The Full Destination Wedding Checklist

Planning a destination wedding takes all of the hustle and bustle of planning your dream wedding and adds the extra component of long-distance decision making. Whether your location is tropical, international or the hometown you now live a plane flight away from, this full destination wedding checklist will help you make your way from the proposal to your wedding day itself with minimum stress.

The Full Destination Wedding Checklist:-

9-12 Months Before 

1. Research Locations and Potential Venues

Deciding on your desired location. For some, this is a no-brainer. But for others, particularly those who have travelled the world with their soon-to-be spouse choosing where to host your destination wedding is often the most difficult part. Don’t forget to research its marriage requirements.

Check out some of our recommended venues here:
TOP WEDDING VENUES LESS THAN $5,000
GET HITCHED THE TRADITIONAL THAI WAY AT THESE PRISTINE RESORTS
MALDIVES WEDDING - THE BEST RESORT TO HAVE YOUR WEDDINGS
TWO HALVES, ONE SOUL, ONE ISLAND CALLED BALI
5 INCREDIBLE ASIAN WEDDING DESTINATIONS

2. Decide on a Season and Date
With a few dates in mind, be sure to consider the destination you’ve chosen and factors like the weather or the popular tourist seasons in that particular city. Avoid holidays, which can make airfare and hotels more expensive. Also, keep in mind your destination’s rainy and/or hurricane season.

3. Create Your Wedding Budget
While brides and grooms don't normally pay for guests' travel expenses, you'll still be putting lots of dollars out for things like the reception, flowers, and a photographer. Think about how much money you have now, what you will save in the next few months and anything your parents are contributing.

4. Schedule a site inspection
If time and budget allow it, this would be a great time to go for a site visit. You can inspect venues/resorts in person before making a decision, meet with vendors, do food tastings. If you need any further advise, you may contact our Bespoke Wedding Planner @ +6011 2698 6450

5. Come Up with a Preliminary Guest List
Start out with your dream list, but then be realistic: Will your elderly relatives be willing and able to fly to Phuket or Boracay? Alternatively, keep the list small from the start if you have a modest budget.

6-8 Months Before 

6. Choose an officiate
Discuss options with your local wedding planner. Other than a local wedding planner, you may reach out to Hitchbird's International Wedding Concierge Team

7. Book a photographer
The good ones are booked quickly so do this sooner than later.
Tips: Even if you’re using a photographer at your destination, set up a meeting over the phone to start discussing the photos you want throughout the festivities.
Book Now: Photographers

8. Book your flight and accommodations
Decide how far in advance you want you and your partner to arrive at your destination and book your trip. Also encourage your guests to do the same.
Tips: Bulk booking often getting better deals and perks. For chartered flights arrangements you may contact us at weddings@hitchbird.com

9. Plan the ceromony details
Carve out some time with your partner to discuss the details of your ceremony. Once you decide on any readings, religious customs or family traditions, start mapping out and planning the ceremony with your officiant.

Click to read: 5 WAYS TO MAKE WEDDING PLANNING EASIER

For A Complete Destination Wedding Checklist: Email us at weddings@hitchbird.com