Destination Wedding Planning Checklist
Planning a destination wedding requires organization and attention to detail to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. From choosing the perfect location to coordinating travel and securing vendors, having a clear plan will help make the process stress-free. This destination wedding planning checklist will guide you through every step, so you can focus on celebrating your big day in style!
12- 11 months before:
Discover your wedding style: Browse inspiration and create a Pinterest board.
Start your wedding budget: Factor in venue, travel, vendors, and guest accommodations.
Choose a destination: Consider accessibility, weather, and legal requirements.
Create the Guest-list: Think about who can realistically travel, this will be important for venues choosing.
Decide on a Planner or Coordinator: A full planner or day-of coordinator can be helpful for logistics, especially in a destination wedding.
Decide on Legal Requirements: Determine whether you want a civil or symbolic ceremony and gather the necessary documents. In Portugal, civil ceremonies require translated and certified paperwork.
10 months before:
Start looking at venues: Take into consideration guest numbers, available dates, and logistics.
Schedule ceremony online meetings: Explore different options and officiants.
Choose the Date: Base your decision on the venue's availability.
Research wedding dress inspirations: Start gathering ideas for your gown.
Decide and invite Godparents: Confirm godparents from both sides and send invitations.
Check passports and travel visas if needed: Ensure all passports and visas are valid for you and your guests, if applicable.
9 months before:
Decide on the final venue: Confirm the booking and secure contracts.
Research wedding stationery designers: Look into invitation styles and themes.
Research photographers and videographers: Compare portfolios and pricing.
Research caterers: Explore menu options.
Research bar servers: Look into bartending services and beverage packages.
Research DJs: Consider playlists, music styles, and experience.
Research cake bakers
Research florists: Look into floral arrangements, bouquets, and venue decor.
Research overall wedding décor vendors: Define your theme, color palette, and decorative elements.
Decide where to get your wedding dress: Choose a boutique or designer for fittings.
8 months before:
Send Save-the-Dates: Give guests ample time to plan travel.
Send guests accommodation options: negotiate group rates or reserve a block of rooms. Consider suggesting different options.
Set up a wedding website: Include travel details, itinerary, and RSVP options.
Start with the actual invitations design: Begin working on the final invitation design.
Meet with all the vendors: and decide on the final ones.
Plan Travel & Accommodations: For yourself, godparents, and key family members.
Choose wedding party attire: Decide on the style and color for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key wedding party members.
Ensure all legal paperwork is submitted: Make sure all paperwork for the destination wedding (e.g., marriage license) is in order.
7 months before:
A day-after brunch or lunch: Decide if you'd like to host a brunch or an event for guests the day after the wedding.
Book rehearsal dinner venue: secure the location for the rehearsal dinner.
Hair and Makeup: Find vendors and book trials to find your preferred look.
Catering: Schedule and attend catering trials to finalize the menu.
Look at Honeymoon options: Start researching honeymoon destinations and experiences.
6 months before:
Decide if you will change your name: Decide whether you'll be changing your last name after the wedding and begin the process if necessary.
Order wedding invitations: Finalize the design and place your order.
Finalize your guest list: Make sure your guest list is up to date, and confirm who will be attending, to update vendors.
Update vendors with final decisions: Confirm all details with vendors, including numbers, timing, and any last-minute changes.
Schedule dress fittings: Start scheduling fittings for your wedding dress to ensure it fits perfectly.
5-4 months before:
Book honeymoon travel: Finalize your destination and book flights, accommodation, and activities.
Order wedding rings: Choose and order your wedding bands.
Make a transportation plan: arrange transportation for the wedding day.
Send out official invitations: Mail out the official wedding invitations to your guests.
Start looking at wedding shoes and accessories: Begin shopping for shoes and any other wedding-day accessories.
Book honeymoon: Finalize your destination, book flights, accommodations, and plan key activities.
3-2 months before:
Start working on your vows and toasts: Begin writing personal vows and speeches for the reception. Consider guests who would like to speak as well.
Finalize ceremony readings: Choose and confirm any readings or special passages for the ceremony.
Work on the seating chart: Organize seating arrangements based on RSVPs.
Start practicing for your first dance: Take dance lessons or practice your routine.
Choose table numbers and/or themes: Select table numbers, names, or themes for the reception.
Choose specific songs for specific moments: Select songs for key moments like church entry, first dance, cake cutting, and more.
Finalize ceremony and reception timeline: Ensure all event timings are confirmed with vendors and the wedding party.
Make a honeymoon packing list: Start preparing a list of essentials for your honeymoon.
1 month before:
Get your wedding rings: Pick up your wedding rings and make sure they're properly sized and ready for the big day.
Pick up your wedding dress: Collect your wedding dress after the final fitting, ensuring it's clean, pressed, and ready for the ceremony.
Pick up wedding shoes and any accessories
Final hair and makeup trial: Have your last hair and makeup trial to finalize your wedding day look.
Check the weather report: Stay updated on weather forecasts for the wedding day and make adjustments to the plan if needed.
Planning a destination wedding can be a thrilling experience with the right checklist in hand. By staying organized and following the key steps, you can ensure a smooth and memorable celebration abroad. Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Begin now and make your destination wedding the unforgettable event you’ve always imagined!