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 Picture this: You, your partner, and a breathtaking destination for your wedding. But, before you dive into that tropical paradise, let’s tackle a crucial question: “How far in advance should I book and plan my destination wedding?” I’ve written this article to guide you through it.

If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in a stunning destination wedding, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been helping couples like you plan their dream weddings in paradise for 4 years, and I’m here to share some advice on how far in advance to book and plan your destination wedding. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this exciting journey together!

Step 1: Secure Your Wedding Date and Venue (12-18 Months in Advance)

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is waiting too long to book their wedding venue. Unlike local weddings, where you can visit venues at your convenience, destination wedding venues fill up quickly, especially in popular locations.

Why Booking Early Matters:

• More choices for venues and dates
• Availability of rooms for bigger groups
• Time to arrange travel logistics for you and your guests

💡 Pro Tip: A destination wedding specialist can help you navigate options and secure the perfect venue without the hassle of endless research.

Step 2: Arrange a Group Contract for Guest Accommodations

Once your venue is secured, the next priority is ensuring your guests have a place to stay. A group contract guarantees rooms at a set rate, saving your guests from last-minute price hikes.

Benefits of a Group Contract:

• Guaranteed room availability for your guests
• Locked-in rates, preventing price surges
• Added perks like complimentary stays or upgrades

A destination wedding specialist can assist in setting up the contract, ensuring a seamless booking experience for your guests. You can also find more information about the difference of a group contract vs. a flex group on our blog here: Contracted Group VS. Flex Group

Step 3: Send Save-the-Dates (At Least 6-12 Months in Advance)

With your venue and accommodations confirmed, it’s time to let your guests know! Sending Save-the-Dates early gives them ample time to plan and budget for travel.

💡 Pro Tip: Include a wedding website with essential details like location, travel tips, and booking information to keep guests informed. PS: this is included with our services!

Step 4: Pre-Wedding Planning (6-9 Months Before the Wedding)

This phase is about fine-tuning the details while keeping your guests engaged. Consider:

• A pre-wedding visit to your destination
• Planning group excursions, like a sunset cruise or snorkeling trip
• Finalizing RSVP details with your travel coordinator

Step 5: Start Wedding Planning (4-6 Months Before the Wedding)

Even if your venue isn’t ready to discuss specifics yet, you can start making decisions about décor, color schemes, and must-have details.

Key Planning Decisions:

• Selecting the menu and reception setup
• Booking photographers and entertainment
• Planning floral arrangements and ceremony details

Step 6: Final Payments & Travel Arrangements (60-75 Days Before Departure)

At this stage, guests should finalize their travel plans, and you should confirm all vendor payments.

💡 Pro Tip: Work with a travel expert to ensure all itineraries match room reservations and to arrange airport transfers for guests.

Step 7: Final Wedding Prep (2 Weeks Before the Wedding)

The final stretch! Send out travel documents, packing lists, and last-minute reminders to guests. Confirm:

• Shuttle services for airport transfers
• Weather updates for potential adjustments
• A final wedding itinerary for all attendees

💡 Pro Tip: We do all of the above on your behalf so all you got to do is take a deep breathe, pack your bags, and pamper yourself while we take care of the nitty-gritty details of your destination wedding.

With the help of this timeline, you will be able to: map out the big picture tasks and events; divide them into smaller steps that are both manageable and realistic; learn about the best resources for each stage of your planning; and most importantly, feel confident in your ability to execute every aspect of your destination wedding, from start to finish.

If you’re ready to turn those dreams into plans, and you think you may want a little help with putting your destination wedding together, then schedule a complimentary consultation with me today. I have a few openings left this month!  I  can’t wait to be a part of your journey to ‘happily ever after’!  Just use this link to schedule now!