The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding Site Visit
A pre-wedding planning trip can be a game-changer for couples planning a destination wedding, turning what can feel like a daunting to-do list into an exciting part of the journey.
If you’re in the early stages of planning and want to tour multiple venues before making a decision, you should ideally schedule this 16 months in advance. This gives you flexibility to explore your options and book your dream venue with confidence. If you’ve already chosen your venue and want to iron out specifics like décor, catering, and room blocks you can be more flexible. Schedule the inspection 6–9 months before your wedding date, ideally between Sunday and Wednesday, to ensure availability and thorough attention from the resort’s wedding team.
Sample Itinerary (For One Resort)
Day 1: Check in and enjoy a nice dinner with your partner
Day 2: Meet with the wedding team (don’t forget your checklist of questions!) and attend your tasting
Day 3: Enjoy the pool, beach, and all the resort offers!
Day 4: Check out and head home
Here are some key benefits that make the trip worthwhile:
1. See Your Venue in Person
While photos and videos give a sneak peek, being there in person allows you to experience the atmosphere firsthand. You’ll get a feel for the layout, envision how the ceremony and reception will flow, and identify spots that would be perfect for photos. Better yet, bring your photographer [or meet them] and grab some engagement photos! Plus, seeing it yourself can boost your confidence and ease any worries about the choice.
2. Meet Vendors Face-to-Face
Connecting in person with vendors—like florists, caterers, and planners—helps establish trust and a better understanding of your vision. A pre-planning trip lets you ask questions, see samples, and even do taste tests, ensuring that each detail is personalized and that everyone is on the same page.
3. Take a Test Run of Your Wedding Experience
Try out everything your resort has to offer and more. Explore nearby activities for guests. Enjoy some of the all inclusive cuisine. What’s the entertainment like at night? How are the rooms? This gives you an inside view of what your friends and family will experience, so you can confidently recommend things for your guests [or just hype them up for the ultimate experience].
4. Plan Your Décor and Layout on Site
Being on-site gives you a chance to imagine how your chosen flowers, color schemes, and decor will look in the actual space. You can try out seating arrangements, play with table settings, or finalize ceremony details that may be hard to envision from afar.
5. Feel Reassured (and Excited!)
The reassurance and excitement a pre-wedding trip can bring are unmatched. You’ll feel more connected to the location and to your vision, giving you the confidence to relax and enjoy the final months before the big day. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse for a little getaway with your fiancé to build anticipation together!
6. Make Personal Touches Even Easier
Seeing the venues and meeting your vendors often sparks new ideas you hadn’t thought of yet—like a local tradition you’d love to incorporate or a unique spot at the venue perfect for a private moment after you say “I do.”
A pre-wedding planning trip can be a great way to take the guesswork out of your destination wedding, ensuring everything aligns with your vision and letting you head into the big day with confidence and excitement. Steal the FREE Destination Wedding Workbook. Planning a pre-wedding trip is all about making sure your vision comes to life and feeling confident about your destination choice. If you need help coordinating your visit or planning your big day, I’d be happy to guide you through it!
