The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding

The Early Stages: 9-12 Months Before the Big Day

Setting the Foundation

• Select a Locale: Research and choose your dream destination, keeping in mind the legal marriage requirements of the country. The Knot provides a great resource for understanding international marriage laws.
• Budgeting: Establish a financial plan for your wedding expenses. According to The Knot's 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a destination wedding is $32,000, excluding the honeymoon.
• Ceremony Details: Decide on the ceremony type, size, formality, and ideal season.
• Save the Date: Pick your wedding date and send out "Save the Date" cards.
• Insurance Consideration: Look into wedding insurance options for added security.
• Wedding Planner: If desired, select a wedding planner with destination experience.
• Venue Exploration: Contact potential venues for proposals and, if possible, visit them.
• Bridal Party Selection: Choose your bridal party members.
• Dress Shopping: Begin the search for your perfect wedding gown.
• Wedding Website: Create a website to share details with guests.
• Guest List Compilation: Start putting together your guest list.
• Organization: Keep a wedding binder or digital folder for all related documents and ideas.

6-9 Months Before: Booking and Designing

• Accommodations: Reserve a block of hotel rooms for guests.
• Entertainment: Secure a DJ or band and consider local music customs.
• Photography and Videography: Choose professionals to capture your day.
• Officiant: Find someone to officiate your wedding.
• Menu and Cake: Select your food and cake options.
• Floral Design: Plan your wedding florals.
• Registry: Create your wedding registry.
• Bridesmaids' Attire: Shop for bridesmaids' dresses.
• Accessories: Purchase wedding accessories.
• Honeymoon Planning: If changing locations, plan your honeymoon.

4-6 Months Out: Finalizing Details

• Invitations: Order and prepare to send out invitations.
• Rings: Purchase your wedding bands.
• Travel Documents: Ensure passports and visas are in order.
• Health Preparations: Complete any necessary health tests or vaccinations.
• Transportation: Arrange guest transportation for the wedding.
• Flights: Book your flights, aiming to arrive a few days early.
• Decor and Favors: Order and plan the shipment of wedding decorations and favors.
• Groom's Attire: Buy or rent the groom's wedding attire.
• Bridal Party: Confirm bridal party attire orders.
• Music Playlist: Start compiling a playlist for the wedding.
• Pre-Wedding Events: Plan welcome receptions, excursions, and rehearsal dinner.

2-4 Months to Go: Invitations and Personal Touches

• Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations.
• Vows: Write your personal wedding vows.
• Ceremony Planning: Choose readings, music, and the order of the ceremony.
• Guest Coordination: Ensure guests are booking their travel smoothly.
• Welcome Letters and Bags: Prepare welcome materials for guests.
• Gifts: Purchase gifts for the groom, bridal party, and parents.
• Dress Fitting: Have your final gown fitting.
• Dress Transportation: Decide how to transport your gown to the destination.

The Final Countdown: 2-3 Weeks Before

• Confirmations: Reconfirm details with all vendors and the venue.
• Seating Chart and Place Cards: Finalize seating arrangements.
• Ceremony Program: Design and print the program if you're having one.
• Travel Review: Double-check all travel plans.
• Guest Itineraries: Review guest arrival details and transportation.

The Last Week: Packing and Preparing

• Packing: Begin packing, coordinating with family to transport items.
• Gown Preparation: Prepare your gown for travel.

Upon Arrival: Final Touches

• Detail Confirmation: Revisit all wedding details.
• Venue Walk-Through: Familiarize yourself with the venue.
• Paperwork and License: Complete any remaining paperwork and obtain a marriage license.
• Welcome Bags: Distribute welcome bags to guest accommodations.
• Attire Preparation: Ensure all wedding attire is ready.
• Hair and Makeup Trial: Conduct a trial run with your stylist.
• Guest Activities: Host planned activities for guests.
• Rehearsal: Conduct the wedding rehearsal and enjoy the dinner.

Your Wedding Day: Time to Celebrate

• Relaxation: Take time to relax and savor the moment.
• Rings: Ensure the Best Man has the wedding bands.
• Getting Ready: Enjoy the preparations and anticipation.

While this checklist is extensive, it's designed to ensure that every aspect of your destination wedding is thoughtfully considered. Remember, the key to a stress-free wedding is organization and attention to detail. Enjoy the planning process and look forward to celebrating your union in a beautiful setting with your loved ones.