need only to make the decisions regarding the destination site, set the date, get a passport if traveling outside of the USA, apply for the marriage license, pack and travel. And they can help all your guests get there and arrange their accommodations. They’ll even steam or press your wedding dress when you arrive.

Most all inclusive wedding sites are in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The benefits are that everything is done for you. You don’t have the stress of planning a wedding. The next big plus: after the ceremony, you are on your honeymoon. No need to repack and travel, the honeymoon starts instantly.

Since everything is paid as a package, there are no additional expenses. You can dine at any of the restaurants on the property or other resorts that have exchange privileges. Or you can stay in your room and dine on room service. You can dance the night away, watch the nightly entertainment or relax in your room. You can lounge at the pool or at the beach. You can golf, take part in beach activities, games and barbecues, or do nothing at all but chill. All alcohol is included, some resorts will even supply cigarettes.

The all inclusive resorts are popular as destination wedding spots and also for honeymoons. Many couples return on their anniversary for a vacation. Your guests have so many activities to enjoy, they won’t bother you and most resorts will place you away from your guests so you get the privacy you want when you want. Your wedding party and guests will probably only stay for the weekend.

Getting married is one of the most exciting, significant events of your life.  Planning your wedding should be equally fun and memorable. After all, you get to try on beautiful dresses and pick out lovely flowers, engaging invitations, delectable edibles and much more. You’ll soon find, however, that as your choices add up, so does the cost, and unless you are one of the lucky few who has access to unlimited funds, you will need to create a wedding day budget.

Don’t panic! Budgeting does not have to mean skimping or sacrificing your dream wedding. By preparing a budget, you can prevent yourself from becoming financially overextended and keep your wedding plans organized. Regional wedding planner Emma Corrie recommends planning your budget and, depending on your financial situation, beginning the money-saving process at least one year before your wedding. This will allow you ample time to choose vendors and negotiate rates that fall within your budget.

Generally speaking, your wedding reception will account for the majority of your budget as it includes costs for the reception site, decorations, food and beverages, rental items (tables, tableware, linens, etc), music, favours and more. Your reception cost will fluctuate according to the size and design of your wedding. For example, the more guests you expect, the larger your venue must be, which means more decorations, more food and beverages, more rentals. Corrie says “The wedding venue will determine the infrastructural requirements such as tenting, flooring, lighting, rentals, the style of décor, security, parking, etc.” Rentals, security, parking and vendor tipping are among the many incidental expenses that should be included in your budget.

Make sure you do plenty of research before you choose a reception site. “Time of year is important,” Corrie says “Booking during the non-peak seasons would be one of the money-saving strategies.” Another is to book the site early. “It’s more likely the later you start looking that you will have to settle for a more expensive venue,” Corrie says. Do your research and ask questions. Find out if tables, tableware and linens are provided, or if they require an extra charge. If you plan to serve alcohol, ask if you can provide some or all of the beverages. Ask if there are ways to cut the food and beverage costs—compare a plated dinner to a buffet or cocktail reception. Don’t be fooled by locations that advertise no rental fee. Often, they require a high food and beverage minimum, which may not coincide with the size and budget of your wedding.

Once you compile your research findings, evaluate your options according to your budget before making your final decisions. Experts suggest using funds that are available to you rather than racking up large credit card bills. “Everyone should try to avoid embarking on a new life together with a heavy debt burden,” Corrie says.

Don’t let the stress of finances cloud one of the happiest times of your life! By setting realistic expectations and keeping your budget in check, you can have the wedding you have always dreamed about. All you have to do is start early, budget efficiently and plan accordingly.

Emma’s Top 5 Tips

1. Budget: First, determine how much you are prepared to spend. Think carefully about the number of wedding attendants you want as this will affect your budget. Do not request an over-the-top design if it will not suit your budget.
2. Communication: Make sure that all of the service providers working on the event are kept on schedule and within your budget. When using a wedding planner, ensure he or she understands your vision and is able to handle all of the details.
3. Location: Consider style—garden, church or beach? Destination or home? Indoor or outdoor? Formulate a contingency plan in the event of inclement weather.
4. Shopping: Choose a wedding gown that suits both you and the style of your wedding. A heavy satin dress, for instance, would not be an ideal choice for a beach wedding.
5. Groom’s Role: It is unlikely that your other half will be as interested in the design details as you are. Rather than creating an argument or tension, accept this as the norm and allow him to take care of the aspects that he is comfortable with (e.g. music, honeymoon details).

by Apryl Chapman Thomas

It happens. You get so busy planning every little detail of your wedding that it eventually takes over your life.  As you go over the numbers one more time, or check on the status of your dress, you start to feel tightness in your shoulders. You don’t think much of it, so you ignore it and continue with your planning. As the pressure continues to grow, it starts to take a toll on your health. You notice that your back is hurting and your neck feels strained. And you can’t get rid of those daily headaches.

As your big day approaches, you are not feeling like a bride-to-be should be feeling.  Instead of being radiant, as you were after you got engaged, you are now seeing the signs of stress. You need to do something quick. One of the benefits of being a bride is being able to indulge in a little pampering. You want to look and feel your best for your big day, so why not get a massage.  Not only is it a great way to unwind, but there are numerous health benefits that come from one.  Just for 30-minutes or longer, not only can you improve your mind, but your body as well.

Massage for Your Body

Stress can physically hurt, and if your body is suffering from unusual twinges, it can be hard to concentrate on your wedding.

“There are lots of deadlines to meet and decisions to make as you plan a wedding,” says Karen Grannum, Spa Manager, Touch Therapies in St. John’s, Antigua. “A massage offers a welcome departure from the hustle and bustle.”

She adds it’s all about relaxation – relax and enjoy the moment.

“Savour the excitement of getting married.  Pampering yourself allows you to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. With a massage, you can let go and truly be nurtured.”

“Just sitting still for a few moment of Indian Head Massage or Aromatic Reflexology is enough to ease tensions and calm the nerves.”

Celine van Meer, with The Good Life Spa at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles agrees, “Spa treatments has many stress relieving benefits and should be therefore incorporated as part of the wedding preparations as well as on the wedding day itself.”

“One or a few massage(s) prior to the big day is both mentally and physically a very good way to relax your busy mind and to pamper your body.”

Massage for Your Health

It is supposed to be one of the most jubilant times of your life, and while there is still some excitement, there is exhaustion and nervousness as well.  All of these feelings and emotions can be unsettling to your body.

“Wedding time is filled with lots of stress from all angles,” comments Jaishree Nagrani with Prana Life Mobile Massage Service in, Barbados. “While one of the top benefits of a massage is reducing stress, it can actually help calm the nervous system to reduce anxiety and give you more energy.”

She adds that massages also stimulate the nervous system, which in turn helps your muscles to relax.

Other benefits include improved circulation and eased muscle tension and cramps. Nagrani points out that massages offer some additional benefits that people might not know.  They can aid in a body’s detoxing, centering and fluid retention.

So if your wedding preparations are beginning to get the best of you, take a break and get a massage. Your body and your mind will thank you.