Dreaming of a wedding on the beach? Destination weddings are a fantastic way to make one of the most memorable days of your life even more amazing. But where do you even start to bring your dream big day to life?
Organizing a wedding can be challenging enough — and adding in the logistical considerations of a destination wedding can make things even more complex. The good news is that destination weddings are becoming more common and accessible, so bringing your dream wedding to life may not be as hard as you think. Destination weddings also come with many perks that can streamline the wedding planning process. With a clear vision and a little help from a wedding planner, you can achieve all your wedding goals.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know when deciding if a destination wedding is right for you (and how to pull one off if it is). We’ll walk you through everything you need to get started in our 10 steps to destination wedding planning.
Destination Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline
We’ll dive deeper into the most important steps in planning a destination wedding,
12 to 18 Months Out …
Choose a location (this may involve planning a trip to your destination to tour and select a venue)
Book your venue (the most importat thing to do first)
Set your budget
Hire a wedding planner
Build your guest list
Check visa requirements & renew your passport (if necessary)
9 to 11 Months Out …
Book your vendors (especially your caterer and photographer)
Send out save the dates
Create your wedding website
Set up a wedding room block at a nearby hotel
Recruit your wedding party
Purchase your dress and/or tux
Plan & book wedding-related events (welcome dinner, group outings at your destination, etc.)
Check marriage laws/requirements at your destination
6 to 8 Months Out …
Book your rehearsal dinner venue (note that it is customary to invite all of your guests to your rehearsal dinner if you’re hosting a destination wedding)
Work with your wedding planner/caterer to decide your menu
Order & send your wedding invitations
Continue booking vendors (hairstylist/makeup artist)
3 to 5 Months Out …
Book travel & transportation
Complete dress/tux fittings & alterations
Buy wedding rings & accessories
Schedule recreational activities at your destination
Book your honeymoon
Keep track of guest RSVPs & meal choices
6 to 8 Weeks Out …
Confirm ALL bookings & reservations
Get required vaccines for your destination
Ensure you have all necessary legal documents (birth certificate, passport, visas, etc.)
Buy gifts for the wedding party (your wedding planner can help with local vendors)
Order favors & welcome bag suppliers for guests
3 to 5 Weeks Out …
Build seating chart & order a place-escort cards
Mail any supplies you can’t pack to your on-site coordinator
Have final wardrobe fittings
Pick up your rings
Make a list of any additional clothing/accessories you’ll need for your trip
Make a plan for packing your dress/tux (do you need a special suitcase?)
1 to 2 Weeks Out …
Pick up dress/tux
Confirm travel plans
Ensure you have the proper cash (in the right currency!) on-hand to tip vendors (if necessary)
4 to 5 Days Out …
Pack your bags!
Arrive at your destination (ideally 1-2 days before the bulk of your guests)
Do a walk-through of your venue
Meet with your coordinator and other vendors
Apply for marriage license (if doing so locally)
Organize arrival bags for delivery to guests’ rooms
Do hair & makeup trial
1 Day Out …
Have dresses & suits steamed for the entire wedding party
Enjoy your rehearsal & rehearsal dinner
Day Of …
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
Enjoy your big day!