Traveling to a new city can be intimidating. Sure, you have your Lonely Planet guidebook and recommendations from friends and friends of friends, but many travelers want to find out more about their destinations on a local level.

If you are planning a destination wedding in a faraway city, try scouring the web for local bloggers to find some insight into the best restaurants, nightlife and day trips to recommend to your wedding guests. On a recent trip to Australia, I met the lovely, talented and hilarious blogger behind the cake + the knife, an Aussie food blog that’s as entertaining and endearing as she is. With camera in hand at a spectacular Moroccan restaurant, she gushed about all of the  fabulous places I should visit while in Sydney. Talking to her was definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

Blogs like the cake + the knife exist in cities all over the world. One of our office favorites is Little Brown Pen, which is dedicated to the blogger’s undying love of Paris. You can also find sites full of local reviews and tips, like Bahamas Local—a resource that will surely come in handy if you plan to enter to win our Bahamas honeymoon sweepstakes!

Just last week, Wedding Paper Divas unveiled a new line of invitations inspired by The Islands of the Bahamas.  Perfect for any beach wedding, there is sure to be a suite for any style.   Similarly, The Islands of the Bahamas are each unique in their own way, whether you are looking for peace and tranquility, high-class shopping and dining, or an exciting nightlife with dancing.  Here, we take a look at each island group so you can find the one that is perfect for your destination wedding!

• Grand Bahama Island:  You can look forward to a memorable mix of historic charm, modern attractions and ecological wonders on your visit to Grand Bahama Island. There’s truly something for everyone. The warm welcome you’ll receive is just extra insurance that you’ll return again and again. (courtesy of Bahamas.com)

Grand Romance Wedding Suite; Grand Bahamas Island.

• Nassau/Paradise Island:  You’ll find the capital city, Nassau on New Providence Island, neighbor to Paradise Island. Offering a distinct blend of international glamor and tropical ease, this unique island pair gives you the freedom to do everything or nothing at all. So, kick back. Enjoy. (courtesy of Bahamas.com)

Nassau Chic Wedding Suite, Nassau/Paradise Island.

• The Out Islands:  These hidden gems we call The Out Islands come in the form of small remote villages and a simple way of life. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most stunning beaches, dive sites, and fishing sites – a welcome surprise if you’re looking for that perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.  (courtesy of Bahamas.com)

Out Islands Wedding Suite, The Out Islands.

As you may have seen, we recently partnered with The Islands of the Bahamas to offer a series of Bahamas-inspired destination wedding suites.  This got me me thinking, specifically, about the planning process.

Destination weddings are often accessible and affordable alternatives to a large-scale, hometown wedding.  However, just like traditional weddings there are still a few key “must-dos” to consider.

If you are considering a destination wedding, below is a destination wedding  checklist (courtesy of The Islands of the Bahamas) for your reference :

• Book Early: Before resorts and venues fill up on your wedding day, try to book the location at least one year in advance.  Consider seasons, as rates often fluctuate throughout the year depending on your location.

• Block Rooms: Secure a block of rooms for guests at your hotel of choice to help them make reservations well in advance.

• Notify Guests Early: Be sure to send save-the-date cards to potential guests at least 6 months in advance so that they have time to plan their travel.

• Ask for Help!: Most hotels have a wedding coordinator on staff to offer suggestions and help you secure key vendors.  Coordinators can also help with extraneous wedding related events, including the  rehearsal dinner.

• Visit Your Venue: If possible, visit the location at least 1 or 2 months in advance of the big day for a dry run and to finalize details with any external vendors.

• Get Licensed: Be sure to get a legal marriage license. Check with the country you are getting married in to make sure you have everything in order prior to the big day.

We hope these tips help you get everything in order for your big day. Happy planning!