A Month-by-Month Planning Guide for Canadian Couples

One of the biggest advantages of planning a destination wedding is having plenty of time to make informed decisions. Starting early gives you the best selection of resorts, preferred wedding dates, competitive travel pricing, and allows your guests ample time to budget and arrange vacation time.

While every wedding is unique, the following timeline provides a proven roadmap that has helped many Canadian couples successfully plan their destination wedding.

18–12 Months Before Your Wedding

Dream, Research & Plan

This is the most exciting stage—you've decided a destination wedding may be right for you!

Your Checklist

✔ Decide if a destination wedding fits your lifestyle and budget.

✔ Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Destination Wedding Specialist.

✔ Establish your overall wedding budget.

✔ Prepare a preliminary guest list.

✔ Decide whether you'd prefer an adults-only or family-friendly resort.

✔ Discuss preferred destinations (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, etc.).

✔ Choose your ideal wedding season.

✔ Review potential resorts and wedding packages.

✔ Compare travel options from your guests' departure cities.

Goal: Select your destination and narrow your resort choices.

12–10 Months Before

Confirm Your Resort & Wedding Date

Now it's time to secure your wedding.

Your Checklist

✔ Select your resort.

✔ Confirm your wedding date and ceremony time.

✔ Reserve your wedding package.

✔ Secure your group travel contract (if applicable).

✔ Launch your wedding website.

✔ Send Save-the-Date announcements.

✔ Encourage guests to verify passport expiry dates.

Goal: Give your guests plenty of notice.

10–8 Months Before

Guests Begin Booking

Most guests will now begin making travel arrangements.

Your Checklist

✔ Begin accepting guest registrations.

✔ Assist guests with selecting room categories.

✔ Arrange payment plans if available.

✔ Discuss travel insurance.

✔ Continue answering guest questions.

✔ Begin considering wedding décor and colour themes.

Goal: Build your wedding group while locking in pricing.

8–6 Months Before

Wedding Planning Begins

Now the fun details begin.

Your Checklist

✔ Choose ceremony décor.

✔ Select floral arrangements.

✔ Review photography packages.

✔ Consider videography.

✔ Decide on music options.

✔ Plan welcome events.

✔ Explore excursions.

✔ Begin shopping for wedding attire.

Goal: Personalize your wedding.

6–4 Months Before

Finalize Your Vision

The wedding is starting to feel real!

Your Checklist

✔ Confirm ceremony details.

✔ Select reception options.

✔ Finalize guest list.

✔ Order invitations (if not already sent).

✔ Confirm bridesmaids' dresses and suits.

✔ Book hair and makeup.

✔ Review rooming list.

Goal: Complete the majority of your planning decisions.

4–3 Months Before

Travel Preparation

Now it's time to focus on travel.

Your Checklist

✔ Confirm passports.

✔ Review travel insurance.

✔ Verify guest bookings.

✔ Confirm flights.

✔ Review airport transfer arrangements.

✔ Make final room requests.

✔ Continue making wedding payments.

Goal: Ensure everyone is ready to travel.

90–60 Days Before

Final Payments

This is one of the most important milestones.

Your Checklist

✔ Final travel payments are generally due.

✔ Final wedding package selections.

✔ Confirm ceremony timeline.

✔ Submit guest information to the resort.

✔ Review seating arrangements.

✔ Confirm special dietary requirements.

✔ Double-check travel documents.

Goal: Everything is officially confirmed.

30 Days Before

The Countdown Begins

Almost time to celebrate!

Your Checklist

✔ Pack wedding attire.

✔ Confirm luggage allowances.

✔ Print travel documents.

✔ Exchange contact information.

✔ Confirm transportation.

✔ Notify your credit card company of your travel plans.

✔ Prepare welcome gifts (if applicable).

✔ Relax and enjoy the excitement!

Goal: Be completely travel-ready.

Wedding Week

You're Here!

Now it's time to enjoy everything you've worked so hard to plan.

Your Checklist

✔ Meet with the resort wedding coordinator.

✔ Review the ceremony itinerary.

✔ Confirm final guest count.

✔ Attend your welcome party.

✔ Enjoy time with family and friends.

✔ Have your rehearsal (if applicable).

✔ Say "I Do!"

Most importantly...

Take time to enjoy the experience. One of the greatest advantages of a destination wedding is spending several unforgettable days with the people who matter most.

After Your Wedding

The celebration doesn't end after the ceremony.

Many couples enjoy:

✔ Farewell brunches.

✔ Group excursions.

✔ Relaxing by the pool or beach.

✔ A honeymoon extension.

✔ Sharing photos and memories with family and friends.

Our Final Advice

The earlier you begin planning, the more choices you'll have and the less stressful the process will be. Starting 12 to 18 months before your wedding gives you access to the best resorts, preferred ceremony dates, competitive travel pricing, and allows your guests plenty of time to plan and budget.

At Destination Weddings with Globetrot, we guide Canadian couples through every stage of this timeline—from the first consultation to the moment you walk down the aisle. Our goal is to simplify the planning process, coordinate guest travel, and help you create a destination wedding that's as enjoyable to plan as it is to experience.