12+ MONTHS BEFORE

  • Announce your Engagement, discuss wedding expenses and set a budget
  • Set a date “tip” be flexible as popular wedding dates may not be available
  • Start looking for a location, venue or destination wedding package “tip” Hire a Travel Agent that is specialized in Destination Weddings, their expertise will guide you through the entire process and help you avoid any hiccups
  • Explore your wedding vision: narrow down your selections, ceremony/reception location, time of day, symbolic or legal ceremony, estimated number of guests
  • Develop your guest list and chose your Bridal Party
  • Contract a location and venue (Reserve Your Date)
  • Request Hotel Rates “tip” a experienced Travel Agent can negotiate the rates, review the contract and ensure you receive the best promotions.
  • Secure a room Block “tip” review all contracts and terms, deposits and attrition
  • Take Engagement Photos
  • Design a Wedding Website
  • Order your Save the Dates “tip” review verbiage with your wedding planner or Travel Agent to ensure all details are included
  • Send your Save the Dates

9 - 12 MONTHS BEFORE

  • Select your wedding package and formality for your wedding
  • Review your estimated budget
  • Sign up for Honeymoon Registry
  • Begin clarifying your vision: theme, colors, little extras
  • Start wedding dress shopping
  • Obtain passport, if needed, and all travel documents for expiration dates
  • Determine the forms needed for a legal ceremony (if applicable)
  • Ask your brides maids and groomsmen to be in your wedding party
  • Schedule a site visit if possible, you can preview your venue locations, and review wedding packages “tip” most resorts have a special package with discounted rates available – ask your travel agent or wedding coordinator

6-9 MONTHS BEFORE

  • Chose and order invitations
  • Shop for bride maids dresses
  • Select and purchase a wedding dress
  • Review the DJ, band, florist, photographers and videographer “tip” be sure to discuss with coordinator if booking outside vendors
  • Order wedding party attire
  • Determine what additional events, such as cocktail party, rehearsal dinner and day after brunch will be held
  • Review your RSVP list and hotel rooming list
  • Review you room block attrition policy
  • Explore outside resort activities such as golf, spa and excursions
  • Book airfare and encourage guests to book theirs as well
  • Book your honeymoon or minimoon

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE

  • Finalize guest list, request rooming list and room requirements such as final payments and name changes
  • Confirm ceremony, reception, extras, and applicable promotions “tip” get everything in writing
  • Select cake, décor and flowers
  • Book ceremony musicians with coordinator
  • Share with wedding coordinator any special readings or songs requested for the ceremony
  • Finalize reception chart, seating chart, seat cards and send to coordinator
  • Select your menu
  • Book your rehearsal dinner
  • For legal ceremonies, send completed paperwork to coordinator
  • Obtain passports and get blood test if required by the destination
  • Chose formal wear for the groomsmen
  • Review or book your Airport transfers
  • Begin wedding dress alterations
  • Purchase bridal accessories like veils, shoes and jewelry
  • Purchase gifts for bridal party and order items for your welcome bags for guests
  • Select wedding bands

1-2 MONTHS BEFORE

  • Book hair and makeup appointments for bride and bridal party
  • Confirm all décor, floral, cake, and little extras with coordinator
  • Confirm menus for all additional events (cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, etc.)
  • Have programs, menus, place cards, etc. printed
  • Confirm timeline of event (seated for meal, first dance, father/daughter dance, cake cutting, etc.)
  • Confirm that all special requests have been noted and planned for
  • Prepare welcome bags for guests
  • Write personal vows and toasts
  • Schedule final dress fitting
  • Celebrate all bachelor and bachelorette parties
  • Be sure your wedding coordinator has your final rooming list
  • Request your room comp statement if applicable

4 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Make sure you and your guests have your Travel Documents
  • Send guest list of those not staying at the resort to wedding coordinator
  • Be sure the wedding coordinator has your travel schedule and final guest list, seating charts, and events
  • Create a seating chart and place cards
  • Double check all details with vendors, wedding coordinator, travel agent and finalize all your numbers
  • Receive your room comps, if applicable
  • Pick up your wedding dress

UPTO 2 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Pack for the wedding
  • Pack for the honeymoon
  • Travel to your destination (based on the type of ceremony you will have)
  • On-site meeting with coordinator to go over all event details and make any last-minute changes or additions, assist with marriage license and do a walk thru of your ceremony and reception site
  • Have trial hair and makeup run through at salon, if desired
  • Set up a spa day with bridesmaids, mother and other loved ones
  • Book a manicure and pedicure for 1 day before
  • Arrange for welcome bag room drop, if desired
  • Arrange a private romantic dinner on the beach – just the two of you
  • Leave your wedding dress and groom’s attire with coordinator to have steamed and prepared for the big day
  • Prepare day of payments and tips

1 DAY BEFORE

  • Enjoy your manicure and pedicure
  • Have a welcome cocktail party, rehearsal dinner or welcome dinner, if desired
  • Arrange for special room drops (champagne, flowers, petit fours) to be sent to parents or wedding party
  • Bride & Groom: early night to bed! Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!

WEDDING DAY

  • Have a nice breakfast
  • Take your rings and marriage certificate to the ceremony site
  • Go to your hair appointment; bring veil and flowers
  • Your coordinator will check with you throughout the day as everything is organized

Today is YOUR day, and your coordinator will be with you throughout the entire day.

  • RELAX and SMILE. Make the most of this memorable day!