Your Destination Wedding Guide

Countdown!

6 to 12 months ahead

• Check the legal and/or residency requirement of your chosen locale.
• Book a local wedding coordinator; have her reserve a block of rooms.
• Send save-the-date cards to your guests.
• Start dress-shopping.

4 months ahead

• Work with your planner on the menu, cake and flowers, and on finding local photographers and musicians.
• Start compiling information about local activities for your guests.
• Remind your groom to shop for his outfit; get your honeymoon clothes.
• Buy plane tickets.

8 to 10 weeks ahead

• Send invitations, along with information on travel arrangements and hotel accommodations.
• Check over your paperwork for the ceremony.

2 weeks ahead

• Finalize the guest head count for your coordinator.
• Confirm group arrangements (tours, sunset cruises, post-wedding brunches, and so on).

1 week ahead

• At the site, meet with your coordinator and officiant to nail down details.
• Have your dress/his suit steamed, if necessary.
• Put together goody bags to welcome guests.
• Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure.
• Use sunscreen! (Not only is sunburn bad for you, but it looks terrible in photos!