How Far in Advance Should You Book and Plan Your Destination Wedding?
So, you’re thinking of tying the knot in a dreamy far-off locale, where the sunsets are as magical as your love story—heck yesss!!!!! But before you start packing your bags, there’s one crucial question on your mind: How far in advance should you start planning this epic celebration? Well, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of champagne), and let’s chat about it!
The Early Bird Gets the (Wedding) Worm
Planning a destination wedding? The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your dream venue and ensuring your guests have ample time to make travel arrangements
When it comes to destination weddings, the early bird really does get the worm—or in this case, the best venue, the top-tier photographer, and the most Instagram-worthy florals. Ideally, you’ll want to start planning 12 to 18 months in advance. Yep, it might sound like a lot, but trust me, future you will thank present you for getting a head start.
Here’s why: popular venues and vendors book up fast—especially in those breathtaking locations you’re eyeing. Whether it’s a chic beachside resort in Mexico, a historic villa in Tuscany, or a tropical hideaway in the Maldives, securing your dream spot early means less stress and more options.
Why the Long Lead Time? Planning a destination wedding isn’t just about finding a pretty spot to say “I do.” You’re essentially planning a mini-vacation for your nearest and dearest, complete with accommodations, travel logistics, and maybe even some fun excursions. That takes time, my friend!
Here are a few things you’ll need to consider:
Venue Availability: The best venues? They book up quickly, sometimes even two years in advance.
Travel Plans: You’ll need to coordinate flights, hotels, and possibly even group rates for your guests [Not to mention, give them enough time to save if they have to…]
Legal Requirements: Different countries have different rules for getting married, so you’ll want to ensure all the paperwork is in order. {I recommend a symbolic wedding usually - 95% of destination weddings are symbolic anyway]
9 to 12 Months Before: Time to Get Serious
Starting your destination wedding planning early is key to securing your ideal venue and giving your guests plenty of time to arrange their travel.
If you’re more of a last-minute planner (no judgment, I promise!), you can still pull off a stunning destination wedding with 9 to 12 months of planning time. This is when you’ll want to lock down your venue, send out those save-the-dates, and start working on the finer details like catering, decor, and entertainment.
One thing to keep in mind: the closer you get to your wedding date, the less flexibility you’ll have with things like venue choice and guest accommodations. But if you’re willing to be a little more flexible, you can still create something truly magical!
6 Months or Less: The Sprint to the Altar
To secure the perfect venue and ensure your guests have ample time to make travel plans, it’s important to begin planning your destination wedding as early as possible.
Feeling spontaneous? Planning a destination wedding with 6 months or less is totally doable—if you’re ready to embrace a little adventure. You might need to be a bit more flexible with your dates, times, or location, but sometimes those last-minute plans lead to the most unforgettable experiences.
At this point, you’ll want to:
Choose a Venue: Stat. Reach out to venues to see if they have any cancellations or off-season availability.
Send Invites: Give your guests as much notice as possible so they can arrange travel and accommodations.
Book Vendors: Prioritize your must-haves (like that amazing local photographer you’ve been eyeing) and lock them in ASAP.
Final Thoughts: Go With Your Flow
Booking your destination wedding well in advance is crucial for locking in your desired venue and allowing your guests enough time to arrange their plans.
Ultimately, the best time to start planning your destination wedding is whenever it feels right for you. Some couples thrive on early planning and love knowing everything is locked down way ahead of time. Others might find the thought of an 18-month engagement a bit overwhelming and prefer a shorter timeline.
No matter when you start, remember: this is your love story, and there’s no wrong way to plan it. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. And if you need a little help along the way, you know where to find me!
Ready to start planning your dream destination wedding? Whether you’re a year out or just a few months away, I’m here to help you every step of the way. Let’s chat and turn your wedding day vision into reality. Book a call with me today, and let’s get the ball rolling on your unforgettable celebration! 🥂
