Planning a destination wedding? Start here.

Tips from behind the scenes

1. 01

   Choose your season before your venue.

   Weather, holidays and local conditions change the experience, the price and how easily your guests can travel. In the Caribbean, hurricane season runs from June to November. Decide on your ideal months first, then look for venues that shine in them.

2. 02

   See the venue at the hour of your ceremony.

   Light, heat, wind and sound change through the day. Visit at the time you plan to say your vows, or ask for a live video walkthrough at that hour.

3. 03

   Ask for the rain plan in writing.

   Every outdoor wedding needs a real alternative, not a promise. Ask where it is, how many guests it holds and when the decision to move is made.

4. 04

   Your guest count shapes your budget.

   Almost every cost grows with each guest. Draft your guest list before you commit to a budget, not after.

5. 05

   Give your guests time.

   Travel takes planning, savings and time off. Send save-the-dates early and share travel details as soon as you have them.

6. 06

   Read what is included, and what is not.

   Compare proposals line by line: service charges, taxes, overtime, outside vendor fees and setup times can change the final number more than the headline price.

7. 07

   Decide early between a legal and a symbolic ceremony.

   A legal ceremony abroad requires documents and lead time. Many couples marry legally at home and celebrate with a symbolic ceremony at their destination. Ask your planner what applies to you.

8. 08

   Design the guest experience, not only the ceremony.

   Arrival, transportation, welcome details, shade, water and clear information are what guests remember about how they were cared for.

9. 09

   Work with a planner who knows the destination.

   Local knowledge of vendors, permits, weather and logistics is what keeps the day calm.

10. 10

    Protect time to be present.

    Build a timeline with buffers, so photos, toasts and transitions never steal the moments you traveled for.

Free guides

• Destination Wedding Planning Timeline

  What to do and when, from twelve months out to the week of your wedding.

  Open the guide

• Venue Visit Checklist

  The questions to ask before you sign with any venue.

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• Guest Experience Checklist

  Every detail that helps your guests feel looked after, from save-the-date to farewell.

  Open the guide

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