Every item that lands on a destination-wedding plan, grouped into eight phases from eighteen months out to the wedding day. The long-form version of our 18-month essentials checklist.
The ultimate destination-wedding checklist: every item that lands on a real plan, in eight phases from 18 months out to the wedding day. Includes destination-specific items (passport renewals, paperwork, vaccinations, tipping, welcome bags) that shorter checklists leave out. Pair with the shorter 18-month essentials checklist for quick reference.
If our 18-month planning checklist is the essentials view, this is the extended version — every item that ever lands on a destination-wedding plan, grouped into phases. It includes the destination-specific items (passport renewals, vaccinations, welcome bags, guest transport, currency considerations) that shorter checklists leave out.
Print it, screenshot it, or tick it off digitally. Cross items off as you go. Do not try to do them all at once; the phases exist for a reason.
Every item that lands on a destination-wedding plan, grouped into phases.
Aisle’s journal is written by Walter Lafky, Perrie Lundstrom, and the destination team at the atelier. We visit each place at least once a year, keep working relationships with the venues we recommend, and revise every guide when the paperwork or the prices change.
The checklist in this guide is the long-form version. It covers every item that ever lands on a destination-wedding plan, grouped into eight phases from 18 months out to the wedding day. For a shorter essentials-only version, see our 18-month planning checklist.
12 to 18 months of runway. Premium venues book 14 to 20 months out for peak-season Saturdays. The eight phases of this checklist map roughly to those 18 months. Planning inside 10 months is possible but compresses decisions and may reduce venue quality.
Yes, for the couple and for every guest who is not a local. Check passports expire at least six months past the wedding date; many countries deny entry on passports with less than six months of validity. Renew early (18 months out is not too early) to avoid a timing crunch.
Depending on the country: certificate of no impediment (CNI) from your home country, birth certificates with apostilles, sworn translations into the destination language, and a civil-registry appointment in the destination. Most international couples marry legally at home and sidestep this entirely; see our legal requirements guide.
Yes, always. Lost checked luggage is rare but it happens. Your wedding-day outfit, shoes, and any irreplaceable items (rings, important family jewellery) should be in your carry-on. Pack a full backup outfit in a second carry-on if you are checking a bag.
Publish the hotel block, flight recommendations, and weekend schedule on the wedding website; send save-the-dates 14 months ahead and formal invitations 8 months ahead so guests can book flights early; arrange ground transfers and shuttle schedules between the airport, hotel, and venue; have your planner handle guest queries.
10–15% of their fee, in local currency cash where appropriate. For planners, photographers, florists, and musicians, $100–$300 per vendor is standard. For servers and bar staff, 5–10% of the catering bill pooled and distributed by the venue. Your planner will advise on local customs.
Reckoners we reach for at the start of a plan — budget, guest travel, and the twelve-month runway.
A guest site with travel, rooms, RSVPs, and a personal portal for everyone invited. Set like a letter, not a card.