Although a destination wedding can be seen as less formal than a traditional ‘at home’ wedding, there is no less amount of planning involved. Follow this simple checklist to help you plan a successful destination wedding.

I suggest printing this out & keeping it with your planning notebook for easy reference.

Destination Wedding Checklist

□ Set your wedding budget.
□ Choose your wedding style.
□ Announce your engagement - if you haven’t already done so.
□ Select your wedding date.
□ Choose your desired destination & location.
□ Carry out research using internet resources, libraries, family & friends. Also talk to the local tourist office & ask a selection of resorts for package information.
□ Find out about any marriage license requirements.
□ Look into hiring a local wedding coordinator or ask the resort of your choice if they provide one.
□ Draw up your wedding guest list.
□ Send out your ’save the date’ cards.
□ Try to get a general head count after you have sent out your cards, email or phone guests.
□ Shop for your wedding dress, especially if you want a traditional style.
□ Start to think about the groom’s attire.
□ Think about the remaining members of the wedding party & their attire.
□ Obtain any necessary legal documents required to get married in your chosen destination. Look into visas, forms of identification, affidavits.
□ Start thinking about your bridal beauty.
□ Organize, with the wedding coordinator, florists, musicians, photographer & officiant. You may also want to look into hiring a hairstylist & make-up artist.
□ Finalize your wedding menu.
□ Finalize your ceremony & reception, including getting any contracts sent to you.
□ Order your wedding invitations.
□ Set up your gift registry.
□ Choose your wedding rings.
□ Reserve your plane tickets.
□ Try & negotiate any discounts with airlines & hotels for group bookings for your guests.
□ Consider setting up a wedding website to share all your information & wedding details with your guests & keep them informed.
□ Finalize your groom’s attire.
□ Send out your invitations.
□ Choose & write out your wedding vows.
□ Buy your wedding shoes & accessories.
□ Finalize all travel arrangements with family & bridal party members.
□ Finalize the bridal party attire & accessories.
□ Buy your wedding favors & gifts.
□ Attend your final dress fitting.
□ Shop for your vacation wardrobe.
□ Confirm all details with the hotel (s), vendors & wedding coordinator.
□ Plan a seating plan if necessary.
□ Make up your favors &/or welcome bags.
□ Arrange your wedding license.
□ Arrange to meet with your wedding coordinator & officiant.
□ Visit your ceremony site.
□ Hand out welcome bags to your guests.
□ Check over all last minute details.
□ Relax - you have done all the hard work, now is the time to sit back & enjoy time with your family & friends.