How to Plan a Destination Wedding: Tips, Costs & Hacks

Decided on a destination wedding?

Enter the sunshine, the champagne, and the collective “oohs” and “aahs” from your friends when they see that Amalfi Coast Villa or white-sand beach drop.

A wedding + a vacation?

Genius move.

But the thing is that planning an entire wedding is already a juggling act, but adding passports, sand, humidity, and the 40 guests who need hotel suggestions? That’s where it gets interesting.

But fret not, dear bride, with a little planning and a lot of personality, this entire process can become a wedding that feels magical instead of manic.

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Step 1: Pick a Location That Feels Like You

Okay, the first and biggest step is to pick the destination.

Do you picture yourself barefoot in the sand? Or sipping Chianti under twinkling lights in Tuscany?

Wherever your dream wedding will be, there are a few things that you must consider before you sign on the dotted line:

• Safety: Nobody wants to dodge hurricanes or get stuck with sketchy travel advisories.

• Accessibility: If it takes three flights, a ferry, and a donkey ride to get there, then Grandma probably won’t make it to your wedding.

• Weather: Check the weather conditions! Mother Nature loves to RSVP through Caribbean hurricanes and European rains.

• Guests: You need to think about passports, strollers, and wheelchairs.

P.S. Go check out the location in person if possible; if not, virtual tours and honest reviews are your best friends.

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Step 2: Let’s Talk Money (and Guest Lists)

Now for the not-so-glamorous part: the budget. But don’t worry, we’ll keep it real.

Here’s what brides actually spend in the most popular spots:

And about your guest list: destination weddings usually get 40–60% attendance. Which, honestly, can be a blessing.

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Step 3: Your Secret Weapon—The Local Planner

If you splurge on one thing, make it a planner who knows the area.

A local planner means that you get to sit back and sip a cocktail instead of stressing and panicking.

Your local planner will handle the language barriers, the legalities, and the random vendor who shows up late with wilted flowers.

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Step 4: Legal Talk (Don’t Worry, We’ll Keep It Quick)

Every country has its own quirks.

France wants you to live there for a month first, and Mexican law requires a blood test.

That’s why lots of couples do the paperwork at home and then have the symbolic “real” ceremony abroad.

Other than this, you will need:

• Passports (6+ months valid)

• Visas (if required)

• Birth certificates/divorce papers

• Extra patience (non-negotiable)

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Step 5: Travel + Wedding Day Hacks

• Book flights early (and stalk those deals).

• Always, always carry your gown in a wedding dress garment bag. Do. Not. Check. It.

• Arrive 4–5 days early so that you’re not jet-lagged on your big day.

• Make contingency plans. Your backup plan for weather should have another backup plan.

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Step 6: The Wedding Gown Nobody Talks About (Until It’s Too Late)

Okay, bride-to-bride moment here: your gown is going to take one helluva beating at a destination wedding.

Think about it:

• Beach weddings mean sand + saltwater + sunscreen.

• Tropical weddings = sweat + humidity.

• Vineyard weddings? Red wine and olive oil stains.

• Mountain weddings will have grass, dirt, and even snow dragging on the hem.

This is why you should pre-order wedding dress preservation kits online before you even leave.

That way, once the big day is over, you can literally have your dress shipped straight off to the experts.

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Step 7: Cheat Sheet

Granted, each wedding is unique and needs special planning, but here’s a cheatsheet to help you get started or to make sure you’re on the right track:

Before 12 to 16 months of the wedding:

• Plan your budget

• Prepare a guest list

• Choose a location (also select a planner and venue)

• Check/file for travel insurance

Before 9 to 11 months:

• Share save-the-dates

• Block hotel rooms at various price points

• Book flight tickets

• Contact vendors and get quotes

Before 6 to 8 months:

• Go on drinks and menu tastings

• Send out marriage invitations

• Schedule rehearsal dinners

Before 3 to 5 months:

• Finalize RSVPs

• Plan wedding activities

• Select rings

Before 6 to 8 weeks:

• Confirm everything

• Ship items to the location

Wedding week:

• Arrive early and settle in

• Hand out welcome bags to the guests

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Make It Yours

Your destination wedding is more than just the palm trees and the villas.

It’s the smiles, looks of awe and adoration, and the twinkle in your partner’s eyes as you dance under beautiful foreign skies.

Make sure to create a moment that is completely yours and savour each and every part of your wedding, including the way the waves, mountains, or vineyards frame your vows.

Because these are the memories that will linger long after the champagne is gone.