Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

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NINE MONTHS TO A YEAR OUT:

• Buy a binder, the best place to hold ideas, contracts and other info. And keep it nearby -- you neer know when inspiration will strike!
• Make a guest list, and start collecting snail-mail and email addresses.
• Hammer out a budget -- figure out where you can cut back and where you want to splurge.
• Decide on a destination. Unsure? Talk to a travel agent or hit the Internet.
• Research the marriage requirements in your chosen destination.
• Look into the potential wedding and reception sites, hotels and wedding planners in your locale.
• Book your engagement photo session.
• Start shopping for your gown, taking into consideration the ceremony site and the destination's climate.
• Choose your maid of honor, best man and other attendants.
• Design a wedding website. Add links to the tourism board, hotel and venues so your guests can have important info and get excited about where they're going.

SIX TO NINE MONTHS OUT:

• Set the date, reserve your site and pick your planner.
• Send out your save-the-dates with your website address.
• Select vendors, including caterer, photographer, florist, and band or DJ. Get recommendations from your hotel or planner, and check references from past clients.
• Choose an officiant, and start planning the service.
• Research activities and tours available in your locale, and plan at least one group option per day.
• Order your gown, and select attendants' dresses.
• Investigate any ethnic customs or cultural traditions you might want to incorporate into your event.
• Register for gifts or create a honeymoon registry.

FOUR TO SIX MONTHS OUT:

• Order your wedding rings.
• Obtain your passports and visas, and if neccesary, get any needed blood tests or vaccinations.
• Arrange any rental needs like chair covers and sound equipment.
• Order your wedding invitations and thank-you cards, plus any special stationery (welcome letters, menus, maps, itineraries, signs).
• Buy or reserve wedding duds for the groom and wedding party.
• Buy gifts for your attendants and family members, and start composing your thank-you notes to them.
• Book accommodations and airfare for your wedding and honeymoon.
• Make hair, makeup and spa appointments for you and your 'maids.
• Shop for wedding accessories (shoes, jewelry, headpiece, lingerie), resort wear, decor and other goods (cake topper, guest book, ring pillow).

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS OUT:

• Arrange and confirm all of your group activities, including transportation for offsite excursions.
• Finalize details with your vendors, including menus, photo poses and locations, floral specifics and special songs -- and get everything in writing.
• Make or order the guest favors and welcome-bag items.

ONE TO TWO MONTHS OUT:

• Send out your formal invites six to eight weeks before the big day; include a program of scheduled events, plus dress code, if applicable.
• Arrange for when and how welcome-bag items and decor should be delivered to your hotel.
• Have your final gown fitting, complete with lingerie and accessories.
• Assign wedding-weekend tasks to trusted friends and family members.
• Write your vows.

TWO WEEKS OUT:

• Review all the details you agreed on with your planner, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, musicians and any other vendors involved in the wedding events.
• Confirm your travel bookings.
• Put together a seating chart, if needed, and make place cards.

ON ARRIVAL:

• Confirm details with your planner and officiant.
• Apply for a marriage license.
• Inspect ceremony and reception sites.
• Assemble or approve welcome bags, and have them delivered to guests' rooms before they arrive.

THE WEDDING DAY:

• Forget about all the planning and focus on having a blast!