1. Work with an experienced travel agent, who will put you in touch with an on-site planner and can advise you about any necessary documents and other legal requirements. If in doubt, have your agent call the local tourist board, or the state or country’s department of tourism, to find out the local regulations.

2. Determine in advance the cost of the wedding and get a written contract specifying all your arrangements and special requests.

3. If you plan to ask family members and friends to accompany you as attendants or witnesses, decide before you invite them who will pay, then let your travel agent handle the arrangements. He or she may be able to negotiate group discounts for you and your party.

4. If attendants will not be accompanying you, ask the wedding coordinator if local witnesses are necessary; if so, have her assist you in finding them.

5. If you wish to be married in a religious ceremony, ask the wedding coordinator to arrange for a local priest, minister or rabbi to perform your ceremony.

6. Ask your travel agent or wedding coordinator about expected weather conditions for the selected ceremony date so that your wedding attire is appropriate and comfortable for the climate.

7. Arrange hair and makeup appointments well in advance of the ceremony date. (Your resort’s wedding coordinator can help with this.)

8. Plan to arrive a few days before the wedding to oversee last-minute &nbspdetails and arrangements regarding flowers, music, photography and food. For distant locations such as Hawaii or Fiji, this also helps to ease jet lag.