If you've booked your wedding at a site that has a wedding coordinator, you've probably already made provisions to meet with her when you arrive; if you haven't done this, it's in your best interest to call the site as soon as possible to ensure that the coordinator has time to sit down and speak with you. At this meeting, she should walk you through the ceremony and reception sites (especially if you've planned this wedding sight unseen) and answer any questions you may have.

Take Note

If you're feeling nervous, excited, and just a little out of your mind when you first meet with the coordinator (so many thoughts swirling in your brain!), you may forget to ask her something that's quite important to you. You don't want to lose a moment's sleep in your luxurious suite worrying over something you just have to have the answer to, so make sure that you cover the major bases with her, including:

• The rehearsal. Many of your questions about the ceremony will be answered during the rehearsal, including where you will enter, where the vows will take place, where the musicians will be seated, and so on. You need to know the time and date of the rehearsal and how long it will last.

• The ceremony. Who will perform the marriage? Who needs to see the marriage license and when?

• The reception. Where will the band set up? Where is the dance floor? Where is the cake placed? Can you change any of these things if you aren't 100 percent pleased?

• The vendors. Has everyone been contacted this week? Any last-minute changes or substitutions?

• Hair, makeup, nails. If your coordinator made reservations for you with the resort's beautician, you should plan on meeting with this woman before your wedding day.

Bring a notebook with you to this meeting. Chances are, your coordinator won't forget to cover all the details, but you might forget what she's said! Take notes as the two of you are speaking, and don't be afraid to ask her to slow down or to repeat something she's said. You only get to do this wedding thing once — make sure you know what you're supposed to be doing and when!

Beautifying the Dress

Whether your dress was shipped to the site ahead of you or it made the trip in the back seat of your car, chances are it will need a steaming. Your wedding coordinator should be able to either take care of this for you or find a steamer on site that you can use yourself.

Again, this list is a jumping-off point for your final list. If you've planned for some really spectacular events during the course of your wedding and/or reception (you'll be arriving on the back of a camel, for example, or you're having hula dancers at the reception), you need to remember to ask your coordinator about the details surrounding those plans, as well.