TEN MONTHS TO A YEAR OUT:
Determine your budget. Remember to factor in travel expenses, such as airfare and visa fees.
Narrow down a location and a season.
Choose a wedding planner.
If possible, schedule a scouting trip.
Create the guest list.
Choose the wedding party.
EIGHT TO TEN MONTHS OUT:
Select vendors for flowers, photography, transportation, cake and entertainment.
Choose an officiant.
Buy a gown.
Send save-the-dates.
Investigate any ethnic customs or cultural traditions you might want to incorporate into your event.
Register for gifts or create a honeymoon registry.
SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS OUT:
Research group excursions; plan one per day.
Research accommodations for guests and reserve a block of rooms.
Select attendant attire.
Launch your wedding website.
FOUR TO SIX MONTHS OUT:
Order invitations.
Finalize florals, décor, rentals and cake.
Launch your wedding website.
Renew your passports, apply for visas, and look into destination-specific marriage laws and other entry requirements, like vaccinations.
TWO TO FOUR MONTHS OUT:
Send invitations and a schedule of group events.
Plan the welcome party and rehearsal dinner.
Finalize menus.
Confirm the hair-and-makeup trial and day-of-appointments.
Schedule dress fittings.
ONE MONTH OUT:
Write vows.
Choose welcome-bag goodies, guest favors and gifts for the wedding party.
Create a timeline with your planner.
Finalize ceremony programs and other stationery and signs.
Nail down the playlist with the DJ.
Confirm honeymoon plans and travel itineraries.
Ship items in advance to avoid holdups at customs.
ON ARRIVAL:
Meet with your planner and officiant to review the timeline, event spaces and ceremony.
Apply for the marriage license.
Arrange for your gown to be steamed.
Distribute welcome bags to your guests’ rooms.
THE WEDDING DAY: All done — start your happily ever after in paradise!
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