Perhaps your TA would just keep you updated on the progress? Most TA's I know send out updates and reminders of key dates. Just one less thing you have to worry about.
I like the idea of taking a separate honeymoon, at a later date. Give myself time to come down from the wedding and give myself another holiday to look forward to. I couldn't do two weeks at an all-inclusive.
Traditionally the BM pay for their own. Most brides, at least on the panel, seem to be mindful of that and aren't picking out dresses worth hundreds of dollars. If my friend was struggling, I wouldn't be opposed to helping out,
I wasn't thrilled about the added fee for getting married on the beach, and many of the reasons listed about..... the flower gardens and gazebos offer a beautiful setting then having pictures taken on the beach.