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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

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9-12 months before

  • Consider the type of wedding you want and choose both of your Top 3 priorities: Small or Big? Formal or Informal? Time of year? Location : beach, golf course, historical, church, banquet hall or other?  What is the one thing you want your guests talking about once they leave?

  • Consider a budget: How much do you want to spend? How much can you afford? Who will be paying?

  • Compile a guest list: Be sure to collect your guests’ email and mailing addresses.

  • Speak with your Certified Wedding Coordinator: We will pair you with vendors that match your wedding budget & style. We will also educate you on the costs, etiquette, the legal marriage requirements and more.

  • Visit and Choose your Venue.

  • Confirm your date and secure your must-have vendors by placing deposits.

  • Setup your Wedding Website: We can design a custom website that will share all of the important wedding information with your guests. 

  • Send out Save the Dates to the guests that are guaranteed to make your final guest list.

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6-9 months before

  • Get your passports.

  • Select the members of your wedding party.

  • Shop for wedding attire: Wedding Dress, Groom’s suit, bridesmaids & groomsmen. Keep in mind the destination’s climate.

  • Book your photographer: We can send you a list of recommendations. The good ones book quickly so the sooner, the better. 

  • Choose your Ceremony style: Will it be legal or symbolic?

  • Select the flowers you want: Style & Color. Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, centerpieces and any other decorations.

  • Choose your menu and cake.

  • Book any entertainment: DJ, violinist, mariachi band, fire dancers, etc.

 

4-6 months before

  • Get your passports.

  • If required, get blood tests, vaccines and any paperwork translated & notarized. Purchase your rings.

  • Order your invitations.

  • Buy any goods or accessories you need: décor, guest book, cake topper, etc.  

  • Book your wedding day transportation.

  • Make arrangements for pre-wedding events: We offer a number of options including: excursions, welcome reception, rehearsal dinner, cocktail party, etc.

 

2-3 months before

  • Send out your invitations.

  • Save a block of stopover hotel rooms. We can arrange any rooms, transportation, transfers or parking required.

  • Purchase gifts for your favours, welcome bags, parents, wedding party, and spouse-to-be.

  • Confirm details with all of your vendors: We will do this for you and get everything in writing.  

  • Spa appointments. We will schedule your hair, makeup and any other appointments requested.

 

1 month before

  • Prepare your Welcome letter.

  • Assemble your welcome bags. Confirm their delivery.

  • Prepare welcome letter

  • Have your final dress fitting: with your shoes & accessories. Make arrangements for its pick up and delivery.

  • Confirm guest hotel reservations. We’ll remind your guests of the block’s deadline.

 

2 weeks before

  • We’ll confirm your flight and hotel bookings.

  • We’ll review and re-confirm all details with all vendors.

  • We’ll send you the final guest list.

 

1 week before

  • Start packing: Gather all of your important paperwork. Check the baggage allowances. Make arrangements to have family members take some of the items such as favors/welcome bag in their luggage. 

 

When you arrive at your destination

  • Meet with the on-site wedding coordinator. Confirm all details. Do a walk through or the ceremony and reception sites.

  • Apply for a marriage license

  • If your destination requires on-site blood test, make arrangements to have them done.

  • Deliver your welcome bags:  Have them delivered to guests’ rooms or hand them to guests at check in.

  • Have a hair and makeup trial a few days before to make sure it’s exactly what you’ll want on your big day.

  • Do a food tasting: Change any menu items you do not like.

  • Have your dress pressed/steamed to smooth out any wrinkles it encountered while traveling.

  • Enjoy a mani/pedi.

 

On Your Wedding Day

  • Make sure you have your rings & your vows.

  • Have your DWS deliver any final gifts while you’re getting ready.

  • Relax, have fun and live in the moment!

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