Destination Wedding Guide: 9-12 Months Before

In our earlier blog post, we discussed the beginning stages of planning your destination wedding. Now, with your 12+ month planning checklist completed, let’s redirect our attention to the tasks that need to get done during months 9-12.

Next Steps…

Check Your Passports

• Most destinations require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Couples should carefully review their passport’s expiration date, and if it falls within that time frame, it’s time to renew.
• Due to prolonged passport processing times, it is strongly advised that you renew it as early as possible to guarantee you have your updated passport before you leave for your wedding. 
• See our resources tab for more information on how you can renew or apply for a new passport.

Book Vendors

• If you intend to hire extra vendors beyond what’s included in your wedding package, it’s time to book them now. (i.e. photographers, videographer, bands, DJ, Hair stylist, Make-up artist, etc.)
• Important Note: Many wedding venues charge an additional fee for any outside vendors and some venues may not even allow outside vendors. Do your research before putting any deposits down!

Create a Wedding Website

• Use your wedding website to share important wedding details with your guests, including things like travel arrangements, venue information, gift registry, FAQs, extra photos, RSVP instructions and any other important information.
• There are many options out there to create a free wedding website. Some examples include withjoy.com and theknot.com

Collect Guest Addresses/Emails

• Keep your invited guests informed and connected to your wedding details and updates.

Send out Save The Dates/Invitations

• Sending destination wedding Save the Dates early is important because it gives your guests time to plan and book their travel.
• Couples have different approaches regarding Save the Dates and Wedding Invitations. Some use Save the Dates as their main invitation, while others send Save the Dates early and then follow up with a formal invitation 3-4 months before the room block cutoff date.

Select the Members of Your Wedding Party

• Ask those you wish to have in your wedding party as soon as possible. This gives you and your wedding party members plenty of time to prepare, especially if they need to make travel arrangements or take time off work.

Choose a Wedding Dress

• Begin your wedding dress shopping well in advance to allow for fittings and potential alterations.

Take Engagement Photos

• If you choose to do engagement pictures, they are not only a beautiful way to capture the beginning of your wedding journey, but they also are perfect to use on your wedding website and save the dates.

Continue following our blog for more destination wedding planning tips.  Plus, we’re happy to offer you a free consultation to help you start your search for the perfect wedding destination!