So, you’ve decided to tie the knot. Now it’s time to find that special place for the impending nuptials. Why be limited by geographic boundaries? If you want to leave the country to get married, here are a few things you should know.

1. Plan ahead and save money. It is usually a rule of thumb that the earlier you plan anything, the better the deal will be. For a wedding abroad, getting the ball rolling as soon as possible gives you time to handle all the particulars. When you can’t feasibly visit the location to check on things, it’s not a good idea to leave anything to chance. A year in advance is not too soon for a wedding on foreign soil.

2. Who is coming? Granny may be able to come a few states away for your wedding but another country? Before spending a lot of money on the ceremony in Bora-Bora, check to see how many people can afford to make it. Look for package deals that include airfare for your guests. All-inclusive resorts provide activities, food and drinks included to lower the cost of their stay.

3. What are the wedding laws there? Things may not operate the same way in tropical destinations. Investigate policy regarding marriage licenses, the wedding officiate and any fees the locals charge. If the wedding takes place at a resort, you’ll have to schedule in advance for the ceremony.

4. Find a reputable wedding consultant. You don’t want to handle this yourself. Choose someone you trust to suggest where to hold the wedding and how to handle everything that goes with it. Wedding consultants who have handled weddings abroad work with travel agents to get deals for their clients and their guests. Ask family and friends for referrals. Ask as many questions as you need in order to pick the wedding consultant that is right for you.

5. Be open to change. Winter weddings are magical and spring weddings are beautiful. Despite the romantic notions you conjure up in your mind, getting married abroad may require you to be a little more practical. Choosing the off-season saves money as well as avoids the crowds that populate resorts and foreign destinations during the more popular times of year. Also, a weekday wedding might be required depending on what country you are in. these changes won’t affect the important parts of your nuptials but it will save your pocketbook.

Getting married in a new and exotic location can be quite exciting. Know what you need to do beforehand so there are no surprises on the big day.