Select a wedding date, choose a second and third choice also.
2.
Set a engagement and wedding budget.
3.
Create an initial guest list. Invite everyone you would like to have present, based on your budget. When drawing up your list, do not assume that guests will not attend because of the travel. Extend the invitation and allow guests to decide for themselves.
4.
Choose your wedding party and confirm their participation.
5.
Choose your wedding rings.
6.
Organize your engagement party.
7.
If you are planning to get married outside your country of residence, you may benefit from hiring a professional wedding consultant who specializes in destination weddings.
8.
Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect your wedding day.
10-11 MONTHS BEFORE
1.
Decide on the type of destination wedding you want.
2.
Research locations before you book. Consider distance, weather, amenities and the variety of wedding packages available.
3.
Research travel and accommodation options for guests.
4.
Consider visiting the destination to confirm that this is your ideal wedding location.
5.
Verify marriage residency or licensing requirements.
6.
Reserve any services that are not included in your wedding package, i.e. caterer, photographer, videographer, entertainment, florist, cake designer, rentals.
7.
Choose your wedding dress and attendants’ attire.
9 MONTHS BEFORE
1.
Prepare any legal documents required to marry at the destination wedding location.
2.
Make travel arrangements for your wedding.
3.
Reserve the accommodations for your wedding attendants. You may also consider handling the lodging arrangements for your guests if your guest list is very small.
4.
Determine the style, theme, formality and colors of your wedding.
5.
Order your invitations and other stationery, keeping your wedding style in mind.
6.
Register your gift choices at your favorite stores.
7.
Finalize your guest list.
8.
Send save the date cards.
6-8 MONTHS BEFORE
1.
Reserve the men’s wedding attire.
2.
Book an appointment with your onsite beauty salon.
3.
Make any required transportation arrangements.
4.
If applicable, plan an itinerary for extra curricular activities that may be enjoyed by your guests.
5.
Decide on ceremony details and buy any necessary items not included in your destination wedding package.
6.
Finalize your reception menu.
5 MONTHS BEFORE
1.
Purchase fiancé’s gift.
2.
Order wedding favors for your guests.
3.
Order gifts for your wedding attendants.
4.
Order gifts for your parents.
3-4 MONTHS BEFORE
1.
Address and mail wedding initiations.
2.
Update your budget.
3.
Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own.
4.
Confirm the wedding arrangements with your resort, travel agent, clergy, wedding planner and/or the other services you have reserved.
5.
Have the wedding programs printed, if applicable.
1-2 MONTHS BEFORE
1.
Make appointments for your nails and make-up.
2.
Schedule a final dress fitting.
3.
Create your seating charts if applicable.
4.
Call guests who have not yet replied.
5.
Release any unnecessarily reserved rooms.
6.
Finalize all wedding day itineraries.
3 WEEKS BEFORE
1.
Have attendants’ parties.
2.
Finalize wedding speeches.
3.
Finalize reception details.
4.
Have your rehearsal, if applicable.
5.
Pick up the attire for the groomsmen.
6.
Confirm the final numbers with the caterer.
7.
Finalize your seating charts and prepare the place cards.
8.
Write any cheques required for the wedding day.
9.
Pack.
3 DAYS BEFORE
1.
Arrive at wedding destination.
2.
Meet with banquet manager or onsite wedding planner and review details.
3.
Confirm your beauty appointments with the onsite salon.
ON THE DAY
1.
Give the wedding bands to the best man, as well as any cheques that need to be given out that day.
2.
Present the attendants and parents with their gifts.
3.
Relax and enjoy your dream destination wedding!
AFTER THE WEDDING
1.
Send out your thank-you cards.
2.
Send thank-you letters to your attendants, and any service or product suppliers.
