Less Time Planning, More Time Celebrating
Planning your wedding should feel magical, not overwhelming. But with so much advice out there, it’s easy to get lost in an endless sea of to-do lists and Pinterest boards. That’s why we’ve created the only checklist you truly need: streamlined, smart, and focused on what really matters.
Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional celebration or a destination wedding with sun, sand, and champagne, this guide will take you from “Yes” to “I do” with confidence and clarity.
Here’s the wedding checklist you actually need.
12+ Months Out: Set the Foundations
✔ Set a Realistic Budget
Your budget sets the tone for every decision. Talk honestly about what you’re willing to spend and who may be contributing. Don’t forget to include a contingency fund (10–15% for surprises).
✔ Draft a Guest List
Even a rough headcount will help with venue selection, catering estimates, and travel planning if you’re going abroad.
✔ Choose a Wedding Style
Think about the mood and vibe you want: laid-back beach wedding, rustic countryside, elegant black-tie soirée? Keep your vision front and centre – it’ll guide all the other choices.
✔ Decide on Your Destination
Love the idea of a wedding in Europe? The Caribbean? Sri Lanka? Now’s the time to choose a location that suits your story, your budget, and the guest experience you want to create.
✔ Hire a Wedding Planner (Especially for Destinations)
This is where Love Destination Weddings comes in. We help bring your vision to life while handling everything from sourcing venues to coordinating guests, vendors, and legal paperwork.
✔ Start Venue Research
Use your guest count, location, and style to narrow down options. If possible, plan a venue visit – or lean on your planner for recommendations and virtual tours.
9–12 Months Out: Book the Big Pieces
✔ Confirm Your Venue
Once you’ve found the one, book it! Your date will be locked in, and everything else can start falling into place.
✔ Hire Key Vendors
Photographer, videographer, caterer, entertainment, celebrant/officiant, florist – secure them early. We can help with a list of trusted suppliers to help make the process seamless and easy!
✔ Create a Wedding Website
Keep guests informed with all the essentials: dates, location, accommodation, dress code, RSVP forms, and FAQs.
✔ Send Save-the-Dates
This is especially crucial for destination weddings. The earlier guests know, the more likely they’ll be able to attend.
✔ Shop for Attire
Whether you’re looking for a dress, suit, jumpsuit or custom ensemble, begin shopping now to allow time for fittings and alterations.
6–9 Months Out: Add Personal Touches
✔ Plan Travel & Accommodation
Work with your planner to arrange hotel blocks, transport, and activity suggestions for guests. This is where we shine at Love Destination Weddings – curating thoughtful guest experiences that elevate your celebration.
✔ Book Hair & Makeup
Destination weddings may require local stylists – book them early and consider trial appointments if possible.
✔ Order Invitations
Opt for designs that match your theme and include details like accommodation, activities, RSVP deadlines, and wedding website info.
✔ Begin Pre-Wedding Event Planning
Welcome drinks, rehearsal dinners, beach parties, farewell brunches – these smaller events make your wedding feel like a full experience.
✔ Finalise Your Wedding Party Outfits
Coordinate styles that match your theme and are practical for your location.
3–6 Months Out: Refine the Details
✔ Confirm Your Menu & Cake
Arrange tastings if possible (or virtual options if you’re planning from afar). Focus on fresh, local ingredients for destination weddings.
✔ Plan Ceremony Details
Choose your officiant, write your vows, and select readings or cultural elements you want to include.
✔ Confirm Entertainment
From acoustic guitarists to DJs and traditional performers, this is your chance to set the mood for the day and night.
✔ Organise Legal Requirements
Each destination has its own rules for getting legally married. We help guide you through timelines, translations, and official requirements to make sure everything is valid back home.
1–3 Months Out: Countdown Begins
✔ Finalise RSVP List
Give your final guest numbers to your vendors and planner.
✔ Create a Seating Plan
Yes, it’s a puzzle – but one your planner can help with. Use this time to make sure guests feel comfortable and included.
✔ Schedule Final Fittings
Do a full outfit check: dress/suit, shoes, accessories. Practice walking and dancing in them!
✔ Confirm Vendor Timelines
Double-check arrival and setup times with your planner, who will create a master schedule.
✔ Finalise the Timeline
From hair appointments to the last dance, know what’s happening when – and who’s in charge of each moment.
1–2 Weeks Out: Almost There!
✔ Pack Your Wedding Essentials
Make a list of everything you’ll need – from attire and accessories to passports and marriage documents. Don’t forget weather-specific items like sunscreen or shawls.
✔ Prep Your Emergency Kit
Include things like safety pins, tissues, painkillers, plasters, deodorant, sewing kits, mints, and double-sided tape.
✔ Break In Your Shoes
Yes, even destination wedding sandals! Your feet will thank you.
✔ Delegate Responsibilities
Assign trusted friends or your planner to be the go-to person for vendors, guests, and any last-minute needs.
On the Day: Be Present
With everything in place, all that’s left is to soak in the joy.
Your planner will be on-site managing timelines, vendors, and guest needs – so you can focus on each other, your vows, and the once-in-a-lifetime celebration you’re creating.
Why This Checklist Works
This isn’t your average 100-item “don’t forget the napkin colour” list. This is about:
- Focusing on what matters
- Simplifying the process
- Creating space for joy
- Trusting professionals who live and breathe weddings
At Love Destination Weddings, we exist to take the stress out of planning and put the magic back in. Whether you’re dreaming of Europe, the Caribbean, or a cultural celebration in Asia, we’re here to walk the journey with you – from first vision to final vows.
Planning Tip: Less Time Planning, More Time Celebrating
When you hire a planner who understands your vision, knows your location, and brings the right team together, you free yourself actually to enjoy the process.
Let us take care of the logistics, coordination, vendor wrangling, and legalities – so you can focus on the champagne, the love, and the moment.
Ready to Start Your Wedding Journey?
💌 Book a free consultation with Love Destination Weddings
📥 Request our printable checklist download
📸 Follow us on Instagram @loved.destinationweddings for inspiration, real wedding features, and behind-the-scenes magic
Because your love deserves more than a template – it deserves a celebration that’s unforgettable, intentional, and beautifully you.