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Everyone is thinking about the holidays, but for some lovebirds, their upcoming nuptials are forefront on their minds. Many couples dream about getting married on a Caribbean island or in a ski chalet, so they are stepping outside of the box and planning a destination wedding or honeymoon. We asked some travel agents for tips on booking a destination wedding or honeymoon.

“Start planning at least a year or more out,” said Katie Levent, vice president of Elite Travel Management Group. “Since destination weddings are becoming more popular, dates tend to fill up quickly. So if you want a preferred date, book early.”

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When planning the most important day of your life, Janine Ortell reminds the couple to be patient. She also has some advice for the travel agent. “Offer options to the couple, but don’t go overboard,” said Ortell, MBA, CTA of Travel Flair. “Try to keep the couple focused.”

And the first thing you need to focus on is your budget. “Most young people are just not familiar with traveling and the cost,” said Samarah Meil, of Amarillo Travel Network. “So we understand that we can be here to guide them. I never want a couple to go in over their head with a honeymoon or destination wedding they cannot afford, so I cannot stress planning in advance enough and setting a realistic budget.”

The good news is that a destination wedding can actually save the couple money. Typically not as many people attend a destination wedding so the expenses drop. Research shows that a traditional wedding will cost tens of thousands while a destination wedding with an intimate guest list can come in for under $10,000. It all depends on what you want with your wedding.

Beth Johnston had her own destination wedding in February and as both a bride and a travel agent the number one tip she gives couples is to make a list of your must-haves.

“My fiancé at the time wanted to play golf, so our resort needed access to golf,” said Johnston, Travel Designer at Beth’s Beautiful Getaways. “I wanted a beautiful beach wedding, so beach view was tops on my list. We both wanted someplace tropical to get away from the Michigan cold and an all-inclusive so we didn't have to worry about feeding our combined six 20-something children. Be clear on your must-haves when looking for your ideal location.”

Of course, a destination wedding is an amazing experience, but it’s just as important to spend time planning the honeymoon. “Brides tend to want all the trimmings of a flawless wedding,” said Judith White, Romance Travel Expert of White Sand Travel. “After all, you may have hundreds of guests to impress. Then they are disappointed with the honeymoon because by the time they get around to planning it, time and funds are limited.”

White says that only 25 percent of couples report that they had their dream honeymoon. “Your honeymoon is about the first days together,” she said. “It ought to be an experience you will treasure forever. Oh, if you talk to most grooms, they really care more about the honeymoon than all the amazing flowers, cake and décor.”

So plan early, set a budget, make a list of must-haves and don’t forget the honeymoon. These tips almost guarantee that you will have the best day of your life.

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