Destination Wedding Countdown Calendar

Planning a destination wedding requires a whole separate timeline. Here, learn how to get everything done for your wedding with time to spare. Stay on... Read More

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Planning a destination wedding requires a whole separate timeline. Here, learn how to get everything done for your wedding with time to spare.

Stay on track with this month-by-month guide

  • Planning a destination wedding requires a whole separate timeline. Here, learn how to get everything done for your wedding with time to spare.

    Stay on track with this month-by-month guide:

     

    12-10 MONTHS

    • Set a budget. Factor in the number of guests and determine how much you can afford to spend.
    • Decide on a place. Consider your wedding style and choose a first, second and third choice. Consider travel time and distance.
    • Research resorts in your country/location of choice and compare what each offers. Shop for packages and consider all-inclusive packages. Compare prices and inclusiveness as well as recommendations, ratings and references.
    • Research airfare and each resort’s room rates.
    • Look into the marriage legalitiesin the locations you’re considering.
    • Notify family and friends of decision to marry away; select a date.
    • Decide on your wedding attendants.
    • After selecting a resort, make travel arrangements for a visit.
    • Have the location’s on-site wedding coordinator give you a list of preferred local vendors such as the photographer, florist and band.

    9 MONTHS

    • Visit the resort and meet with the on-site wedding coordinator and local vendors. Look into a group discounton room rates.
    • Begin your search for your honeymoon locationif you will not be honeymooning at your wedding destination. If you’re getting married during a peak holiday season such as Christmas, you may need to book your honeymoon 9 months in advance.
    • Start gown shoppingand begin registering for gifts.
    • Put together your guest list.
    • Set up your wedding website. Start with your wedding date and location, adding travel info and other relevant logistics as you go.

    6 MONTHS

    • Send out save-the-datesto give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements.
    • Get a rough head count; reserve a block of rooms.
    • Contact your officiant. For most religious ceremonies, you may be required to attend pre-wedding counseling. Civil ceremonies may require permission to be married in the location.
    • Review and finalize pros’ contracts.
    • Buy travel and wedding insurance.
    • Reserve a block of rooms at two hotels in different price ranges and direct your invitees to your wedding website for the details.
    • If your wedding will take place in another country contact a travel agent to see if you can reserve a block of seats with an airline. Many carriers offer discounts to passengers with groups over ten.
    • Book your own honeymoon/travel
    • Select and order your gown and bridesmaid dresses.
    • Make final selections for your flowers, decor, menu and cake.
    • Select musicfor the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.
    • Make arrangements for any transportationat the location such as a shuttle for guests to and from the airport.

    4 MONTHS

    3 MONTHS

    • Make sure website is updated with most recent information.
    • Write welcome letterto guests and itinerary of events to include in gift bag. Have both printed and ready to take with you or ship to resort.
    • Order brochures of local activities along with area maps to include in the gift bag.
    • Review documentation for a legal ceremony with your coordinator.

    2 MONTHS

    • Set up a seating chart, get all RSVPs from guests.
    • Test a spray tan if you plan on gettiing one for the wedding.

    3-6 WEEKS

    • Confirm travel reservations; release any rooms not needed.
    • Finalize detailswith wedding coordinator and local vendors.
    • Determine an order of events schedule with your coordinator.
    • Finalize ceremony details: write vows, finalize music.
    • Ask guests to RSVP for group activities via e-mail.
    • Ship gift bag items, printed materials (programs etc.) to site.

    2 WEEKS

    • Finalize guest headcount and confirm group activities.
    • Ensure all paperwork is in order (passports, documents needed for marriage license, wedding and travel insurancepolicies).
    • Print your wedding programsto take with you.
    • Confirm your honeymoonreservation and any speacial requests.
    • Address any wedding announcements, stamp and arrange for mailing on your wedding day.
      • WEEK
    • Finalize the seating plan; give catereryour final guest list count.
    • Pack what you need for the wedding and honeymoon; pick up tuxes.
    • Put together an emergency kit(spot remover, band-aids, asprin, etc).
    • Determine photo schedule and shot listfor your photographer.
    • Confirm final meeting with vendors for when you arrive.

    Day Before Departure

    • Go over final details with coordinator; update website.
    • Contact the wedding party and make sure they know how to reach you.

    3-4 days

    • Arrive at location and meet with on-site coordinator, officiant, and vendors to review final details.

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