This practical guide is for the bride-to-be with literally a lot on her plate: venue, theme, guest list, honeymoon destination—you name it. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place! We’re talking about big-day prep, what to look out for, and the best travel tips. Get the honest, real-talk advice you need from us and our fabulous wedding expert, Adriana Brauckmann. 

Adriana Brauckmann and the Crazy World of Weddings

Adriana is the host of the Pre-Nup Podcast, and has been in the industry for over a decade. Most of the brides she worked with want outstanding and beautiful weddings—you know, the kind of event that practically begs to be featured in Vogue.They crave a unique, memorable, and personal experience that also resonates with their guests (and looks even better in photos).

While social media is the ultimate “mood board,’ Adriana sees it as a double–edged sword. Why? Because the comparison has become wilder than ever, trapped between the unlimited options, countless concepts, and the craziness in between.

Through her podcast, Adriana empower brides with power, inspiration, and information. Her show features celebrities, influencers, and wedding vendors who share tips from their own wedding planning process—always with a sprinkle (or two) of humor and fun.

Watch or listen to our full interview with Adriana here: Ep#29 – Destination Weddings, Honeymoon Hot Spots.

“Stand up for the thing you want; because usually if you’re going so hard for it, it’s a thing that will matter.”

Sweet Honeymoons and Practical Travel Tips

We hope you are the bride-to-be who’ll take Rich’s advice of putting money toward your honeymoon trip instead.

Ten or twenty years from now, when you’re reminiscing about your lovely wedding, you won’t be thinking about the tea towels or the fancy glasses. You’ll be remembering the highlights of your honeymoon—the breathtaking landscape, the shared moments, and those genuine reactions with your partner. 

Drew has noticed that most of their friends are opting for very small, intimate weddings followed by big receptions and a honeymoon. No one is going broke on weddings anymore—so why should you? Adriana seconds this, pointing out that no one should go into debt because of a wedding and unrealistic expectations.

If it’s really important for you to get married, get married! You can always throw that grand party for family and friends later or go on that honeymoon a few years later. Why the rush?

On the flip side, if you can afford that honeymoon now, you’ve got to go for it. It’s so important to take those trips while you’re both spritely and in love. After all, Europe is just as close as Vegas—and you can definitely do both, right?

Aside from the standard destinations like the Amalfi Coast or an all-inclusive in the Caribbean, couples are becoming much more adventurous when choosing their honeymoon destination. Those looking for a multi-week escape might want to try the African Safari to soak in the scenery and wildlife. On the other hand, couples who crave for food, art, and history are heading to Europe to immerse themselves in the culture.

Remember, you don’t have to travel across the world to enjoy your honeymoon. You can find magic in a city just two or three hours away that you’ve never explored!

Destination Weddings for a Bride-to-Be

If you’re a soon-to-be-bride who doesn’t want to get married in your hometown, finding the right (and practical) destination is crucial. Adriana shares three reasons why having a destination wedding is actually a smart call:

1. You get to be married in a stunning destination and share brand-new, special memories with your loved ones. It is undeniably romantic!
2. It’s a lot easier to have a destination wedding now than it ever was. You get to experience how other cultures celebrate weddings.
3. Believe it or not, if you are planning a traditional wedding but want to save costs, having a destination wedding can actually be the smart move.

Your reception doesn’t have to be a stiff, sit-down dinner with a butler hovering around. Know who you are, know your guests, and plan the day for you—not for anyone else.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to invite everyone or try to please them. Plan what authentically feels like you and your partner. If people are into it, they can come. If not? We can have brunch next time, okay?

Final Thoughts

Just like travel, weddings require a massive amount of preparation, but the payoff is always worth it. It’s essential to know what you want, stay within your budget, and—most importantly—follow your heart’s desire. Do you. After all, it’s your wedding!