Destination weddings are the perfect solution for adventurous couples who want to exchange nuptials in a unique destination, without running the risk of angering friends and family members by eloping.

Planning a destination wedding is not for the faint of heart — but trust us, it’ll all be worth it when you exchange vows against a breathtaking backdrop, surrounded by your friends and family.

Since destination weddings are still gaining in popularity, there are many questions surrounding the proper etiquette for hosting one.. Undoubtedly, it can be tricky for an uninformed bride and groom to successfully navigate the long distance planning of their special day. Luckily, by the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on destination wedding etiquette and ready to begin planning!

1. How to choose your destination

First and foremost, discuss what you are looking for in a destination wedding location with your partner. Would you like to be sprawled out on an exotic, white sand beach sipping piña coladas with your friends and family? Or, are you seeking an action-packed destination with easy access to outdoor adventures and spirited nightlife?

Make sure you consider how the location of your destination wedding may impact your guests. Ignoring any of the above considerations could result in a loved one being unable to join you for the celebration.

Don’t forget, this is your wedding and you have complete creative freedom — If you know that traveling to a far-off location would strain the budget of most of the people you want to invite, consider hosting a destination wedding right here in your own country. It’s as easy as renting a bus, filling it with your friends and family, and driving out to the countryside to enjoy the festivities.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a destination wedding location, check out our seven favorite island locations for your your destination wedding.

2. When to send invitations

Destination wedding invitation etiquette can be tricky — how much notice do you need to provide guests? When do you need to send out the invitations? What information needs to be included?

For most destination weddings, you’ll want to have a location selected at least 10 to 12 months before the big day. However, unless you’re an incredibly savvy planner, you probably won’t have all of the necessary information such as flight times, lodging, activities etc., ready to commence the invitation printing press.

But, once you have the date and location finalized, you should let your guests know ASAP. This will give them ample time to make advanced arrangements such as:

3. Destination wedding bridal shower etiquette

There are two major caveats to consider when choosing a destination wedding to celebrate your big day. First, some of your loved ones may reject your invitation due to the cost and/or difficulties associated with traveling to a far-off destination. Second, you have likely had to slim down your guest list and opt for a small and intimate wedding, given the need for travel.

4. Create a wedding website

It’s 2018, everything is online — so why shouldn’t your wedding have its own IP address? Make it easy for your guests to find out more about your wedding — as soon as you’re ready to send out the “save the date” notices, start building a wedding website.

The great part is that you can provide your guests with a real-time update as your destination wedding planning develops. It can become a fun do-it yourself project — there are even easy-to-use wedding website templates that will do most of the work for you, including:

5. Make lodging arrangements for your guests

Following destination wedding etiquette, you should arrange lodging for yourself, your wedding party, and your guests. Depending on where you have booked your destination wedding, you should have a number of available options. Many couples choose to pursue a discounted rate at a hotel or all-inclusive by reserving a block of rooms. However, as of recent, extravagant AirBnBs have become a popular abode for all of the destination wedding guests to share. Regardless of where you choose to stay, here are some expert tips for you to consider when booking your destination wedding lodging.

6. Who covers the costs at a destination wedding?

It’s the question on everyone’s mind — who pays for a destination wedding? In most cases, the wedding party and guests pay for their airfare, lodging, and any meals or activities that aren’t related to the wedding. However, destination wedding etiquette states that it is common for the engaged couple to pay for everything at the destination that is related to the wedding. Additionally, many couples look for ways to defray the costs and surprise their guests. If you are planning a destination wedding, you should consider the following necessary and *auxiliary costs:

7. Use a local wedding planner

Hiring a local wedding planner is an excellent way to alleviate the stress associated with planning a destination wedding. You will now have access to an official consultant, negotiator, and connoisseur of everything local.

8. Honeymoon elsewhere

Now that the reception is over, you’re in your dream destination and it makes perfect sense to plan your honeymoon in the same place, right?