ULTIMATE DESTINATION WEDDING

Thinking of a destination wedding? I don't blame you. There’s not much to compare with the thrill of a destination wedding to say "I do".

South Carolina is a wonderful place to have a destination wedding. Dealing with distance and local rules can make things complicated. But I have a complete Destination Wedding Checklist to guide you through the details and make sure everything goes smoothly for your big day in Coastal South Carolina and the Lowcountry.

8 - 12 Months before your special day…

• Calculate your expenses. This covers usual wedding costs, as well as travel fees such as flights and lodging.

• Draft a list of guests. This will affect your budget directly.

• Consider where in South Carolina you want to have your wedding. You can choose from various locations, like a Lowcountry plantation with Spanish moss or a beach ceremony.

• Hire a planner. Do not skip this step. When dealing with local issues and long-distance planning, it's crucial to have an experienced professional to help you navigate the process. It's even better if they're from the area.

• Book a travel agent. Travel agencies that focus on destination weddings can help you find a location that fits your vision and negotiate with venues for the best pricing and perks.

• Book your wedding venue and choose a date! Make sure to get all the details and contracts in writing and send a deposit if required. If possible, visit the venue beforehand, but it's not always necessary. If you can't visit, look for reliable reviews online and seek advice from your travel agent or wedding planner.

• Do you need insurance for your wedding? It's worth considering. Ask your venue about liability coverage and think about other options like cancellation insurance.

• Reserve your honeymoon suite. If your event is at the same location where you're getting married, you can arrange this when you book your wedding.

6 - 8 Months before your special day…

• Recruit your wedding party. Ensure they have their passports and necessary IDs for travel, or guide them on how to get the required ID.

• Send out Save The Date Cards. Do this early for a destination wedding, so guests have time to plan for travel and accommodations.

• Arrange hotel rooms for your wedding guests. Look for the best hotel deals near your wedding location and share any discount codes with your guests. Let me know if you need help with anything else!

• Create a wedding website. This could be helpful information with travel and lodging info, local maps, airport details, registry information, and weather predictions for guests' packing needs.

• Plan other wedding-related events for your destination wedding. These celebrations usually last longer due to travel involved. Think about having a welcome party or post-wedding brunch. Plan ahead to include these on the RSVP card for an accurate guest count.

• Create your gift registry. Consider that guests traveling for your wedding are already spending a lot just to be there. You may want to tell everyone that their presence is gift enough.

• Make sure your outfit suits the wedding location. The weather in South Carolina can be very unpredictable. Also, consider if it's easy to travel with, especially if you're taking a plane.

• Buy your plane tickets. Snag those early discounts!

• Work with your wedding planner or venue coordinator to find vendors. If they're local to your wedding location, have a meeting or phone call to get to know them before hiring. Many of them offer free consultations.

4 - 5 Months Before your special day…

• Take engagement and bridal photos, if you'd like. Consider booking the all inclusive Diamond Package that includes engagement and bridal photos.

• Work with your wedding venue and caterer to plan the menu. You might not be able to do a tasting until you arrive at the wedding location, if at all, unless you can visit beforehand.

• Book the venue for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. When planning a destination wedding, it's customary to invite all attendees to the rehearsal dinner or a pre-wedding event.

• Schedule your dress fitting. Be sure to look into your wedding party's outfits, including flower girl and ring bearer attire.

• Order your wedding invitations early. Make sure guests have time to respond and direct them to your wedding website for all the details about where to stay, how to get there, local attractions, wedding schedule, dress code, and gift registry.

• Schedule bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Make guest lists and delegate planning to your maid of honor or a trusted friend or family member.

• Book transportation for your wedding day if necessary. If your hotel block is not at the same place as your venue, arrange a shuttle service for guests to travel between the hotel and the wedding.

• Continue scheduling vendors. Ensure you have secured your photographer and caterer by now. You may also need to book the following:

  • Officiant

  • Florist

  • DJ or Band

  • Cake Maker

  • Videographer

  • Rentals & Linens

  • Hairstylist/Makeup Artist

• Review contracts. Make sure to document everything.

2 - 3 Months before your special day…

• Finalize your guest list. Send out invitations early for your destination wedding. Make a plan for keeping track of RSVPs and meal choices.

• Consider planning some casual fun stuff. You don't have to, but imagine how great it would be to snorkel with a group in a tropical paradise! Let guests know the details on your wedding website once everything is confirmed.

• Buy wedding rings and accessories. This could include a veil, wedding shoes, and undergarments.

• Finalize honeymoon plans.

1 month before your special day…

• Finalize and confirm:

  • Booking flights and hotels

  • Confirming guest attendance and meal preferences

  • Planning wedding vows and readings with your officiant

  • Providing a shot list and itinerary to your photographer

  • Finalizing menu, drinks, and catering

  • Coordinating rental delivery and pickups

  • Creating a song list for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception with your DJ or musicians

  • Establishing a timeline for the reception and assigning toast givers

• Make sure you have all your important legal papers ready. This could be passports, birth certificates, visas, and anything else required for your destination wedding.

• Send your wedding stuff to your coordinator. Also, get insurance if needed. Don't forget to pick up your rings and check the engravings.

• Have your last dress fitting. Bring your shoes, underwear, and accessories for the complete look.

• Please remind anyone who hasn't RSVP'd.

• Start creating a list of things to pack. Be sure to start early to avoid forgetting anything.

• Double check the flight details and arrival times for all the important people at your wedding.

• Make final decisions on where everyone will sit. You could create a seating chart or place cards.

1 week before your special day…

• Check the weather. If things look iffy contact your venue to make sure a contingency plan is in place.

• Start getting ready for your wedding and honeymoon. It's a good idea to start early. Make sure to pack clothes for all the different wedding events (like the rehearsal dinner and the post-wedding brunch) and make sure you have everything you need by checking your packing list a few times.

• By now you may need a facial or massage. This is a great time to get one.

Days before your special day...

• It’s almost time. Make sure to bring your wedding clothes, rings, and other valuable items. If you fly, be sure to place these items in your carry-on bags when you get on the plane. This will help prevent any issues if your checked bags get lost.

• Arrive at your wedding location a day or two early to welcome your guests.

  • Visit your ceremony and reception venues.

  • Meet with your coordinator and vendors.

  • Apply for your marriage license.

  • Attend a tasting with your caterer/cake maker.

  • Ensure welcome bags will be delivered to guest rooms.

  • Try out your makeup and hair.

The Day before your special day…

• Have your wedding attire steamed to remove wrinkles from traveling.

• Rock the wedding rehearsal and dinner. It's time to hand out gifts to the wedding party.

• It's best to sleep early. You need your beauty rest tonight!

The Day of your special day…

• Make sure you have enough time to get ready. Also, remember to bring your wedding rings and marriage license to the ceremony.

• Do the rounds at your wedding. Say hi to everyone and thank them for coming.

• Take a moment to breathe. Appreciate your new partner and savor every moment that you worked hard to plan!

• Next stop. Happily ever after.