Planning a Destination Wedding

Mar 16, 2023 | Traveler’s Q

The good, the bad, and the ugly of planning a destination wedding The good The trip of a lifetime Can relieve the social pressure of having many people attend They can give you date flexibility The bad It can be harder to personalize your day They can be super expensive for you They can be […]

The good, the bad, and the ugly of planning a destination wedding

  • The good
    • The trip of a lifetime
    • Can relieve the social pressure of having many people attend
    • They can give you date flexibility
  • The bad
    • It can be harder to personalize your day
    • They can be super expensive for you
    • They can be super expensive for your guests
  • The ugly
    • Foreign laws can lead to varying problems
    • Depending on what you do, there are higher risks of death, theft, and injury

How To Plan A Destination Wedding

Within 12 to 18 months

  • Choose the location
  • Determine your values
  • Set your budget
  • Hire a wedding planner
    • Use this to segue into contracting Traveler’s Q.
  • Build your guest list (with a streamlined RSVP system or tool)
  • Check visa requirements and renew your passport (if necessary)
  • Build a list of legal questions that you think will be pertinent to what you will be doing
    • You don’t want to end up in jail because you did something you thought was totally normal but was actually outlawed in the new geographical location you will be visiting

Within 9 to 12 months

  • Book your venues
  • Build your support team (e.g. photographers)
  • Send out save the dates
  • Purchase your dress/tux
  • Plan and book your desired events

Within 6 to 9 months

  • Book your rehearsal dinner venue (make sure that your guests are invited; it is customary)
  • Decide the menu with your caterer
  • Send out wedding invitations
  • Book the remaining support teammates (e.g. florist, hairstylist, DJ, etc.)

Within 3 to 6 months

  • Book travel and transportation (your flight, planned taxi, etc.)
  • Compete dress/tux fittings & alterations
    • Why 3 to 6 months out when you bought the clothes a while ago? (Perhaps body weight is more likely to be accurate for the date around this time?)
  • Buy wedding rings and accessories
  • Schedule recreational activities
  • Book your honeymoon
  • Keep track of guest RSVPs and meal choices

Within 6 to 12 weeks

  • Confirm ALL bookings and reservations
  • Get any vaccines required
  • Ensure you have all legal documents
    • Perhaps buy a separate folder container specifically for them
  • Buy gifts for the wedding party
  • Order favors & welcome bag supplies for guests

Within 3 to 6 weeks

  • Mail any supplies you can’t pack to your on-site coordinator
  • Have final wardrobe fittings
  • Pick up your rings
  • Make a list of any additional things you’ll need to purchase for your trip
  • Make a plan for packing your dress/tux (do you need a special suitcase?)

Within 1 to 2 weeks

  • Pick up your dress/tux
  • Confirm your travel plans
  • Ensure you have the proper cash (in the right currency!) on-hand to tip vendors (if necessary)

Within 5 to 7 days

  • Pack your bags
  • Arrive at your destination (ideally 1-2 days before the bulk of your guests)
  • Do a walk-through of your venue
  • Meet with your coordinator and other vendors
  • Apply for marriage license (if doing so locally)
  • Organize arrival bags for delivery to guests’ rooms
  • Do hair & makeup trial

Within 1 day

  • Have dresses and suits steamed for the entire wedding party
  • Enjoy your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

On the actual day…

  • Breathe!
  • Have fun!

Conclusion

  • Summarize key points (tell them what you told them)
  • CTA to request a proposal from Traveler’s Q

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