By Breeanya Hinkel
Sometimes you just need to get away to avoid some of the stress that can come with a hometown wedding. That is what my husband and I did for our September 2022 wedding in Las Vegas, NV.
We wanted a location that could serve as a central hub for those flying in from around the country, but also that wasn’t too far to drive for those attending from nearby … while still offering everything we may need for a fun-filled wedding weekend.
Las Vegas is the “Wedding Capital” of the world, and it certainly lives up to its name. While researching, we were a bit overwhelmed by the number of chapels and locations from which to choose. We finally chose the Little Church of the West, the oldest wedding chapel in Las Vegas and a venue for couples from all over the globe since 1942. Our reception was directly afterward at Distill – a Neighborhood Bar, which has an amazing private space over its restaurant/bar. The weekend was full of shows, meetups, interactive museums, and family.
Las Vegas may not suit your needs, and there are many popular destinations for a wedding. Some other affordable options include Costa Rica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Cancun, Aruba, and Tulum.
To help you streamline your destination wedding planning, here is a checklist and timeline.
DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST & TIMELINE
12 TO 18 MONTHS OUT…
- Choose a location (this may involve planning a trip to your destination to tour and select a venue)
- Set your budget
- Hire a wedding planner
- Book your venue
- Build your guest list
- Check visa requirements & renew your passport (if necessary)
9 TO 11 MONTHS OUT…
- Book your vendors (especially your caterer, photographer, and any large décor rentals such as tables and chairs)
- Send out save the dates
- Create your wedding website
- Set up a wedding room block at your venue or a nearby hotel
- Recruit your wedding party
- Purchase your dress and/or tux
- Plan and book wedding-related events (welcome dinner, group outings at your destination, etc.)
- Check marriage laws/requirements at your destination
6 TO 8 MONTHS OUT…
- Book your rehearsal dinner venue (note that it is customary to invite all your guests to your rehearsal dinner if you’re hosting a destination wedding)
- Work with your venue/caterer to decide on your menu
- Order and send your wedding invitations
- Continue booking vendors (florist, hairstylist/makeup artist, cake maker, DJ, officiant)
3 TO 5 MONTHS OUT…
- Book travel and transportation
- Complete dress/tux fittings & alterations
- Buy wedding rings and accessories
- Schedule recreational activities at your destination
- Book your honeymoon
- Keep track of guest RSVPs and meal choices
6 TO 8 WEEKS OUT…
- Confirm all bookings and reservations
- Get required vaccines for your destination
- Ensure you have all necessary legal documents (birth certificate, passport, visas, etc.)
- Buy gifts for the wedding party
- Order favors and welcome bag supplies for guests
3 TO 5 WEEKS OUT…
- Build seating chart and order place/escort cards
- Mail any supplies you can’t pack to your on-site coordinator
- Have final wardrobe fittings
- Pick up your rings
- Make a list of any additional clothing/accessories you’ll need for your trip
- Make a plan for packing your dress/tux (do you need a special suitcase?)
1 TO 2 WEEKS OUT…
- Pick up dress/tux
- Confirm travel plans
- Ensure you have the proper cash (in the right currency!) on hand to tip vendors (if necessary)
4 TO 5 DAYS OUT…
- Pack your bags!
- Arrive at your destination (ideally 1-2 days before the bulk of your guests)
- Do a walk-through of your venue
- Meet with your coordinator and other vendors
- Apply for marriage license (if doing so locally)
- Organize arrival bags for delivery to guests’ rooms
- Do hair and makeup trial
1 DAY OUT…
- Have dresses and suits steamed for the entire wedding party
- Enjoy your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
DAY OF…
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
- Enjoy your big day!