Planning a wedding, whether it’s at home or in a tropical country, can turn any mild-mannered bride into Bridezilla! If you could use a destination wedding checklist and a men’s packing list, then this post is for you.
Knowing exactly what you need to know about planning a destination wedding will help you properly prepare so you can actually relax and enjoy the process!
Based on our experience and our Beachside Brides, we’ve put together a complete “To Do List” which includes a time line so you know what you have to do and when you must complete it:
| Do your research (10+ months)
♥ Think about destinations ♥ Think about honeymoon too ♥ Figure out budget ♥ Consider what size wedding you want ♥ Select destination and look at locations ♥ Research wedding consultants ♥ Choose your timing ♥ Start Gown shopping |
Start Making Decisions (8-10 months)
♥ Invite your attendants ♥ Book wedding location ♥ Reserve rooms for your guests ♥ Create a wedding website ♥ Organize the guest lists ♥ Plan your scouting trips ♥ Begin selecting your vendors ♥ Book caterer if needed ♥ Book entertainment if needed ♥ Book photographer ♥ Book videographer |
Focus on fun Stuff (6-8 months)
♥ Send out save the dates ♥ Book wedding travel ♥ Book florist ♥ Register for gifts ♥ Choose officiate ♥ Order your gown ♥ Pick bridesmaid dresses ♥ Book honeymoon |
| Finalize details (3-6 months)
♥ Find cake provider ♥ Pick out invitations ♥ Plan grooms attire ♥ Confirm local marriage requirements ♥ Get papers in order ♥ Shop for wedding rings |
Invite everyone (2 to 4 months)
♥ Mail invitations ♥ Think about wedding day hair ♥ Book hairstylist/makeup appointment ♥ Record Final RSVPs ♥ Make and or buy favors ♥ Shop for gifts ♥ Put together out of town bags ♥ Little Details (3-6 weeks) ♥ Arrange other wedding events ♥ Pre-wedding info packet ♥ Finalize ceremony ♥ Make a list of details you need to attend to |
The countdown begins (2 weeks)
♥ Get hitched if not doing legally in destination ♥ Confirm all travel reservations ♥ Organize wedding insurance papers ♥ Ship any wedding gear ahead ♥ Get gifts ready ♥ Finalize head count ♥ Pick up rings ♥ Call hotels ♥ Update wedding website ♥ Print programs or needed information |
| Ready to go (1 week)
♥ Pack (see packing list) ♥ Finalize photo schedule ♥ Confirm Final vendor Meetings ♥ Pack up gifts and favors ♥ Update transportation providers ♥ Pick up your dress ♥ Have final beauty treatments ♥ Finalize seating plan ♥ Assemble trouble shooting kit ♥ Confirm guest reservations |
The day before you depart ( 3-4 days before wedding)
♥ Touch base with point person ♥ Be in touch with wedding party ♥ Pick up tuxes ♥ Call airline ♥ Finish packing ♥ Get cash ♥ Create reception rundown |
Upon arrival (2-3 days before wedding)
♥ Meet with wedding coordinator ♥ Inform key players ♥ Check in with hotel ♥ Have final tasting with caterer ♥ Touch base with officiate if possible ♥ Finalize party plans ♥ Have hair and makeup trial ♥ Get dresses steamed ♥ Have family dinner ♥ Organize final payments ♥ Day before wedding ♥ Have bride and groom pre-wedding breakfast ♥ Throw attendant outing ♥ Do a walk – through ♥ Get manicure, pedicure, massage etc ♥ Greet and enjoy your guests ♥ Apply sunscreen!!!!!! ♥ Wrap up details at rehearsal ♥ Sort out receiving line ♥ Sign the marriage license ♥ Relay information ♥ Go to bed early |
How’s that for a comprehensive checklist for your destination wedding?
There are many men who are incredibly organized, thoughtful and just know what to pack for any trip. Then there are the other men who need a little assistance.
Since my husband often accompanies me while I travel for business, he’s got packing down to a tee and has kindly contributed his list for us to share with you here. If you have a husband or male guests who may benefit from this list, send them here!
Clothing
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Sundries
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Miscellaneous
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Did we miss anything on these lists? Please let us know in the comments below!
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Hi, already been following your blog page for a long time. I run a similar web publication although I always keep getting tons of spam responses, tips on how to keep your blog page so unpolluted?
Hi Dayna, thanks for reading Beachside Brides Blog. We use Word Press and the have an automatic spam filter called Akismet. It works like a dream!