Have you decided to tie the knot in a new destination?
Kudos on starting this wedding planning journey. It might be a bit stressful but surely is a unique experience!
Before you start picturing yourself drinking cocktails with your most loved people on a sandy beach while saying “I do,” there’s a tiny detail called planning. But, fear not.
Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. With our wedding checklist, you will still have time for a piña colada (or two) before your big day!
Let’s check how to make your wedding dream into reality!
The Months Before The Wedding | The Tasks |
12-18 Months | – Set the date and choose the destination – Research legal requirements for getting married at the destination – Create a wedding budget and start saving. -Hire a local wedding planner (optional but surely recommended) |
10-12 Months | – Book the venue and vendors (photographer, caterer, florist like us here at Jim Labraco) – Start looking into travel and accommodation options – Send save-the-date cards to guests. |
8-10 Months | – Book accommodations for you and your wedding party guests – Finalize the guest list and collect addresses – Research and book transportation – Decide on and order wedding attire and accessories. |
6-8 Months | – Mail out official wedding invitations – Book rental items (chairs, linens, lighting, etc.) – Finalize floral designs and arrangements with Jim Labraco – Purchase wedding favors and welcome bag items. |
4-6 Months | – Obtain a marriage license and other legal papers (check out our article here) – Finalize decor and design details – Book hair and makeup artists – Plan welcome events and activities for guests. |
2-4 Months | – Confirm final guest number with vendors – Finalize seating charts and place cards – Purchase gifts for the wedding party – Obtain travel insurance and travel documents. |
1 Month | – Confirm all vendor payments – Finalize timeline and shot list with photographer – Pack for the wedding and honeymoon – Relax and have fun! |
Remember that this is a basic and general timeline that may need to be adjusted depending on your unique location, needs, and vendor availability.
It’s usually a good idea to start preparing early and provide enough time for any unforeseen delays or last-minute changes.
Set the Date and Location
First things first, is to set the date and the location for your destination wedding. You need to consider factors such as weather, peak seasons, and potential costs.
Popular destinations like tropical beaches, scenic mountains, or charming European cities offer unique backgrounds for your big day.
Research All the Legal Requirements
Check out with detail and patience all the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination.
[Check out the legal requirements for getting married in Greece!]
This may include obtaining marriage licenses, translating documents into the appropriate language, or adhering to residency requirements. Consult with local wedding planners or legal government offices for your convenience.
Create a Budget – Set Specific Price Ranges
As you can imagine, destination weddings, most of the time, require additional expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and wedding venue costs. Things that you normally avoid if the wedding is taking place in your local area.
For your convenience, you can establish a realistic budget and prioritize your spending. Consider receiving offers for group rates for guest accommodations or creating a wedding website with the necessary travel information.
Hire a Local Wedding Planner – Hire a Professional
A local wedding planner familiar with your chosen destination or a local can be very important. They can assist with vendor recommendations, logistical arrangements, and cultural traditions, ensuring the best execution of your vision.
Book Vendors – The Sooner The Better!
Secure reliable vendors well in advance, including a venue, caterer, photographer, and florist. For breathtaking floral designs, consider the expertise of Jim Labraco, known for his unique floral decorations, diverse flower varieties, and artisan craftsmanship!
Plan Travel and Accommodations
Book travel arrangements and accommodations for you and your guests. Provide information about transportation options, airport transfers, and recommended hotels or resorts.
Send Save-the-Dates Invitations
Our recommendation is to distribute the “save-the-dates invitations” at least 8-10 months in advance, allowing guests reasonable time to plan their travel and accommodations and other stuff they need to sort out.
Obtain Necessary Documents
Gather all required documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and any necessary legal paperwork for the marriage. Double-check validity dates and make copies for safekeeping.
Plan Welcome Bags and Activities
Create welcome bags for your guests, including local treats, a detailed itinerary, and suggestions for any activities. Consider organizing group activities or tours to ensure everyone will have a memorable experience!
Finalize Decor and Attire
Work with your vendors to finalize the decor, floral arrangements, and attire for the wedding party. Jim Labraco’s bespoke and high-quality floral designs can elevate the atmosphere and create a truly luxurious event like no other!
Enjoy Your Destination Wedding!
You know what?
After all that preparation and work it’s time for fun. You deserve that.
With careful planning and attention to detail, your destination wedding will be a resounding success!
Our General Destination Wedding Planning Advice
- Start by finding a full wedding package offer that includes everything you need for your ceremony and reception at your chosen location.
- Work closely with a wedding coordinator and a travel agent to secure a wedding venue and make travel arrangements for your guests.
- Consider an all-inclusive resort wedding to simplify the planning process.
- If you are on a budget, look for ways to reduce costs, such as booking a smaller wedding or having a beach wedding.
- Create a wedding itinerary for your wedding weekend, including any registry appointments or reception activities.
- Use a wedding planning checklist to stay organized and ensure that you don’t overlook any important details.
- Work with your wedding planner to plan your destination wedding and make sure you have a plan B in case of any last-minute changes.
The Top 4 Frequently Asked Questions Answered!
1. How far in advance should I start planning a destination wedding?
It’s recommended to start destination wedding planning at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for popular destinations during peak seasons.
2. Can I hire vendors from my home country for a destination wedding?
While very possible, it’s generally easier and more cost-effective to hire local vendors familiar with the destination. They can provide life-saving insights.
3. Is it necessary to have a wedding planner for a destination wedding?
While not necessary, a local wedding planner can be extremely beneficial for coordinating your big day. They can handle complicated logistics, and vendor coordination, and navigate you through any cultural or language barriers.
4. How can I ensure my floral arrangements are of high quality?
Work with a reputable and experienced floral designer like Jim Labraco, known for unique floral compositions, flower varieties, and craftsmanship, ensuring bespoke and luxurious floral designs.
Author
By Jim Labraco, our expert florist. The founder and owner of Jim Labraco Custom Floral Artworks!
Set the Date and Location
