When to Start Planning Your Destination Wedding: Your Stress-Free Timeline

First of all—congratulations, lovebirds!
You said “yes,” and now you’re dreaming of saying “I do” somewhere breathtaking—maybe barefoot in the sand, surrounded by turquoise waters, or under a canopy of tropical blooms with the ocean as your backdrop.
But let’s be real for a second: planning a wedding at home already comes with plenty of moving pieces. Add in a flight (or three), passports, room blocks, and your great aunt who swears she won’t travel without her knitting bag… and suddenly everything begins to feel a little overwhelming.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure this out alone. I walk couples through this exact process, and I’ve created a simple 15-month destination wedding timeline to take away the stress and put the joy back into planning. Think of it as your roadmap from “We’re engaged!” to “We did it!”—with plenty of room to actually enjoy the journey.

A symbol of commitment: a hand adorned with an engagement ring clasped with another.

15–13 Months Before: Dream Big, Start Strong 
This is your vision-casting phase. Ask yourself: Do we picture a toes-in-the-sand ceremony with bare feet and steel drums? Or a candlelit garden wedding overlooking the sea? Get clear on your vibe—it’s the foundation for every decision to come.

Pro Tip: Don’t start with the details (cake flavors can wait!). Start with the feeling you want your day to hold. Romantic? Adventurous? Intimate? Once you know the vibe, everything else starts to fall into place.


Not sure of your vibe? Take my fun, easy quiz to find your perfect Destination Wedding vibe!







​​At this stage, we’ll also:

• Create a budget (yes, not the most romantic step, but absolutely essential).
• Sketch a guest list—your numbers impact everything from resort options to pricing.
• Narrow down destinations and resorts to match your vision and your guests’ needs.
  
  

And most importantly? Talk to a destination wedding travel advisor (hi, it’s me! 👋). Together, we’ll filter out the overwhelming options and land on the perfect fit for you.

12–10 Months Before: Lock It In
The early bird gets the oceanfront view! By now, it’s time to:

• Reserve your date & venue. Popular spots can book up fast, so let’s secure your dream location.
• Set up your room block. This guarantees space for your guests (and often perks for you, too).
  
  

Send save-the-dates. Include your wedding website, travel details, and a little teaser of what’s ahead. Trust me, your guests will love having plenty of time to plan.

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A couple strolls along the shoreline as gentle waves lap the sand.

9–8 Months Before: Make It Real
This is when it starts to feel exciting. ✨

• If you can swing it, plan a site visit. Walk the property, meet the on-site team, and sip a cocktail while you say, “This is where we’ll say I do.”
• Launch your wedding website (your one-stop info hub for guests).
• Start dress shopping & registry planning. Fun fact: gowns often need multiple fittings, so the earlier, the better.
  
  

6–5 Months Before: Add the Magic
Now’s the time to sprinkle in the extras:

• Finalize ceremony type & any legal requirements (I’ll guide you through local rules so nothing gets missed).
• Book group excursions—think sunset sails, snorkeling trips, or even a spa day. These little add-ons make your wedding feel like a true experience for everyone.
• Encourage your guests to book their rooms before deadlines sneak up.
• Place your dress & bridal party attire orders.

A minimalist flat lay featuring wedding stationery, a bouquet of white flowers, and rings, all arranged with eucalyptus leaves.

4 Months Before: Invitations & Confirmations
By now, the excitement is in full swing. 🥂

• Send formal invitations with all the details.
• Make sure groomsmen are set with tux rentals or suits.
• Reconfirm who has booked their rooms (and gently nudge those who haven’t).
  
  

3–2 Months Before: The Final Countdown

• Confirm your officiant and ceremony details.
• Build your wedding itinerary—welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch.
• Start your seating chart (yes, even in paradise, someone has to sit next to Uncle Bob).
• Follow up on any lingering RSVPs.

Collect guest flight info so I can arrange airport transfers and smooth arrivals.

Tables set for an event are elegantly arranged outdoors by the water, with white chairs and floral centerpieces creating a charming atmosphere.

6–5 Weeks Before: The Details Matter

• Finalize flowers, menu, cake, music—the fun stuff.
• Write your vows. (Pro tip: don’t wait until the plane ride. 😉)
  
  

2 Weeks Before: Share the Excitement

• Submit your final guest count to the resort.
• Send out a travel tips guide (I’ll create this for you—packing lists, shuttle info, and all the need-to-knows).
• Update your wedding website with the final itinerary.
  
  

1 Week Before: It’s Getting Real!

• Pack your dress, suits, vows, accessories, and all the essentials.
• Reconfirm vendor meetings with your on-site coordinator.
  
  

3–4 Days Before: Welcome to Paradise 
You’ve arrived! Take a deep breath of ocean air, settle in, and soak up a few quiet moments before the celebration begins. From here on out, it’s about love, laughter, and creating unforgettable memories.

A romantic scene featuring a couple embracing, with a detailed floral centerpiece and lit candles.

Here’s the Truth…
Even with a perfectly mapped-out timeline, things can feel overwhelming without the right support. This is where I come in. My job isn’t just to help you plan—it’s to help you enjoy every step of this journey. Because your destination wedding should be more than stress-free… it should be unforgettable.

​Ready to start planning your
​dream destination wedding?

Let’s chat—I’d love to bring your vision to life.