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Seems like the best approach would be to try and lump them in (as many locations as possible) to your visits down to Fla. It may also help to use this site and talk to some other couples who got married in your target area to see what they did, who they used. Apart from that, if you know people in the area they can be your eyes and ears when you're not able to be there.

Find a planner or friend in that area that can do the ground work for you. Then when you go for a visit you can do one on one. One time only.

It's definitely tough. I planned a few cities away, and even being able to drive there it was hard. You might want to hire local vendors when you can (such as a photographer) and think about paying a little extra to get them there- just depends on budget I suppose. But yes, having someone on the ground to help plan is def. a must!

I have to agree with everyone. Make many phone calls and if you explain to these vendors that you are out of state; they will coordinate a set time you can do everything at once. Just be to space time between appointments for meals, breaks, & appts that have run over (many of our appointments were much longer than we expected)If you have a friend that could take photos of possible locations & send them to you that would be great also!

compared to out of state , wedding i am planning is across continents - family spread over 3 continents and 4 coutries. It is a logistics nightmare. Sitting down and trying to plan all activities, scehdules and cordinators help. Use emails and phone, enlist help of friends/relatives in locations and PRAY

Get yourself a wedding coordinator. They will do all the leg work for you and have vendors they trust and work with your budget. It'll be the best investment for you. Make sure to check references. If they are established, they should have recommendations all over the internet.

Good luck!

Angel Diane Photography

I'd recommend you use a wedding planner located in the city/state you're planning your wedding ceremony/reception. She can be your eyes and ears and provide input for you to make the numerous decisions ahead of you. This will also relieve some of the stress in planning a destination wedding.

Mary Homer
Fairy Tale Weddings

If you need hotel accomodations I strongly suggest IEA special events, I used them for my wedding and booking all my family members from out of state. I had to book like 100 memebers i got an amazing hotels rates, plus they work all over the US i have the number i believe still saved if you would like it.