Your Destination Wedding Timeline
A step-by-step guide to get you down the aisle!
Congratulations! Your journey to happily ever after is about to begin. We’re delighted that you’ve chosen a destination wedding for your special day. Planning a destination wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially in the initial stages. That’s why we’re here to assist you. Our Destination Wedding Specialists have crafted this timeline to ensure you stay on track as your wedding day approaches. Rest assured, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way!
12+ Months Before
Once you solidify your wedding date, the planning wheels are set in motion. You’ll make some of the biggest decisions first, such as:
- Determine a budget for your wedding ceremony, reception, any additional activities, guest favors, etc.
- Hire a Destination Wedding Specialist.
- Begin solidifying your wedding vision: theme, colors, and little details.
- Review all legal requirements and documentation needed for your wedding.
- Confirm your wedding date.
- Create your destination wedding guest list.
Pro-tip: Inviting more people to your wedding can actually help you save money; the more rooms you fill, the better the resort price.
10-11 Months Before
You’re still in the early planning stages, and there’s a lot to think about. These are the choices that will truly start to define your day:
- Select the ceremony venue and locations for private events.
- Connect with the resort wedding planner.
- Secure your room block with your Destination Wedding Specialist.
- Send out Save the Dates for your destination wedding.
- Create your wedding website.
- Review your vendor options: photographer, videographer, officiant, DJ, etc.
- Get your passport books (must be valid 6 months from the return date).
6-9 Months Before
Once your travel plans are set, you can begin to focus on the following.
- Work with your wedding planner from the resort to determine additional wedding events if desired—welcome cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, day after brunch, etc.
- Buy your wedding dress!
- Purchase airline tickets and inquire about carrying your wedding dress onboard the plane.
- Confirm photographer and videographer with the venue.
- Finalize your guest list and send out invitations!
4-6 Months Before
Things are starting to get real! Make sure you do the following to ensure your dream wedding is coming to life just as you’ve imagined:
- Start thinking about additional group activities.
- Start selecting the menu(s).
- Schedule spa, hair, and nail appointments.
- Schedule trial runs for your wedding hair and makeup.
- Finalize ceremony and reception details (decor, flowers, cake).
- Confirm ceremony and reception locations and request any changes if needed/desired.
- Review final contracts with the wedding planner.
- Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d yet.
Pro-tip: All legal paperwork must be received 60 days prior to your wedding day, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to send out all forms and documents needed to make your ceremony official.
2-3 Months Before
Everything’s coming together! At this point in your planning, all of the details should be pretty set in stone. Keep in touch with your coordinator as you:
- Finalize guest list and room requirements. Your Destination Wedding Specialist will send you your final guest list after the final payment due date.
- Confirm any group amenities or benefits received from your group reservations.
- Book ceremony musicians with the coordinator.
- Finalize wedding vows.
- Confirm any requested readings, songs, traditions, etc., with the coordinator.
1 Month Before
With just one month left, here’s your checklist to ensure a seamless celebration:
- Confirm all decor, floral, cake, and extras with your coordinator.
- Confirm menu for all wedding-related events: dinner the night prior, cocktail reception, wedding reception, etc.
- Confirm timeline of events and special requests with your wedding coordinator.
- Finalize reception chart and seat cards (if applicable) and send them to the wedding coordinator.
- Have your program, menu, place cards, etc. printed if applicable.
- Shop for welcome bag goodies for your guests if desired.
3 Weeks Before
Three weeks until your big day! Now is the time to ensure every detail is perfect for your dream wedding:
- Review your wedding contract and make any final adjustments.
- Confirm that your wedding coordinator has all of the information/details needed for all wedding-related events.
- Arrange a private dinner on the beach for the two of you, if desired.
1 Week Before
Only one week left until your magical day! Here’s what to focus on during this exciting time:
- Arrive at the resort!
- Meet with the wedding coordinator to go over all details, timeline, and any last-minute changes.
- Do a walk-through of the ceremony and reception.
- Arrange for welcome bag room drop, if desired.
- Leave your wedding day attire with the wedding coordinator to be steamed and prepared for your big day.
Wedding Day
Today is the day you’ve been dreaming of – your wedding day! Here’s how to start your unforgettable journey on the right note:
- Have a nice breakfast.
- Go to your hair appointment at the salon or your suite – don’t forget your wedding veil and flowers.
- Strike a pose and capture the magic with your partner as you take some unforgettable pre-ceremony photos.
- Enjoy a ceremony filled with love, laughter, and maybe even a few happy tears. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for!
- Let the festivities begin. Dance the night away, toast to your love with a drink in hand, and soak in every moment.
Your wedding day flies by, but hey, good call on the destination choice – the party lasts much longer! Every planning process is as unique as your love story, and we’re here to ensure every step is a delightful journey toward your dream destination wedding. Let us accompany you every step of the way, from envisioning your perfect day to making it a reality. Reach out to our dedicated team today and let’s embark on this unforgettable adventure together!
Say ‘I Do’ to a Destination Wedding
