So you’ve decided to have a destination wedding. Get excited: gathering with your family and friends in a gorgeous locale is going to be an amazing experience. But, where do you start? We’ve broken down the steps to planning a stress-free destination wedding in our checklist below. Don’t worry — you’ve got this, and the result is going to be worth the effort. Here’s what you need to know to pull off a stellar faraway fete.
Ten Months to a Year Out:
- Determine your budget. Remember to factor in travel expenses, such as airfare and visa fees.
- Narrow down a wedding location and a season.
- Choose a wedding planner.
- If possible, schedule a scouting trip.
- Create the guest list.
- Choose the wedding party.
Eight to Ten Months Out:
- Select vendors for flowers, photography, transportation, cake and entertainment.
- Choose an officiant.
- Buy a gown.
- Send save-the-dates.
- Investigate any ethnic customs or cultural traditions you might want to incorporate into your event.
- Register for gifts or create a honeymoon registry.
Six to Eight Months Out:
- Research group excursions; plan one per day.
- Research accommodations for guests and reserve a block of rooms.
- Select attendant attire.
- Launch your wedding website.
Four to Six Months Out:
- Order invitations.
- Finalize florals, décor, rentals and cake.
- Launch your wedding website.
- Renew your passports, apply for visas, and look into destination-specific marriage laws and other entry requirements, like vaccinations.
Two to Four Months Out:
- Send invitations and a schedule of group events.
- Plan the welcome party and rehearsal dinner.
- Finalize menus.
- Confirm the hair-and-makeup trial and day-of-appointments.
- Schedule dress fittings.
One Month Out:
- Write vows.
- Choose welcome-bag goodies, guest favors and gifts for the wedding party.
- Create a timeline with your planner.
- Finalize ceremony programs and other stationery and signs.
- Nail down the playlist with the DJ.
- Confirm honeymoon plans and travel itineraries.
- Ship items in advance to avoid holdups at customs.
On Arrival:
- Meet with your planner and officiant to review the timeline, event spaces and ceremony.
- Apply for the marriage license.
- Arrange for your gown to be steamed.
- Distribute welcome bags to your guests’ rooms.
The Wedding Day:
- All done — start your happily ever after in paradise!
