By Jill La Fleur

Saying your vows in front of your family and friends in your hometown is such a nice idea, but suddenly your guest list starts to go out of control. Your parent’s friends are invited. Your aunt’s aunt on your dad’s side is coming, what was her name? Your sister’s boyfriend of two days is going to be there... maybe. Your old friends from high school that you haven’t kept in touch with, but who would be devastated if they were not invited— well, they have to come. All at once your guest list has grown from 50 to 850.

Now picture this: you’re walking barefoot along an island beach in a beautiful flowing dress, tiki torches are lit, and the gentle lap of waves mixed with soft music fills your senses. You look up and see your love, the one you are marrying. He is waiting for you in a crisp linen suit, and about 40 of your closest family and friends are smiling at you, feeling as if they have front row seats to a secret rendezvous.

After your vows, champagne is passed around and everyone toasts the newly married couple. Then it’s over to a private estate or resort next door to eat island food, drink Mai Tais and Lava Flows and dance the night away to the sounds of a steel drum band.

This is how it really can be! Some of the more popular destination wedding locations today are Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and yes, even Santa Barbara. Beaches, castles, grand estates, ranches, wineries, luxurious spa resorts ... the location choices are endless, but the activities are what make the weekend wedding even more memorable.

You’re able to spend days, rather than hours, with your loved ones as they turn a wedding invite into vacation plans. You may even decide to stay after your guests depart, to continue on with your honeymoon. After all, you’re already where you want to be!

THURSDAY, your guests arrive at their resort. They are greeted in their room with a basket complete with weekend itinerary, maps, bottled water, wine, cheese and fresh fruit. The first on their list of activities is to come down to the resort pool for a welcome reception complete with cocktails, music and appetizers.

FRIDAY morning there’s the option of golf, tennis, spa treatments, whale watching, wine tasting or a day at the beach. Friday night is the rehearsal dinner, held on a yacht cruising the coastline, in a wine cave or amazing castle dining room, or as a clambake on the beach.

SATURDAY morning is relaxing time for everyone until the ceremony, followed by a reception.

SUNDAY morning is brunch in a vineyard, resort restaurant, or beautiful outdoor courtyard in the countryside. It’s a perfect time to say goodbye to your guests as you head off on your honeymoon and they travel home (or stay!).

Jill La Fleur, The Wedding Planner, specializes in planning and coordinating destination weddings in California, Hawaii and Mexico. www.lafleurweddings.com. 688-7805.