Destination wedding planner

Planning a destination wedding may seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, you’re not alone: Your travel agent and hotel wedding coordinator are there to help you plan your big day.

Here’s a list of things to do before you set off for your ceremony.

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  • 12+ months before

    • Set your wedding budget.
    • If you’d like to work with a travel agent, pick someone you get along with, who has experience with destination weddings and who’ll help you every step of the way.
    • Look at your favourite destinations, and decide what you’re looking for in a hotel (beachfront location, kid-friendly, chapel, rooftop terrace, etc.).
    • Decide on the number of guests.
    • Choose the hotel and package that best suit you, and book a block of rooms. Reserve the locations for the ceremony, cocktail and dinner at the desired times.
    • Send out the wedding invitations. Guests will book their place in your wedding group directly with your travel agent. Make sure you give an RSVP deadline. Tip: Create a Facebook group, and invite your travel agent to join so he or she can communicate directly with your guests to provide info.

  • 10 to 11 months before

    • If you’d like to create a website and hashtag for your wedding, now’s the time.
    • Get your official documents together, and check that your passport is valid.
    • See what’s included in your package, and book your photographer, DJ, musicians, etc.

    8 to 9 months before

    • Buy your wedding dress (and remember: you’re going to a tropical climate!).
    • Ask your guests to pay their booking deposit with your travel agent.
    • Now that you have a better idea of how many people will attend, budget and plan key elements with your hotel (package, theme and colours, menu, extras, etc.).

  • 6 to 7 months before

    • Decide what the bridesmaids will wear.
    • Buy accessories for the big day, such as jewelry and shoes.
    • Your guests’ attendance is their wedding gift. So instead of having a wedding registry, why not set up a honeymoon registry with your travel agent? Any loved one who can’t go to your wedding will be happy to contribute to your honeymoon fund.

  • 4 to 5 months before

    • Organize a few activities for your guests. Why not plan a group excursion?
    • Buy stationery and any additional decorative elements you’d like (menu, chair sashes, place cards, centrepieces, etc.). Good to know: Transat’s group benefits include an additional piece of baggage for the wedding couple—ideal for those extra items.

  • 2 to 3 months before

    • Choose gifts for your guests and bridesmaids.
    • Finalize your guest list, and pay your travel agent the full amount.
    • Discuss the remaining details with the hotel: flowers, wedding cake, special musical requests, etc.

  • 1 month before

    • Schedule a meeting with the hotel wedding coordinator upon arrival and a short wedding rehearsal. Send the coordinator the seating plan, wedding day timeline and any other useful info, and confirm that all your requests have been duly noted.
    • If you’d like, plan a welcome cocktail or dinner with your guests at destination.
    • Book any beauty appointments you’ll need before your departure and once there.
    • Start packing your essentials.

  • Upon arrival

    • Arrange any welcome gifts or services for your guests.
    • Discuss any last-minute details with your wedding coordinator.

  • Wedding day

    Get married!