Destination Wedding Guide: 3-6 Months Before
Congratulations, you’ve arrived at the 3-6 month mark in your destination wedding preparations. Join us as we continue to provide guidance on the next steps in your planning journey!
Next Steps…
Purchase Airfare
- If you haven’t booked your flight yet, it’s a good idea to go ahead and secure your airfare now.
- When booking your flight, enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Even minor discrepancies can lead to complications at the airport.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date and verify visa requirements for your destination.
Wedding Rings
- Plan to buy your wedding rings early to have time for customizations and possible resizing if needed.
Choose Resort/Honeymoon Attire
- Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, reducing the need to overpack.
- For beach resorts, pack swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, sundresses, flip-flops, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- If you plan on outdoor adventures, pack activewear, hiking boots, and outerwear appropriate for the activities you have in mind.
- Some resorts may have dress codes for their restaurants or other facilities. Be sure to check in advance and pack accordingly.
Select Gifts for Your Wedding Party
Some fun ideas for destination wedding gifts for your wedding party members are:
- Personalized beach towels, flip-flops, or custom beach bags with the wedding date and location.
- Give gifts related to the destination, such as a local specialty like wine, olive oil, or artisan crafts.
- Give them a photo album or frame to hold their memories from your destination wedding.
- Offer a group excursion or an experience unique to the destination, like a guided tour, a cooking class, or a spa day.
Plan Excursions & Group Activities
Planning group activities for your destination wedding can enhance the overall experience for you and your guests and create lasting memories. Here are some ideas for group activities:
- Host a welcome dinner or casual meet-and-greet event for all your guests the night before the wedding.
- Plan group excursions to explore the local area, such as guided tours, hikes, or visits to nearby landmarks.
- Organize water-based activities like snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding, fishing, or a catamaran outing
- Consider a golf tournament or a relaxing round of golf.
- Create a fun and interactive scavenger hunt that takes guests to various points of interest or hidden gems in the destination.
Get Blood Tests/Vaccines (If Required)
Regulations regarding blood tests for marriage licenses vary from one location to another. It’s essential to research the specific requirements of your destination wedding location well in advance.
Meet with Wedding Coordinator
Don’t panic if you don’t hear from the wedding coordinator assigned to your destination wedding right away, especially those at resorts located in Mexico and the Caribbean. The wedding coordinators at these resorts deal with a large amount of weddings throughout the year and tend to focus on the weddings that are imminent. Be prepared for the likelihood that you won’t receive communication from them until just 90 days before. (They should still be available to answer questions along the way via email, but again expect a delay in communication as they operate as I fondly like to call “Island Time.”
Continue following our blog for more destination wedding planning tips. Plus, we’re happy to offer you a complimentary consultation to help you start your search for the perfect wedding destination!
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