Checklist for Destination Weddings?!

[sashammay]

Hello!

 

I am glad I found this site because I really don't know what I am doing. I just got engaged 3 weeks ago and a lot has happened! My fiance and I know we want to have a destination wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico late August 2013. The only thing I have done so far is registered through destinationweddings.com, paid the $50 and am now waiting to hear from my DW coordinator. Can anyone help me with a checklist? All the ones I have been seeing are for traditional weddings.

 

-Sasha

[Tulumbride2013]

Congrats to ya! Start reading reviews to find your venue! Next important is your dress and getting your save the dates or word out about your wedding. you want to give people lots of notice so they have a better chance at attending. After that a lot of things will fall into place. I got a destination wedding planning book for Barnes and Nobel and its great. Good,luck to ya.

[GauchoSteph]

Hi Sasha,

 

Congratulations on your engagement! I believe if you search around, past brides have posted Checklists about their planning processes. Be sure to research our Vendor Reviews for your Wedding Coordinator, Resort, Photographers, etc. You'll find a lot of helpful information.

 

Best wishes!

[Cherina]

1. Gather wedding resorces. I'm using destination weddings for dummies, the anti-bride wedding planner and anti bride guide and destenation weddings mag and BDW of course. 2. Chose a theme, it will help you visualize what you want 3. Get a great TA that will help with selecting a venue. And later with organizing guests and pricing with guests, it take you out of the money and gives someone to work on your behalf with the resorts.( If you need a recommendation mine is phenomenal PM me) this can not be done too soon! 3. Pick your color

[Cherina]

Congrats on your engagement!!!! Here is a list of things to do Yesterday :-) 1. Gather wedding resorces. I'm using destination weddings for dummies, the anti-bride wedding planner and anti bride guide and destenation weddings mag and BDW of course. 2. Chose a theme, it will help you visualize what you want. It will even help select a location and date. You wouldn't want a winter wonderland wedding in the middle of summer in mexico. 3. Make a rough guest list this may not be your final # but you will want an idea so that you know what resorts can accommodate your party. Also you will need to know for STDs 4. Chose a date or at least a general time frame, things are more efferent if you have A preferred date with some flexibility 5. Get a great TA that will help with selecting a venue. And later with organizing guests and pricing with guests, it take you out of the money and gives someone to work on your behalf with the resorts.( If you need a recommendation mine is phenomenal PM me) this can not be done too soon! 6. Pick your color scheme. This will help you make nearly all of your design decision. STDs, invitations DIY decor even your dress. 7. STDs or invitations if you forgo STDs 6. Congratulations you now have the framework for your wedding :-)NOW The fun part Details Details Details (this list will take forever ! Refer to #1) Irie ~Cherina

[dwbride2014]

I also just got engaged just over a month ago and a destination wedding is def how we decided to go. I was going to suggest destinationweddings.com since I also just signed up for them and have been working with our cordinator for about 3 weeks. They are excellant when it comes to narrowing down on the final choices. Our situation is a little unique in that we need special handicap accessible venues for the groom's grandmother (who at 80 insists she is coming ) Our DW cordinator has even had a resort measure doorways since they weren;t sure they could be hca! So don't be afraid to ask- they will get the answer for you!

 

My other suggestion is Destination Wedding for Dummies. The book literally covers everything! And then some!

 

One other thing to keep in mind is the budget. Alot of these resorts offer packages but for only 10-20 guests. All the additional add-on (guests too!) make things get a little out of control.

 

As far as a checklist, i suggest you do everything on the regular wedding timeline but add 4-6 weeks on to the send out dates for invitations. Your DW planner will really help you keep things in line and let you know when to have certain things done.

 

Congratulations and enjoy planning!

[Shara1984]

Great ideas!

[Moments That Matter]

I agree, Shara1984, great ideas, Cherina - thx for sharing!

 

I find lists and an early start very helpful in feeling more comfortable with the process - eliminating lots of unneccesary stress........good job!

 

Happy research + planning everyone, and wishing you all the Perfectly Wonderful Wedding Celebrations you envision!!! Enjoy

 

 

 

team MTM asst, Lynda

[SammyAnna]

beautiful pics!

[MsFaszion]

Love the pics, and congrats.