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2/19/2021

Destination Wedding Checklist

Are you and your honey jetsetters, ready to say “I do.” in a far away land? Adventure awaits, and we’re right there with you to help you prepare for your big day, and your big trip. Let's have a destination wedding! You may be headed to a tropical paradise, or a sprawling urban destination but either way a few boxes or more will need to be checked off the list as your make your voyage. Below is our ultimate checklist for the destination wedding, complete with the ability to even print it off and check them off yourself.

12 or more months before I Do

First thing is first, get yourself a big, beautiful binder to compile all your wedding plans in one easy place for contacts, appointments, vendors, and the rest.
Create a budget that makes sense. On average you will spend about $1,000-$3,000 more than expected as you start to plan, so leave some cushion room in the budget for things that inevitably pop up. Maybe even $5,000 but about %3 of your allowed budget for your destination wedding.
Decide what sort of ceremony and reception you want, and start looking for your dream venues and locations. You’ll want to book as quickly as possible, however, so don’t take too long. Many venues are booked around a year in advance, so be flexible with your dates until you nail that dream venue.
From this budget and date, you can start choosing vendors based on pricing and availability, or work with your wedding planner to choose. Vendors are typically booked 6 - 12 months in advance so you have time, but make sure to secure these vendors as soon as possible, and in clear and conscience writing. Everything in writing. This includes:
- Hair and Makeup Services
- Event Decor
- Music
- Officiant
- Photographer / Videographer
- Catering
- Cake / dessert catering
- Florist

Now is the time to think of your destination wedding party and asking them to be involved
Based on the guest count that fits into the budget and you have your date set, start choosing the loved ones you want to celebrate with.
Start looking for your dress style and silhouette you want, maybe choose a designer if you’re getting one custom made
Consider styles for invitations and save the dates. Send your save the dates asap

6-11 months before your destination wedding

Secure any vendors that aren’t already booked.
Choose a hotel for you and your guests, making sure to call and block out an area for your guests to be able to easily book and stay in one location.
Create and send out save the dates
Choose your destination wedding party colors, bouquet flowers, and event decor options
Take engagement photos
Make sure your reception hall has been secured
Do you need wedding insurance? Now is the time to think about it.
Create a place, such as a website, where your guests can go to see the details of your celebration. Things to include are a timeline of events, a map of accomodations / venue, and your registry. Many people make a website which you can do for free at weebly.com but there are other options. A simple one time email or card included with invitation can work, but do realize this as not as easy to change if the timeline changes.

3-6 Months Before I Do

Choose your wedding party dresses / tuxedos and have them fitted
Choose your destination wedding gown (eep!) and your reception or other event outfits.
Start thinking of what dinners, activities, or other outings you want planned for your guests, and for you and your soon to be beau
Create a registry
Purchase any accessories you may be wearing like jewelry, veil, shoes, and bedroom garments
Select final menu(s) and cake
If required for your destination, get shots or blood work done
Book your travel and encourage guests to do the same
Send out formal invitations with your new engagement photos
Book your rehearsal dinner location

1-3 Months Before Jet Setting

Make sure your rings are sized correctly and ready to go with you
Finalize your hotel suite and encourage guests to do the same
Buy any goods you may want to bring like cake topper, guest book, or party favors
Finalize any of those informal guest activities, as well as the couple activities
Finish details with your vendors like song lists, photo and video must haves, and delivery / pickup times
Arrange any legal documents needed for the trip including passports and wedding license
Start putting a packing list together. Give yourself plenty of time to think, rethink, and dream of all the possibilities. Get a list going, make it large, and you can always take things off you realize are overkill.
Hunt down anyone who hasn't RSVP’d yet

Month of your Destination Wedding

Create welcome bags for guests and wedding party
Send anything you cannot take on the plane to the wedding planner or hotel / event location. Things like wedding decor, welcome bags, guest book, paper goods, etc and be sure to get insurance on your package
Confirm - Check into your flights, confirm travel from airport to hotel for you and your key players in the wedding. Be sure to confirm any bookings you may have like music, hair, and makeup services along with finalizing their payout and tips
Pick up your gown and / or tux
Chat with your planner about anything that may need to be adjusted last minute.
It’s time to pack! Pack your carry ons with your rings, a nights worth of clothes and toiletries, and your ceremony outfits. The last thing you'd want is some lost luggage to ruin your big day.
Finalize seating arrangements
Get your nails done, your hair waxed, and any last minute facial or relaxing massages you might need

These are the closing hours, the anxious nights of excitement, and the frantic final details. When you start to feel overwhelmed come here to this checklist and visually mark off the things you have accomplished, realize that you've been busy! Now is the time to trust your past, less anxious self and that she has fully prepared you for this moment the best she possibly could. You're in good hands, and it is not the time to forget your luggage or the rings, so keep your head clear, mark your checklist, and BREATH. You've got this, girl!

Let's get you to that destination wedding!

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