You've been dreaming of getting married outdoors since the first time you took in the magnificent scent of fresh-cut flowers.

Q. What can you tell me about St. Martin? My wife wants to go there for our wedding anniversary because, she claims, it has the best food in the Caribbean. What's to do there besides eat? I'm not a lie-on-the-beach person. - R.A., Boynton Beach, Fla.

When planning a party or special event, consider these factors: the purpose of the event, time frame, guest of honor, if any, demographics, budget, and how the success of the event will be measured.