All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Checklist

EXPERT TIP BY: Mike Snider, Northstar Travel & Associates (♥) (www.northstartravel.ca) Published Dec 25, 2022

We know that there are endless choices and options for your destination wedding. The most popular destination wedding locale is a beautiful All-Inclusive resort somewhere warm and tropical. The ease and convenience of all-in pricing for couples and their guests is the number one reason that this choice is so popular. To help with your planning, we’ve created this All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Checklist.

9 – 12 MONTHS BEFORE

 Create a budget – You’ll want to consider what your max cost per person is, the cost of the wedding, any additional costs that may not be included such as flowers  Hire a destination wedding travel agent – an experienced agent will help you find the perfect location for your dream destination wedding. They also have access to all the incentives available for group travel.  Choose a destination and put down a deposit.  Choose a wedding date - larger resorts cover up to 3 weddings a day - time slots and dates may not be available. A deposit is required to secure the available date with the resort.  Go for a site visit – if time and budget allow  Choose your wedding party  Create a guest list with guests’ email and mailing addresses  Send Save the Dates  Order invitations  Shop for your wedding attire – keep in mind the climate of your selected locale as well as ordering deadlines

6-9 MONTHS BEFORE

 Create a wedding website or page with details of your wedding, resort selection, and travel agent contact info  Send out invitations  Choose an officiant if not included or consider taking care of the legal details before you go.  Book a photographer - if not included or if you have a favourite photographer you’d like to take with you.  Hire a florist if not included  Select your menu and cake  Hire a DJ or Band if not included  Shop for your shoes, headpiece, jewelry, etc.  Select your wedding party’s attire  Create your gift registry

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

 Check or obtain your passports – must be valid for at least 6 months after travel dates  Get blood tests and/or vaccines if required at your destination  Shop for resort/honeymoon wear  Buy any wedding accessories you may need including cake topper, guest book, décor, etc.  Plan any pre-wedding activities including welcome cocktail party or an excursion  Start a song list for your DJ/Band

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE

 Order favours and welcome bags  Book a hairstylist and/or makeup artist  Buy a wedding gift for your fiancé  Shop for gifts for your wedding party

1 MONTH BEFORE

 Prepare welcome letter  Assemble welcome bags  Arrange delivery of welcome bags, favours, décor, and accessories to the resort  Final wedding attire fittings  Create or order wedding programs  Write your vows  Choose readings and readers for your ceremony  Confirm details with all vendors

2 WEEKS BEFORE

 Confirm your travel details  Create a list of guests’ arrival details if different from your own  Create a seating chart and place cards if needed  Create a list of all of your vendors’ contact information to take with you

1 WEEK BEFORE

 Start packing!  If you’re having a legal ceremony at your destination, apply for a marriage licence

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION

 Do a walk through of the ceremony and reception sites – this is an excellent time to also to do a food tasting to make any last minute changes to your menu  Confirm details with your on-site wedding planner  Assemble/deliver welcome bags to guest rooms or have front desk include them in guest rooms  Arrange a time to have bouquets and boutonnieres delivered to you on your wedding day  Have a hair/makeup trial prior to your wedding  Have wedding attire pressed/steamed  Book a manicure, pedicure, or massage for the day before the wedding

WEDDING DAY

 Have your wedding gift delivered to your fiancé  Make sure you have the rings before heading to the ceremony  Marry your soulmate!

ABOUT NORTHSTAR TRAVEL & ASSOCIATES: The team of TICO certified Northstar Travel agents are thrilled to help couples plan their weddingmoons, honeymoons, bachelor/bachelorette trips, and more. With expertise in planning travel throughout the world: from Canada to the Caribbean to Europe to cuising to Disney – they’ll help make your I Do’s as unique as you are. Email weddings@northstartravel.ca to be connected to the agent in your area.