Destination Wedding Timeline & Checklist

Destination Wedding Planning Checklist

Destination Weddings are weddings that take place away from where the bride and groom live. They happen in some of the most exotic and wonderful places in the world. These types of non-traditional weddings provide the bride and groom with dreamy settings, while doubling as an opportunity for guests to experience a place they have never been before. But, because destination weddings mean traveling far away from home, the bridal couple and their guests may need additional time for all planning components. They must also apply a little more due diligence on research side then they would do for a traditional wedding.

Following is a destination wedding timeline which can be modified to suit your individual destination wedding vision.

12 Months or more

Create a wedding binder. Keep all ideas, swatches, photos, correspondence, etc. and keep it in an easily accessible place.
Set a budget and stick to it.
Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect your special day.
Compile a reasonable guest list. Don’t over invite assuming guests won’t come because of travel. Invite anyone you want to have present (budget permitting) and allow the guest to decide if they can/want to travel.
If you are getting married outside of the country, consider hiring a wedding consultant who specializes in destination weddings.

11 Months prior

Set up a profile of the type of destination wedding your want
Research, research, research locations before you book. Note distance from airport to hotel, weather, seasons and time of year (consider hurricanes) amenities, etc.
Settle on a wedding date.
Send save the date cards. (optional).
Verify marriage residency requirements.
Research travel and accommodation options for guests
Consider visiting the destination to be sure this is THE spot for you.

10 months prior

Make destination wedding planning trip, if necessary
Set up meetings with any stateside wedding professional who may be traveling to your wedding locale.

9 Months prior

Start putting together any legal documents required to marry at the destination wedding location.
Make travel arrangements to the destination wedding site, if possible.
Book the lodging accommodations for wedding attendants
Complete itinerary for tours or any other extra curricular activities for guests, if applicable
Make your own travel arrangements for the wedding

8 Months prior

Register for gifts
Determine style, formality and colors of wedding
Consider style of stationery, invitations

7 Months prior

Select your wedding gown
Choose and order bridesmaids wedding dresses
Order groom and groomsmen attire
Shop for wedding rings

6 Months prior

Make final selections on wedding cake baker, florists and décor, and transportation necessary.
Work on ceremony details and buy any necessary items
Finalize menu and wedding cake order

5 Months prior

Purchase fiancé’s gift (optional)
Order favors (optional)
Buy gifts for wedding attendants and parents

4 Months prior

Finish addressing wedding invitations and mail out

3 Months prior

Update your budget
Review contracts again and familiarize yourself with arrival times, etc.

2 Months prior

Start creating seating charts. Yes, it is hard but it must be done.
Call guests who have not yet responded

1 Month prior

Release any unnecessary rooms
Finalize all wedding day itineraries
Confirm travel arrangements with the hotel/resort

3 Weeks prior

Send out emails to wedding providers who have been contracted to finalize the details.

3 Days prior

Arrive at wedding destination
Meet with banquet manager
Go over details
Bridal beauty – manicure, pedicure – no change in facial products at this time. Any change in cleansers or makeup should be done at least one month prior to the wedding.