Destination Wedding Planning Timeline
Enter your wedding date to generate a personalized planning checklist with specific milestone dates from 18 months out to your wedding day.
18 Months Before
- •Set your overall budget
- •Choose your destination
- •Research and shortlist venues
- •Start your guest list
- •Research local wedding planners
12 Months Before
- •Book your ceremony and reception venue
- •Hire a local wedding planner
- •Book key vendors (photographer, florist, caterer)
- •Create your wedding website on Aisle
- •Send save-the-dates with destination details
9 Months Before
- •Send formal invitations
- •Negotiate hotel room blocks for guests
- •Add travel and accommodation details to your wedding website
- •Research legal marriage requirements for your destination
- •Plan wedding weekend itinerary (welcome dinner, activities)
6 Months Before
- •Track RSVPs and follow up with non-responders
- •Finalize vendor contracts and event schedule
- •Arrange group transportation from airports
- •Order wedding attire and accessories
- •Plan rehearsal dinner details
3 Months Before
- •Confirm room block reservations
- •Collect meal selections and dietary restrictions
- •Finalize menus and floor plans
- •Send guests final itinerary with dress codes
- •Order decor and personal touches to ship to destination
1 Month Before
- •Final venue walkthrough (in person or video)
- •Confirm all vendor arrival times and requirements
- •Prepare welcome bags or letters for guest rooms
- •Finalize day-of timeline
- •Break in your wedding shoes
2 Weeks Before
- •Send guests final reminders and travel tips
- •Create an emergency contact list for wedding party
- •Confirm final headcount with all vendors
- •Pack for your trip (keep ceremony outfit in carry-on)
- •Release any unused room block reservations
Enter your wedding date to see personalized milestone dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning a destination wedding?
12–18 months is ideal for most destinations. Popular venues in Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and Tuscany may require 18+ months of advance booking. Less competitive destinations can sometimes be planned in 9–12 months.
When should I send save-the-dates for a destination wedding?
Send save-the-dates 10–12 months before the wedding — much earlier than traditional weddings. Guests need time to request time off, budget for travel, and book flights while prices are reasonable. Include estimated travel costs so guests can start planning.
When should I set up my wedding website?
Set up your wedding website 9–12 months before your wedding date, ideally at the same time as save-the-dates. This gives guests early access to destination details, accommodation options, and travel logistics. You can add details over time as plans solidify.
What is the most popular month for destination weddings?
According to The Knot, October is the most popular wedding month overall (17% of all weddings). For destination weddings, the best month depends on location — Mediterranean destinations peak in June–September, Caribbean in December–April, and Southeast Asia in April–October.