tip--planning long distance

lifeserve.com

Due to the increased mobility of America's twenty-something generation as well as the popularity of internet dating, more and more couples are planning long-distance weddings. A bride might live in Louisiana, her fiancé might go to school in Connecticut and the wedding could be in California! With all that distance, planning is a challenge.

The best way to ensure a successful long-distance wedding is to keep the lines of communication open:

Set up a communication system between you and the bridal party, vendors and guests. E-mail and Web sites are the most time-efficient. Phone calls and faxes are easy ways to keep in touch with your vendors. Keep track of correspondence in one location.
Plan trips to the ceremony site. Use these trips to interview vendors, confirm and sign agreements, buy and store supplies, and inspect ceremony and reception sites.
Investigate local and state requirements through the local county courthouse. You may need to have blood tests or provide proof of divorce to the courthouse before you can obtain a marriage license. In addition, some states have waiting periods of seven days or more before the marriage license is valid.
Keep the dress and invitation selection in your hometown. It's much easier to do your dress fitting within easy driving distance, and it's easier to select and keep track of invitations.
Provide transportation information for guests who must travel. An out-of-town guest information packet will help your guests feel comfortable navigating in an unfamiliar city.
An easy way to ensure you get the best vendors in the area is to hire a wedding consultant. She'll know the lay of the land and make sure you get the best prices. If hiring a wedding consultant just isn't within your financial ability, save time and money by:

Asking friends and family members to help you. Though you may have to give up some control of your planning, this will ease your travel expenses and (provided you give detailed instructions) ensure you get what you want.
Only using vendors recommended to you by friends and family. This will help you avoid unreliable service.
Doing research. Buy or order information about the location where you want to be married. Learn as much as you can and seek recommendations before booking any vendor.
Long-distance weddings can increase costs considerably, but with careful budgeting you can prevent costs from rising:

Use vacations and holidays to visit locations and meet with vendors.
Check contracts for any terms written for a local bride. Sometimes contracts can have time limits impossible for an out-of-town bride to meet and this can cause the loss of a deposit or incur a financial obligation.
Select a date and determine your location first. This gives you a good starting point and allows you to plan more details farther ahead of time. Choose an off-peak month, day or time for the ceremony and reception.
Add communication and travel costs to your budget. This includes long-distance phone calls, trips to your location and emailing or faxing information.
Although out-of-town weddings are complicated by distance, careful planning and preparation will help you pull off a flawless affair.

Re: tip--planning long distance

thanks! thats so funny cuz they mentioned california and connecticut and thats where FH and I are

good tips!