Guest Work

Before you begin planning in earnest, float the idea to potential guests. Would your closest family and friends attend?

"Think carefully about who to invite, as there is often a financial and time commitment," says Rosanna McCollough of www.weddingchannel.com. "Send a save-the-date card or e-mail as far in advance as possible so invitees can make arrangements and search for affordable airfares. Negotiate a group lodging rate to save guests money and time."

Provide helpful information on how to make the trip enjoyable -- cheapest flights, arrival times, what to bring, where to stay and rent a car, and whether kids are welcome (and if babysitters are available). Let a trained travel agent help with arrangements or make your own suggestions.

Consider going it alone. Rich and Jennifer Teplitsky of Chester, New Jersey, were married on Magens Bay Beach in St. Thomas but didn't invite guests out of respect for those who couldn't afford the trip. "We later hosted a fall harvest weekend at our house for family and friends to join us in celebration of our marriage," Rich says.

If you choose to have guests, put together an optional list of activities for them at your destination. But don't plan everyone's time down to the minute, says Karen Zaruba of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was married in Charleston, South Carolina. "Enjoy the time without a lot of obligations," she says.