Planning a destination wedding is anything but simple. Here are some ideas for overcoming cultural differences to get the job done.When it comes to destination weddings, the details are endless. Not only do destination wedding planners need to anticipate the sometimes vast cultural differences among the couple, guests, and locale, but also they need to prepare for the varying traditions among wedding professionals elsewhere. Not doing so can lead to major mistakes in the planning and execution of a destination wedding.So what are the most common cultural differences when working with other professionals in destination weddings elsewhere? Here’s the 411: 1. The concept of time can be tricky.Although there may be one clock and several time zones, the cultural approach to time varies since each culture has its own concept of time. For example, those planning an Indian wedding know that if they say the wedding begins at 3 p.m., guests will start showing up at 5 p.m. The same holds true for wedding professionals elsewhere. The most outstanding cultural difference from American “time” is found in the Latin American culture, where you should let your providers and vendors know, one hour prior to the actual time, when they should be ready for the wedding. This is not the case in Europe, however. Europeans stick to their timelines, so you must say the correct time you need something accomplished. 2. Get it in writing.Saying, “Yes,” to everything without a written confirmation is very Latin American. When working with vendors and professionals from Mexico or other Latin countries, make sure to have written confirmation of everything. Sometimes, we do bend the rules and ask for some consents verbally, but technically, you should get everything in writing no matter what culture or nation in which the wedding will be located and in which you are doing the planning. Often, this is not a problem with wedding professionals in the United States, Canada, or Europe—though it can be on occasion.3. Make contingent plans. Usually, it’s understood that as destination wedding planners we need back up in case of rain. Have alternate plans handy. Know the companies from whom you’ll need service in the event of rain or poor weather. In some countries, especially the ones in the Caribbean, rain can come any minute—even if the weather app said otherwise.4. Don’t forget about the pests. Site visits usually occur in a different season than that in which the wedding will be held. For example, you tour a site in January for an October wedding. So, keep in mind that in many countries around the world, especially if the wedding is outdoors; mosquitoes or other bugs will present at sunset. Be ready to take action. Whether or not your contact at the reception or ceremony venue said there will be fumigation or citronella tiki torches, you will need repellent.5. Be prepared for emergencies. In the case of mild or sudden allergic reactions, it can be a good idea to keep some antihistamine in your kit, in addition to Tylenol and basic first aid materials. Above all, be sure to have a list of bilingual hospitals in the area of the wedding. Sometimes, if it’s on a resort compound, they will handle emergencies.6. Have guests travel together. When in another country, try to have everyone take the same shuttle wherever they go. This helps people become familiar with their transportation and avoid getting lost. If a client or guest always rents a car when traveling, try to convince them to take the provided transportation. Let them know they will miss being part of the wedding group—even if it’s just the airport transfer. Traveling together is also safer.7. Know the cultural traditions. Learn well the traditions of your clients' families. Once, I had to drive the mother of the bride daily to the supermarket, because she had to cook every day at the hotel’s kitchen for her husband. This was part of her cultural heritage. Even though I did it with pleasure, I never charged for that extra service as they assumed it was part of the coordination fees. It’s also important to know the local traditions. It helps to understand, for example, if businesses shut down midafternoon for a time, so there are no surprises in your planning.8. Get the details. Even if you have done this a million times, keep asking for details. Every family has its own idea of wedding perfection. Ask your clients if there’s any other family member you should be listening to during the wedding planning. This is particularly important in certain cultures where family involvement is common. Family members who fancy themselves as wedding planners and mess around with the details until the couple gets upset usually cause the worst problems in weddings. This can all be solved by knowing your power to say, “No, this is the way it is going to be because the couple said so.”9. Meet your vendors as soonas possible. First time vendors can be exciting and scary. Make sure, no matter what, that you have a chance to meet them in person two days prior to the wedding. Fly in early if needed. It’s important they understand how you work and that you understand how they work. Though you both may have different approaches, if they want to continue working on your destination weddings in that country, they need to adapt to you, not the other way around.10. Be gracious. Strive to be remembered as the professional you are. Be nice to everyone. Be thankful for the vendors' patience and for being part of your team. This gives them additional value, and on your next visit to that country for a wedding, they will be happy to be part of your wedding team again.Following these simple tips can help you overcome the most common mistakes we make when working in another country with vendors and professionals that do not work the same way we do—and that leads to sure-fire wedding day success. WPMIlse Diamant, Diamant Events, Winthrop, Mass.