Where do you start?

[dlh316]

Well, I just got engaged this past week and I'm ready to get the planning started!  But, where do you start?  We are having a hard time just deciding on where to go much less anything else!  Are ya'll using travel agents/wedding planners?  If so, do you have any suggestions?

 

Whatever anyone has to suggest on helping us narrow things down and decide would be awesome!  We are thinking around March 16, 2013...

 

Thanks in advance!!

[FIFAbride]

I would suggest doing some research on different places you might want to go.  That way you can find a destination that fits your budget.  After we picked our destination we went through possible resorts and contacted each one to get detailed info.  Chose one and went from there.

[Mlite83]

We started by figuring out what we HAD to have (AI, legal ceremony, all suites etc), what would be nice to have (multiple a la carte options, lazy river, swim up suites etc) and what would be a deal breaker (decor, size etc) in terms of resorts.  From there we were able to weed out resorts that didn't meet our requirements.  Then we were able to look more closely at the wedding packages offered at the resorts we had considered to see if anything stood out as great (or not so great).  Once we had a more managable list of resorts we asked our TA to start pricing.  We had in advance done a bit of checking (online and from discussions with our TA) about ballpark pricing so that we didn't fall in love with a resort that was double our budget.

 

CONGRATS and good luck -- picking the resort is definitely the most challenging part!

[JayKay]

We made a list of requirments of the resort/vacation and from there was able to narrow it down substantially.  We then used a travel agent to give us more information on potential locations.  This was the most stressful stage of the entire planning.  After we picked a resort and date everything was pretty smooth.

[Adesir8]

CONGRATULATIONS!!

 

Research venues and find a few places you like.  Determine a time frame of when you want to get married.  I say spend as much time browsing through this website and make a note of everything that strikes your fancy.  From there I would categorize and see what's more important to you. All us brides have started in various places, but ended up having the wedding of your dreams.  Enjoy the journey!

[ornxoxo]

I agree with many brides here. Start with your requirements first. I made a list of different locations, research some prices and also don't forget weather around the month of your wedding. I spend a lot of time on this site as well to help me narrow down. I'm still in the process as well. Congrats and happy planning!

[ornxoxo]

I agree with many brides here to start with your requirements first. I made a list of locations that may interest me. Then I start researching their prices and see if it meets your requirements. I also look into the weather during my month of wedding in different locations. I pretty much spend a lot of time on this site and get advices from many brides here. Congrats and happy planning!

[ornxoxo]

I agree with many brides here to start with your requirements first. I made a list of locations that may interest me. Then I start researching their prices and see if it meets your requirements. I also look into the weather during my month of wedding in different locations. I pretty much spend a lot of time on this site and get advices from many brides here. Congrats and happy planning!

[ornxoxo]

I agree with many brides here to start with your requirements first. I made a list of locations that may interest me. Then I start researching their prices and see if it meets your requirements. I also look into the weather during my month of wedding in different locations. I pretty much spend a lot of time on this site and get advices from many brides here. Congrats and happy planning!

[Arch713]

I agree with all of the good advice given above! While many want a beach wedding - all beaches are different and so I think its important to know what kind of vibe and feel you want. Also, think about what is important to you both? Is there a special place or memory that you want to include? This is a good time to make it personal!

 

I think looking at peoples planning threads and post trip reviews will help too. Learning from others is a great way to alleviate what to do or what not to do!

 

Good Luck and Congratulations!