Planning guide
Destination wedding planning timeline
Destination weddings need longer lead times for guest travel, room blocks, and vendor coordination. This timeline assumes a Friday–Sunday celebration — adjust for your location and local requirements.
- 12–18 months out
Book venue/resort & set wedding date
Confirm marriage license rules for your destination.
- 10–12 months out
Reserve room block; hire planner or on-site coordinator
Guests need booking codes early.
- 8–10 months out
Mail save-the-dates with travel info & booking link
Earlier than local weddings — guests need flights.
- 4–6 months out
Book photographer, hair/makeup, welcome dinner vendors
Scout locations if photographer hasn't visited.
- 6–8 weeks out
Mail invitations; finalize shuttle schedule & day-of timeline
Share a one-page guest itinerary.
FAQ
- How early should destination wedding save-the-dates go out?
- 8–10 months before is common — sometimes 12 months for international travel or peak holiday weekends.
- Do I need a separate day-of timeline for welcome events?
- Yes. Build one timeline per event day (welcome dinner, ceremony day, brunch send-off) in the free day-of editor.
Track all milestones on our full planning checklist & timeline.