Destination Wedding Checklist
Some destination weddings come together quickly in a few short months while others take more than a year of detailed planning. We’ll make sure your special day unique for you and your fiancé. Below is our recommended timeline to prepare for your big day, but we’re also here to make adjustments and help you every step of the way!!!
12 - 18 months before the wedding
- Have an engagement party and announce your wedding to your friends and family.
- Start thinking about where you might want to have your destination wedding. If you are unsure, sign up for a complimentary consultation and one of our travel advisors can provide location options based on your wedding size, budget, etc.
- One of our travel advisors will book your location to reserve your date.
- Develop a wedding budget, which will include traditional wedding items and your travel expenses.
- Create a list of guests that you would like to attend.
- Begin shopping for your wedding dress.
- Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
9-11 months before the wedding
- Meet with one of our travel advisors to begin making your necessary travel arrangements.
- Create a wedding website with details for guests. We create a custom website for all of our couples!
- Send invitations to guests with information on how to contact our travel advisors to make their travel arrangements.
- Register for gifts.
- Choose a wedding dress.
- Begin looking at attire for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Begin working with your on-site wedding coordinator to discuss ideas and options available for decorations, flowers, wedding theme, music, menus, etc.
9-11 months prior start shopping for attire for you and your wedding party.
4-8 months before the wedding
- Apply for passports or visas if necessary.
- Determine how you will obtain your marriage license. Your travel advisor can provide recommendations.
- Finalize decorations, flowers, wedding theme, music, menu, etc. with your on-site wedding coordinator.
- Choose your wedding photographer.
- Choose attire for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Take engagement photos.
2-3 months before the wedding
- Have a final fitting for your wedding dress and attire for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Finalize your wedding vows and ceremony details.
- Purchase your wedding rings.
- Your travel advisor will confirm travel arrangements for you and your guests.
- Have your bridal shower.
- Have your bachelorette and bachelor parties.
- Schedule activities for your guests with your travel advisor. This could include a snorkeling trip, island tour, etc.
- Order wedding favors and wedding party gifts.
1 month before the wedding
- Create welcome bags for your guests that includes a note, itinerary, map, travel essentials, local treats, etc.
- Send anything that you can't take with you to your on-site wedding coordinator.
- Pick up your wedding rings.
- Create a packing list.
We love these welcome bags one of our couples gave guests! Each bag was filled with essentials (sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, Tylenol, etc.) and guests could easily spot each other at the resort by carrying these bags.
1 week before the wedding
- Begin packing.
- Travel to wedding destination.
- Meet with on-site wedding coordinator to review wedding details.
- Finalize details for your marriage license.
- Go to your hair and makeup rehearsal appointment.
- Explore your destination, resort, and have fun!
1 day before the wedding
- Relax! Go to the spa for a massage, pedicure, and manicure.
- Attend your wedding rehearsal.
- Get a good night's sleep.
Cheers to all things love and travel!
Andrea Norfolk
