Problem: Article: If you are visiting or moving to a foreign country, it would be wise to spend some time reading about what is common. This is also important if you have visitors from a foreign country. Knowing the correct greeting will help you fit in, and will make others more comfortable around you.  In North America, it is common for acquaintances or close friends to give one or two air kisses, starting with the right cheek.  Men and men generally do not kiss, though men kiss women and women kiss women often.  Air kisses are more popular in large cities, as well as in parts of Quebec and New England. In the United Kingdom, air kisses between upper class friends are common.  It's considered unusual, though not unacceptable, for two men to air kiss. In Spain and Italy, it's generally two kisses, starting with the right or the left cheek, depending on the region. In France, it will be two, three or four kisses depending on the region. If you don't know, check first or go for two kisses. Usually the air kiss is done when meeting with women, but men air kiss each other as well. French people are usually air kissing when  meeting and leaving at anytime of the day. In the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium, three kisses are expected. In Southern and Eastern Europe, air kissing is a common form of greeting between friends and acquaintances. In Jordan, it is one to the left cheek and several to the right, depending on how much you like the person. In Latin America, it can be one, two or three kisses.  This depends on the location and person.  Air kisses are often used to greet new acquaintances, as well as close friends. Men are almost always expected to air kiss women upon greeting. In Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, air kissing between men a la italiana, e.g., in the style of soccer players, is common. In Greece it is customary for men to air kiss as well if they know each other well (e.g., distant male relatives, two good friends, etc.). In the Middle East, air kissing between two people of the same gender is common.  Air kisses between opposite genders are not permitted unless the kissers are closely related or married. In the Philippines, air kisses are a popular form of greeting between adults who are close friends or relatives.  In general, women kiss women or men kiss women.  Elder relatives often air kiss younger relatives. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is expected that a younger relative will air kiss an older relative's hand as a show of respect.  Exhale through the nose on the elder's hand; the lips are not pursed.  Then press the elder's hand to your forehead. In South, Central and East Asia, cheek kissing - even air kissing - is uncommon and could perhaps be considered offensive, though it is growing in popularity in metropolitan areas.  Follow the lead of those around you. If you didn’t have time to do your research about a foreign culture, you can see what other people are doing. This can give you a good idea about whether or not an air kiss is appropriate.  For example, if you're approaching an entrance and the host is at the door greeting people, see how he or she is behaving. Watch how people in the street greet each other, as well as how people in cafes greet each other. It will give you a good idea about the levels of intimacy. If you didn’t find the kissing etiquette for the place you are visiting above, a quick Google search should give you the information you need. Simply search “air kissing customs” + the name of the country/city you are visiting. Take these with a grain of salt though, as some information may not be true in all situations. You can also do this quickly on your phone if you realize you forgot, and you're meeting someone important in 10 minutes. Don't be afraid to ask natives of the culture you are interested in about what is typical. While it may not be polite to ask what is appropriate in the moment, if you are having comfortable conversation, it is likely acceptable to politely ask them to explain the greetings that are typical for the culture you are visiting. This may be particularly valuable if you are visiting a more remote area of a country, where the greeting habits may be less well-known.
Summary: Read up on the common cultural conventions. Observe the behavior of others. Search on the internet. Ask a native.

Problem: Article: You may decide to say your vows in the place you got engaged, where you took your first vacation together, or in a parent or grandparent’s home country. Whatever destination you choose, you’ll want to make sure it’s somewhere both you and your partner want to make memories. Even if you don’t choose somewhere with sentimental value, it’s still important to pick a location that appeals to you and that you think your guests would enjoy visiting. Your destination’s weather can have a big impact on your wedding. For example, if you know you want an outdoor wedding, you’ll want to avoid places with unpredictable weather patterns. Once you’ve researched your destination’s weather, you may have a better idea of what time of year would make most sense to schedule your nuptials. When choosing a destination for your wedding, it’s important to get a sense for how much you can expect to spend on airfare and accommodations and how much you’re asking your guests to spend. While you’re not expected to help cover your guests’ travel expenses, you may choose to discreetly help certain people buy their plane tickets and/or hotel rooms if you know they can’t afford them on their own.  If you’re flying halfway around the world, chances are your plane tickets will be expensive, and it’s important to take this into consideration when you choose your location.  Keep in mind that your guests may also have to take additional time off work to travel to your destination if they end up having to take multiple flights over many hours. If your budget allows, it’s a good idea to travel to your location beforehand to make sure it’s really the place want to say your vows. This will also allow you to tour potential venues, meet with a local wedding planner, and establish a vision for your big day. If you’re planning on hiring local vendors, this is also a good time to meet with potential caterers, photographers/videographers, hair and makeup professionals, and any other people who will contribute to your big day. Make sure to manage your costs by doing as much research as possible before your trip and scheduling appointments well in advance to avoid having to take multiple trips. You don’t want to end up spending your wedding budget on traveling back and forth before your wedding. Your venue is one of the most important things you’ll need to think about when planning your destination wedding. You may be envisioning an intimate ceremony on the beach, an elegant cathedral wedding, or a cozy celebration at a mountaintop lodge. Whatever your vision for your big day, your venue will serve as the backdrop, so it’s important to choose it early in the process.  Wedding venues book quickly, and you want to make sure you don’t miss out on your dream venue because you waited to long.  If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you may want to choose a venue that has an indoor space available as a backup, in case of bad weather.
Summary:
Pick a place that’s meaningful or exciting to you and your partner. Research your destination’s climate and weather patterns. Estimate travel costs for you and your guests. Visit your destination ahead of time if possible. Reserve your venue at least a year in advance.