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Destination wedding planning checklist

Everything that needs doing, in the order it usually needs doing. Tick tasks off as you go. No sign-in needed, and the list is saved only in this browser.

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12 months or more before

0/6

Agree on a rough budget and who contributes what.Read the cost guide →
Draft a first guest list so you know roughly how many you will be.
Shortlist two or three countries to compare.Take the season quiz →
Pick a month and check the weather and peak season at the destination.Read about the best month →
Decide between a legal and a symbolic ceremony, and check the legal requirements for your destination country.Read the legal guide →
Send a brief to local suppliers to compare venues and available dates.

9 months before

0/5

Book the venue and get the date confirmed in writing.
Send save-the-dates so guests can plan time off and travel.Read the guest guide →
Decide whether you want a local wedding planner or will coordinate everything yourselves.
Book the photographer and whoever will lead the ceremony.
Read the contracts: payment schedule, cancellation terms and what happens if the date changes.

6 months before

0/5

Find out which documents the authorities require and how long they take to obtain.Read the legal guide →
Send guests the practical details: nearest airports, places to stay and the key times in the programme.Read the guest guide →
Book the remaining suppliers, for example catering, music, flowers, and hair and make-up.
Check that your passports are valid for the trip and what the entry rules are for the country.
Review your travel insurance and what it actually covers.

3 months before

0/4

Collect RSVPs and guests' dietary requirements.
Settle the menu, programme and running order with the venue.
Check the budget against the quotes you have signed.Open the cost calculator →
Plan your outfits and how to transport them.

1 month before

0/4

Confirm final guest numbers with the venue and caterer.
Send the running order to suppliers and the key people.
Go through which payments are due before and on the day, and in which currency.
Agree a bad-weather plan with the venue.

The last week

0/4

Double-check times with every supplier.
Pack documents, rings and wedding outfits in your hand luggage.
Give a contact list (venue, planner, transport) to someone you trust.
Keep the evening before the wedding free.

After the wedding

0/3

Married legally? Find out whether the marriage needs registering at home and how that works.Read the legal guide →
Thank your guests and suppliers.
Pay the final invoices and keep receipts and contracts.

Ready to talk to suppliers?

Describe your wedding once and we pass the brief on to local suppliers at your destination.

Read the full checklist guide →← All guides