The Ultimate Destination Wedding Planning Timeline

Your Month-by-Month Checklist for a Celebration Abroad

You’re engaged—congrats! Now you’re dreaming of a stunning celebration in paradise. But let’s be honest: planning a destination wedding can feel like juggling passports, Pinterest boards, and a dozen opinions—all at once. But don’t worry—you don’t have to guess your way through it. This destination wedding timeline lays out EXACTLY what to do (and when), so you can confidently move from “We’re engaged!” to “We do!”—without last-minute stress or forgotten RSVPs.

Your Ultimate Destination Wedding Planning Timeline

This timeline follows the exact steps I guide my clients through, with real-time tips to make your planning feel effortless.

15–13 Months Before

• Set Your Wedding Vision – Start with the big picture. Do you dream of a toes-in-the-sand ceremony or a romantic garden overlooking the ocean? Get clear on your wedding vibe before diving into the details.
• Establish Your Budget & Guest List – Your guest count directly affect costs, room availability, and vendor packages. Knowing your numbers early helps prevent surprise expenses later.
• Narrow Down Destinations & Resorts – Based on your style, budget, and guest list, I’ll help you shortlist the best-fit destinations and resort venues for your wedding. This includes understanding travel time and group perks.
• Consult with a Destination Wedding Travel Advisor (Me!) – This is your moment to get expert support. I’ll guide you through the decision-making process and help match you with a destination that fits your vision—and your guests’ needs.

12–10 Months Before

• Secure Your Wedding Date with the Resort – Once you’ve chosen your venue, we’ll officially reserve your wedding date and ceremony time with the on-site coordinator. The earlier, the better—especially for in-demand dates.
• Set Up Your Group Room Block – This guarantees room availability for your guests and locks in the best pricing. I’ll handle the group contract, payment schedule, and guest booking details so you don’t have to.
• Send Out Save-the-Dates – Time to let your guests know what’s coming! Include your wedding website, travel dates, resort info, and booking instructions. This helps everyone plan ahead and get excited about your big day.

9–8 Months Before

• Plan a Pre-Wedding Site Visit (Optional but recommended!) – If schedule and budget allow, visiting the resort ahead of time is a great way to meet the on-site team and see the property in person.
• Launch or Update Your Wedding Website – This is where guests can find travel info, RSVP details, and your full wedding itinerary.
• Begin Gown Shopping & Register for Gifts – Some dresses require multiple fittings, and registry planning takes time—start now so you’re not rushing later.

6–5 Months Before

• Finalize Ceremony Type & Legal Requirements – If you’re having a legal ceremony, now’s the time to submit documents and confirm translation or residency requirements. I’ll help you navigate what’s needed based on the country.
• Book Group Excursions or Activities – Think about ways to enhance the experience—like a welcome sunset cruise, beach bonfire, or spa day. I’ll coordinate these extras with the resort or local vendors.
• Encourage Guest Bookings – Remind your guests to reserve their rooms before space fills up. Most room blocks come with a deadline for deposits and final payments.
• Order Your Dress and Bridal Party Attire – be sure to give yourself and your bridesmaids time for alterations.

4 Months Before

• Mail Formal Invitations – Now that RSVPs are coming in, your invitations should reflect the full details: ceremony time, dress code, itinerary, and a reminder to book rooms if they haven’t yet.
• Groomsmen Tux/Suit Rentals or Purchases – Give the guys enough time to get fitted and make selections.
• Reconfirm Guest Bookings & Room Block Status – We’ll check in to see which guests have booked and help you manage any unused room releases if your contract requires it.

3–2 Months Before

• Confirm Officiant & Ceremony Logistics – Coordinate with your resort or local officiant. If you’re writing your own vows, now’s a great time to begin.
• Build Your Wedding Itinerary – From welcome cocktails to a farewell brunch, sketch out the full timeline of events. I’ll help format this into something guests can easily follow.
• Start Your Seating Chart – Once most RSVPs are in, begin arranging your reception layout and guest placements.
• Follow Up with Any Late RSVPs

6–3 Weeks Before

• Finalize Wedding Details – You’ll work directly with the on-site coordinator to lock in décor, menu, cake, flowers, and music selections.
• Write Your Vows & Finalize Ceremony Script
• Review All Guest Flight Itineraries – I’ll collect flight details from your guests to coordinate airport transfers and flag any mismatches with their room reservations.

2-3 Weeks Before

• Submit Final Guest Count to the Resort
• Send Travel Tips & Itineraries to Guests – I provide a custom guide for your guests that includes packing suggestions, shuttle information, tipping guidance, emergency contacts, and more.
• Update Your Website with the Final Itinerary

1 Week Before

• Pack for the Wedding & Honeymoon – Don’t forget your dress, accessories, printed vows, emergency kit, and all the small-but-important details like chargers and hairpins.
• Reconfirm Vendor Meetings – You’ll meet with your on-site coordinator, officiant, and other vendors 2–3 days before the wedding to walk through everything.

3–4 Days Before the Wedding

• Arrive at the Resort – Settle in, relax, and finalize any last-minute details. Enjoy a few moments of peace before the celebration kicks off.

Pro Tip:

Even with this timeline in hand, working with a destination wedding travel advisor ensures every moving part is coordinated—so you can actually enjoy the journey, not just survive it.

This timeline is a great starting point—but personalized guidance can make the journey even smoother. If you want help crafting a destination wedding that fits your vision (and wows your guests), let’s connect.

👉 Schedule your free consultation here.

Not quite there yet? That’s okay—follow me on social for more inspiration, and be sure to save this post so it’s easy to find when the time is right.