Once you’ve chosen your wedding venue, committed to sticking to your budget, and you’ve been thinking about the complicated guest list….. It’s time to celebrate one small step! You’ve gathered momentum and have figured out some of the major question marks of destination weddings. Now it’s time to focus a bit and enjoy tasks like finding your ideal dress.

• Select Your Wedding Party

Trust your gut as you decide who you would like standing by you as you leap out of singledom, and decide with your fiancé if it’s important for you to have an even number on their side and yours.

• Schedule a Call With the Event Planner

Make a list of every question you can think of for the event planner that has likely been assigned to you by your venue, then a schedule a call with them.

• Hire a Photographer and Videographer

Hopefully, your event planner gave you a stellar list of photographers and videographers, you’ve combed through their websites and found the ideal matches, and are ready to confirm.

• Research Dresses

Taking into consideration your style preferences (first and foremost), wedding destination terrain and climate, and budget, begin looking into dress options.

• Send Your Wedding Invitations

If you would like people at your wedding (totally optional!) you’ll want to let them know ASAP when and where you’ll be getting married so they can get it on their calendar.

You’ve reached the halfway point, and the dream is looking more and more like a reality. The next six months will dissolve faster than you expect. But the good news is that many of the six-month to-dos include things like shopping and planning the ultimate vacation.

• Look Into Travel Requirements

 Research whether things like visas or certain vaccinations will need to be obtained before entering the country, and ensure your passport is up-to-date.

There might be quite a few travel-hoops to jump through before reaching your wedding destination, especially if your wedding will be in a different country.

• Reserve a Block of Rooms, or Vacation Homes for Guests

Now that you know how many people will be attending your wedding, you can figure out where they’ll sleep. The overflow of guests can book the Beach House 5 miles away direct on the beach for $1075 per night that house sleeps 14.  The other Hilltop House sleeps 12 and is $395 per night 15 miles away from the Castle of Oz.  

• Book Your Airline Tickets, and Help Guests Do the Same

On average, you can find the biggest variety, and best deals, on flights when you book about six months in advance. Research the various airports and transportation options available near your wedding venue and choose the option that best suits your needs. Then, take your research and share it with guests in the following to-do.

• Make a Travel Check List for Your Confirmed Guests

To ensure all your people turn up at the right place at the right time, make their travel planning simple by sending out a thorough and well-organized checklist, complete with a few options for each item.

• Plan Your Honeymoon

After a year of wedding planning you deserve a fab getaway. Decide whether you want to have a weddingmoon – where you honeymoon in the same location you marry (great option if you’re interested in saving money) – or, desire to jet off to a new location after your nuptials.

Time is starting to run out between your busy fingers as you tie up loose ends in preparation for the trip of a lifetime. Let this time run excitingly, rather than stressfully, by crossing off one task at a time and taking breaks in between to relax with your fiancé and share your mutual excitement for the big event looming on the horizon.

• Schedule a Call With Your Wedding Planner

Talk with your planner about details for flowers and other decorations, food, drinks, seating plans, venues, entertainment, and more for every wedding event you will be having. Be prepared with a list of topics, questions, and requests.

• Book a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist

During your phone call with the wedding planner ask for recommendations for local makeup and hair stylists.

• Double Check Travel Plans for All Confirmed Guests

No matter how “on it” you believe your guests are with their travel arrangements, there will be some that need extra nudging to get it done. Draft an email to all your confirmed guests asking them to send you their arrival and departure dates, flight information, accommodations confirmation, and if needed, car rental reservations. Even though you don’t necessarily need all this information, the request will be a catalyst for them to make sure all their traveling ducks are in a row.

This stage is when many couples are overwhelmed with pre-wedding stress, but not you. Since you’ve already strategically taken care of your to-dos over the past year, you’re ready to go, and you only have a few small tasks left to review. Allow yourself to enjoy all of your accomplishments and dedicate yourself to getting excited about what’s to come with your partner.

• Chat with Your Event Planner

To ensure you don’t have to do anything but relax when you reach your wedding destination, have a call with your planner to iron out any last minute details and decisions. For example, confirm the wet weather plan, go over the timeline for wedding day, figure out when bouquets and boutonnières will be delivered, and determine who will be re-confirming with vendors.  

• Make a Plan With Your Photographer and Videographer

While your photographer and videographer will hopefully be seasoned professionals, you can ensure you get the exact footage you want from your nuptials by discussing shot lists and timing needs with them.

• Create a Packing List for the Wedding and Honeymoon

Crafting a packing list two weeks before you leave will give you ample time to add or remove items, helping to ensure you don’t forget essentials

• Confirm Flights and Accommodations

The last thing you need is a hiccup with your flights or accommodations, so double check that everything is confirmed for the correct dates and times.

• Send “Details Email” to Guests

Send your guests an email that includes the itinerary for wedding events and daily excursions, so they can pack accordingly. This can also be a good time to broach the subject of speeches with parents and the bridal party.