Destination Wedding Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide (Without the Stress)
Planning a wedding is a lot. Planning one in another country, with guests flying in from five states, can feel like a second job. The good news? With the right timeline and the right team, a destination wedding can actually be easier than a hometown one. Here's how to do it step by step.
Quick answer: Start 12 to 18 months out. Pick a destination your key guests can reach, choose a resort with an on-site wedding coordinator, set up a room block, and let a travel advisor handle guest bookings so you can focus on the fun parts.
Your destination wedding timeline
12 to 18 months out: Set your budget and guest list, choose a destination and resort, and lock in your date.
10 to 12 months out: Send save-the-dates with a link to book rooms, and set up a wedding website.
6 to 9 months out: Choose your ceremony package, photographer, flowers and menu with the resort's coordinator.
3 to 4 months out: Send formal invitations, finalize the guest count and plan welcome events.
1 to 2 months out: Confirm every detail, prepare welcome bags and make sure guests' passports are valid.
Tips that make the biggest difference
Use a room block. Group rates keep guest costs down, and many resorts reward couples with perks or a free wedding package when enough rooms are booked.
Plan for weather. Ask for a rain backup location, and avoid peak hurricane months if you can.
Decide legal vs. symbolic. Many couples marry legally at home and hold a symbolic ceremony abroad to skip foreign paperwork.
Keep guests informed. A wedding website and online RSVP tracking save you hundreds of texts.
Recommend travel insurance. It protects guests if life gets in the way.
Online planning tools vs. a travel advisor
Online tools are great for checklists, wedding websites and RSVPs. But they can't negotiate a room block, fix a guest's flight when it's canceled, or call the resort when something isn't right. That's where a travel advisor comes in. Your resort's wedding coordinator handles the ceremony day; I handle getting everyone there and making their stay smooth.
My take as your travel advisor
The couples who enjoy their destination wedding most are the ones who didn't have to manage 40 guest bookings themselves. Give your guests one link and one person to call, and you get to be the couple again instead of the travel desk.
Frequently asked questions
Do guests pay for their own travel? Usually, yes. Couples often cover welcome events or the reception, while guests book their own rooms and flights.
Does using a travel advisor cost the couple anything? Not with SIX18 Travel. Resorts pay advisors, so there's no added cost to you or your guests.
How many guests usually attend? Destination weddings tend to be smaller than hometown weddings, which many couples love.
Let's plan it together. I'll help you choose the destination, set up your room block and take care of your guests, at no extra cost. Start planning your destination wedding or call or text (618) 772-9206.
Glenn Sunnquist
Owner, SIX18 Travel LLC
Certified Travel Advisor
CLIA Member
Cruise & Resort Vacation Specialist
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