Destination Wedding Checklist: Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Celebration!

For sure, a wedding is a great life event. However, planning a destination wedding is more of an adventure as it includes a few extra elements like travel, accommodation, and following foreign laws and regulations. When it comes to this, one can never be too prepared. But don’t worry– here is an excellent, detailed checklist that keeps you sane and ensures that no details are missed in planning your flawless and memorable destination wedding!

‍

‍

‍

1. Initial Planning 

A. Think of possible venues for your wedding 

— Location

B. Think about possible dates for your dream wedding

— Budget

— Legal logistics

— Financial accommodations

C. Think about an approximate number of guests

— Drafting an invitation prospective list

Some websites that help with your wedding can be The Knot and Zola. 

‍

Research Venues: Look at venues that may be in various places. Look at weather patterns, traveling restrictions, state marriage laws, and local customs and culture.

Visit Venues: Even better, if possible visit a couple and get the vibe from experiencing them yourself. It’s always good to feel it out to know if it's perfect for you!

B. Planning and Budget Allocation

Plan Allocation: As you write your plan, ensure that you allocate your resources to pretty much everything that is from travel, accommodation, bridal accessories, charges from the venue, food expenses, decoration, and entertainment.

Emergency Fund: It is still wise to put aside a bit for unexpected expenses, in case of an emergency!

2. Legal 

A. Research Marriage Laws

Documentation: What documents would you need to obtain or search for? Things such as birth certificates, passports, and affidavits are necessary for weddings, so don’t forget! 

Residency: Does it require any residency?  You may need to be established in the country for a specific number of months prior to the wedding so double check!

B. Document Translation

Certified Translations: Get all your documents certified for your special day!

3. Guest List and Invitations

A. Prepare a Guest List

Make outline priorities with the guest list: Travel can be costly so concentrate on near and dear ones.

Send out early: Invites should be sent early, and you should gather your RSVPs soon so you can plan well.

B. Travel Arrangements

Get group rates if possible: try to find out if the airlines or hotel would agree to a group rate—-a deal is always nice!

Give exact travel information and offer your guests help, as such big parties can be confusing!

C. Wedding Guest Attire

Send a Pinterest board with recommendations on the aesthetic you're going for with you're destination wedding, or choose a store with affordable wedding guest attire like Tobi.com and create a list of options to keep your small group of guests looking their best for photos.

4. Venue and Vendors

A. Select Your Venue

All-in-One Venues: Search for resorts that have weddings in-house, so it’s perfect for your big day! 

Size: Ensure there is enough space for your invitees comfortably.

B. Book Vendors

Local vs. Imported: Are there vendors for you? Many resorts compel you to use them!

Contracts: Ensure to have transparent contracts with photographers, caterers, florists, and others.

5. Accommodations

A. Reserve Rooms

Room Blocks: Reserve some rooms to ensure there will be an ample amount of accommodation for all your guests.

Welcome Packets: Organize welcome packets, including itineraries, maps, and local tips.

6. Travel Logistics

A. Flights

Early Booking: Book flights early

Travel Insurance: Your guests need travel insurance–it’s always important to be prepared!

B. Transportation

Local Transport: Organize airport transfers and transport to venues, so all the guests can arrive on time.

7. Wedding Attire

‍

A. Dress and Suits

Climate Considerations: Choose outfits according to climate suitability of the destination-you don’t want a summer dress in Winter weather!

Travel-Friendly: So, choose travel -friendly and easy to pack fabrics–overpacking could make a trip difficult.

B. Accessories

Backup: Backup accessories and outfits, in case of any wardrobe malfunctions! 

8. Pre-Wedding Parties

A. Rehearsal Dinner

Location : Choose a location that is situated in an eventful, easily accessible place, so all of your guests have an easy journey! 

Invitations: Send out clear invites so your guests know exactly what they are getting into! Websites like Zola can help you prepare stunning invites. 

B. Welcome Party

Informal Gathering: A welcome party for all to kickstart the celebration!

‍

9. Ceremony Details

A. Officiant

Local or Imported: Choose between a local officiant and shipping your own officiant.

Legalities: Ensure your officiant is legally allowed to perform weddings at your destination.

B. Vows and Readings

Personalize: Write your own vows or choose readings that are personally meaningful, representing the unique bond for the couple. How can you go wrong with how sweet that is!?

Translations: If the ceremony is to be conducted in any language other than English, then subtitles in English should be made available, so that everybody involved in the wedding can have the lovely experience! This may seem unorthodox, but you never want anyone to feel left out. 

10. Reception Information

‍

A. Catering

Cuisine: Give a touch of local flavor and dishes that are special to your region into your menu. Or, you can choose a variety of other menus so your guests can have an exciting flavor palette!

Events by RHC and Boin Soir Caterers can help you find your perfect cuisine. 

Food: The special dietary needs of your guests must be taken care of–everyone should have a good meal!

B. Music

Domestic Bands/DJs: You may also involve the domestic bands or DJs–make this wedding truly a party!

Cultural Shows: Arrange for some cultural shows to make the experience beautiful.!

‍

11. Decor/Aesthetics

A. Theme and Concept

Find your theme!: Use the theme which catches your heart through the decor! 

B. Floral/Décor

Local Florists: Avail the services of the local florists to get the seasonal flowers—-how can you have a wedding without a stunning bouquet?! Floraland New York can help you with just that! 

Sustainable Choices: Choose green and sustainable decorations—-beautiful AND eco-friendly! 

Subtle: The decor could be subtle for the beautiful natural look of the place, or it could be lavish and opulent!

12. Photo and Video

A. Professional Services

Local Scale: Choose the local professionals to know the best local locations. 

Style Statement: Make sure the professional has the style you are looking for, -so your perfect day is truly perfect! 

B. List of Shots

Important Shots: Let your photographer know the list of must-take moments! 

Bark specializes in wedding photographers so you don’t have to search high and low!

Spontaneous Elements: Let there be inclusion of spontaneous and candid moments so you look natural in your photos! 

13. Show after the Big Day

A. Honeymoon

Local Extension: Consider extending your stay for your honeymoon—-how can anyone have too much of a honeymoon?! 

New Destination: Alternatively, plan a trip to a new destination as a change of place—you can’t go wrong with more vacation! 

B. Vote of Thanks  

Grateful Message: Plan a vote of thanks for all of your guests and service providers!

14. Risk Management

A. Climate

Indoor Planning: Plan for indoor backup in the event of a bad weather condition.

Canopies, Tents: Facilities of canopies, and tents can be arranged if it is an outdoor event.

B. Health and Safety

First Aid: Take first aid, in case anybody gets hurt! 

Emergency Numbers: Make sure your guests are aware of all emergency contact numbers in the locale.

15. Wrapping Up Your Destination Wedding

A. Planning

Day-Of Timeline: Organize the wedding day so that there is no confusion and everything goes smoothly. Your perfect day should be truly perfect! Destination Weddings, like its name suggests, can help you plan so all the stress doesn’t fall on your shoulders! 

Coordinating: To ensure that everything goes well, you can hire a coordinator to manage the minutiae, in case any.

B. Detailing

Welcome Baskets: Provide personalized welcome baskets to all of your guests!

Personal Needs: Address any personal needs/special requests.

‍

While more complicated than a regular wedding, the destination wedding basically involves crunching a list of dos and don'ts and must-dos; with this checklist, you can navigate it like a pro with the following tips. Starting early, one should be flexible and enjoy this wonderful journey to your special day!

‍