Real example
Destination wedding planning timeline — 14 months
Destination weddings compress vendor scouting and stretch guest communication. This sample follows a Friday ceremony at a resort with welcome dinner and Sunday brunch — save-the-dates went out 10 months early.
Wedding month: October 2027
Resort destination — 80 guests, room block, on-site coordinator. Marriage license filed in home state before travel.
Each row shows how many months before the wedding — mapped to our 12-month checklist phases where applicable.
| When | Months out | What they did |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 14 months out Before 12-month checklist | Resort site visit; booked venue package & date |
| Sep 2026 | 13 months out Before 12-month checklist | Hired destination planner; reserved room block |
| Nov 2026 | 11 months out 12–10 months out | Booked photographer (travel fees in contract) |
| Dec 2026 | 10 months out 12–10 months out | Save-the-dates mailed with booking link & travel FAQ |
| Feb 2027 | 8 months out 9–7 months out | Welcome dinner venue booked; wedding website live |
| Apr 2027 | 6 months out 6–4 months out | Invitations mailed; shuttle schedule drafted |
| Jun 2027 | 4 months out 6–4 months out | RSVP deadline; room block release date communicated |
| Jul 2027 | 3 months out 3–1 months out | Final headcount to resort; day-of timeline per event day |
| Aug 2027 | 2 months out 3–1 months out | Vendor timeline copies; rehearsal on-site |
| Oct 2027 | Wedding month Final 48 hours | Welcome dinner → ceremony → brunch send-off |
Common questions
- How is a destination wedding timeline different?
- Save-the-dates go 8–12 months out, room blocks need early deadlines, and you often need separate day-of timelines for welcome events and the ceremony day.
- When should guests book flights for a destination wedding?
- After save-the-dates — ideally 6–9 months before for international travel. Include a booking deadline in your wedding website FAQ.