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Planning a Destination Wedding?
Where do I start?
That's probably what you are asking yourself right now. The first thing that I did to plan my destination wedding (as an organized travel agent) was consulting my fellow travel agents (Angel & Dave, my future in-laws). We first obtained a Destination Wedding Planning Checklist, which is a great outline of what to expect when you are planning your wedding. And don't forget to consult your travel agent (that's us). We can help you select that perfect location to have a fantastic wedding, and look after all the booking needs for your wedding party and guests.
New Beginnings Weddings
by Rhonda Allen
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.
The day of
- Relax, say “I DO” and live happily ever after!
Our Travelonly Art of Travel Magazine has a great list of Reasons to host a destination wedding. Here is the list:
1. Destination Weddings usually cost less than traditional weddings
2. Planning together helps ensure everyone has a fun and relaxing experience
3. It's less expensive to purchase air and hotel as a vacation package rather than buying each separately
4. Send out Save-the-date cards about 6-8 months in advance and keep your guests updated and involved with a wedding website
5. A successful Destination Wedding takes more than just a good location and skilled wedding planner, it takes the expertise of a good travel agent
So What is next for Chris & Lesley?
Go to the next page and find out, Lesley will keep you updated here as it happens.
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