WEDDING CHECKLIST EXPERT TIP BY: Mike Snider, Northstar Travel & Associates (♥) (northstartravel.ca)

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
• Hire a destination wedding travel agent 
• 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 that may be required at your destination
• Shop for resort/honeymoon wear 
• Buy any wedding accessories you may need including a cake topper, guest book, décor, etc.
• Plan any pre-wedding activities including a 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 o 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 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 the 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 o 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 cruising to Disney– they’ll help make your I Do’s as unique as you are.

Featured in the Spring/Summer 2023 edition of The Wedding Ring Magazine

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NORTHSTAR TRAVEL & ASSOCIATES | To speak with Northstar Travel about your wedding options, you can reach them using the form below.