When you start to plan your Alaska wedding, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you pick your wedding date. First, consider the season. The weather during an outdoor Alaska wedding can affect a bunch of details on your wedding day, from the venue to your attire. You also need to keep in mind how the weather and venue will affect what your budget. (For an outdoor, backyard wedding you may end up investing in more party rentals than if you plan your reception in a decked-out banquet hall.) Determining these elements up front can save you major cash in the long run.

Another thing to keep in mind is your guests. Will they have to travel from out of town to attend your Alaska wedding? If so, one way to simplify their travel plans is by reserving a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. Not only will this keep everyone together (you do not want to be worrying about where Grandma is an hour before your ceremony!), but you can often get a discounted group rate on hotel rooms when you book several at once. Trust us, your guests will appreciate the extra effort.

Finally, once you've found your Alaska wedding venue (one of the first decisions to make after deciding your guest list!), find out what their policies are on bringing in outside vendors. Many Alaska reception sites have rules about caterers, DJs, and even florists. Don't be put off from in-house caterers and entertainment, though -- these are pros who can usually accommodate many tastes.