Your Destination Wedding Planning Checklist

9 – 12 months before

◊ Decide on the type of wedding you want

◊ Determine your budget

◊ Narrow down a location

◊ Decide on a wedding date

◊ Choose a venue and get it booked

◊ Hire a wedding planner

◊ Put a guest list together

◊ Select your wedding party

6 – 9 months before 

◊ Choose an officiant

◊ Select vendors for flowers, photography, transportation, music, cake and menu

◊ Send out invitations

◊ Research accommodation for guests and reserve a block of rooms

◊ Shop for the dress

◊ Launch a wedding website to keep guests updated

4 – 6 months before

◊ Obtain your passports/ apply for visa and look into destination specific marriage laws

◊ Order wedding invitations

◊ Purchase wedding rings

◊ Book flights

◊ Arrange transport from airport to hotel for you and your guests

◊ Make any arrangements for pre-wedding events (i.e. rehearsal dinner)

◊ Buy groom’s wedding attire

◊ Buy bridesmaid’s wedding attire

2 – 3 months before

◊ Send out wedding invitations

◊ Confirm hair and make up trial and wedding day appointment

◊ Confirm details with all vendors

◊ Buy wedding gifts for wedding party

1 month before

◊ Write vows

◊ Have final gown fitting

◊ Create timeline of the day with your wedding planner

◊ Ensure hotel reservations for guests have been completed

◊ Finalise ceremony program

1 – 2 weeks before

◊ Confirm flight and hotel bookings

◊ Re- confirm all details with all vendors

◊ Create a seating chart and place cards

◊ Order wedding programs

◊ Start packing

On arrival

◊ Meet with planner and officiant to review the day

◊ Do walkthrough / rehearsal at ceremony site

◊ Apply for your marriage licence

◊ Have hair and make-up trial

◊ Have wedding dress steamed

On the day

◊ Relax and start your happily ever after