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Question: Does a travel agent help with just lodging, or can they help with transportation, airfare and other trip details as well? Answer: According to Agent Wendy of Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agency of BDW: "Agents can certainly assist with not only a guest's stay, but also quite typically will assist in booking transfers from airport to resort, and airfare, as well if desired. Agents can also assist with booking optional tours and excursions for guests while they are onsite. An agent who is well versed in the area a client wishes to visit can also suggest local sites, museums, day trips or restaurants that should not be missed." Looking for a Travel Agent? Try one of the BDW Travel Agents who specialize in destination weddings. You can contact Wright Travel HERE! - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

It's time to say goodbye to the year that has been and open your arms to the year that begins. New Year's resolutions aren't for everyone, but if you're a bride-to-be, here's a couple of resolution ideas that will help you get your year off to the right start as you come closer to the Big Day ... 1. Get organized and have a plan. Jot down everything you need to get done before the Wedding Day and draft up a to-do list that outlines your plans monthly, weekly and daily. Yes, putting everything down will help give you a better picture of what deadlines need to be met and what plans of action need to take place before you run out of time. While your Wedding Day may seem like it's far out, it will creep up on you before you know it. Remember, there are certain aspects of planning a wedding that generally need to be done way in advance (booking a venue, ordering a dress/suit, etc.) and other duties that you can reserve for the final month (alterations, meeting with vendors to finalize details, creating a wedding day timeline, etc.). Nothing feels better than putting a checkmark next to things on your to-do list! 2. Create a budget and stick with it. It would be nice to have a unlimited budget wouldn't it? But unless your name is Kim Kardashian, you've probably got a budget like the rest of us! Regardless, it's wise to create a budget (even if it's a general range) to help keep you on track so you can really narrow down what you want for your Big Day. Trust me, there can be such a thing as "too much." Simple can be wonderful, but if you want details galore roll with that and just remember to stay in line with your budget -- it will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run! 3. Relax and don't freak out. There will be things that don't happen the way you want them to as you plan your Wedding. Maybe it's that one of the bridesmaids can't make it to your bachelorette party, or perhaps one of the groomsmen forgot to pick up the right colored shirt. Stuff happens and for the sake of your own sanity (and that of your soon-to-be spouse), don't let things get you stressed out. Take a deep breath and remember, things may not always be perfect, but everything will work itself out. Keep your heart set on what matters the most -- you are getting married to the one you love! 4. Implement a healthier diet and workout plan. Making healthier changes to your diet and exercise regimen is a common theme for most people come each new year, but when you're a bride, looking your best come your Wedding Day can be especially important. Whether your changes are drastic or gradual, create a plan that is feasible and doable. Remember every change you make no matter how big or small is making a difference for your overall health and well-being. 5. Spend quality time with your sweetheart, family and friends. Sometimes as busy brides-to-be, we forget to take care of the relationships in our inner circles. While you may be swimming in things to do leading up to the Big Day, don't neglect the one you love, or your friends and family for that matter. Try to dedicate time each week/month for your loved ones. Even it's something as simple as going out for coffee or ice cream, or maybe spending time watching a movie out or even at home. Take time to "simply be" with the ones you love. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Did Santa bring you more than just gifts this year? Are you one of the many who just got engaged over the holidays? Share your Engagement story with us in the comments section! We'd love to share your experience with the other BDW members!

If you're one of the many brides who've decided they want an unplugged wedding aka "dear family and friends please put down your smartphones/cameras/tablets and just enjoy being present," now you must decide how to firmly but tastefully share your wishes with your guests. Here are a few ideas how you can convey to your guests that they need not play the role of wedding paparazzi and that you'd much rather have them be present, in the moment and enjoy the festivities: 1. Make a small mention of it in your wedding invitation: Yes you can give them an early heads up that this will be a wedding that you want them to fully enjoy -- meaning they need not worry about brushing up those photography skills. It's never too early to let your guests know that this will indeed be an unplugged wedding. 2. Put a can't miss sign up at your ceremony and on your reception tables: The professional photographers you hire will love you for this. It's a firm but creative way to let your guests know that you want them to put their cameras and devices down. There are so many creative and endearing ways to word your thoughts, just check out these sample signs on Pinterest for a few ideas: Unplugged Wedding Sign Ideas 3. Put a note in your wedding program: The OffBeat Bride blog offered these two great options for wording in your program: A short and sweet version: "The bride and groom have asked that you share in their wedding fully and not through the lens of a camera or cell phone." A little more in depth version: "We ask you to kindly turn off your ringers during the wedding ceremony and refrain from taking photos. We have professional photographers on hand to capture all the special moments and are excited to share their photos with you." 4. Have your Officiant make an announcement prior to the ceremony: Yes, some people won't bother to read the program or may simply ignore your note. So having your officiant make an announcement prior to the ceremony will officially put everyone on public notice. A simple, "The bride and groom have kindly asked that all their guests put their cameras and phones away and simply enjoy the ceremony!" 5. Ask your DJ make an announcement when the reception begins: If you want the unplugged rule to roll over to your reception, don't hesitate to have your DJ/Emcee or even a family member express your wishes. Remind everyone that your professional photographers are there to capture all the special moments and that you'd love for them to party the night away and enjoy the celebration without having to think about snapping photos. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.