Countdown to your destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding may seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, you’re not alone: one of our
group specialists and your hotel wedding coordinator are there to help you plan your big day.

Here’s a list of things to do before you set off for your ceremony.

12+ months before
› Set your wedding budget.
› If you’d like to work with a travel agent, pick someone you get along with, who has experience with destination weddings and who’ll help you every step of the way.
› Look at your favourite destinations, and decide what you’re looking for in a hotel (beachfront location, kid-friendly, chapel,
rooftop terrace, etc.).
› Decide on the number of guests.
› Choose the hotel and package that best suit you, and book a block of rooms. Reserve the locations for the ceremony, cocktail and dinner at the desired times.
› Send out the wedding invitations. Guests will book their place in your wedding group directly with your travel agent. Make sure you give an RSVP deadline. Tip: Create a Facebook group, and invite your travel agent to join so he or she can communicate directly with your guests to provide info.

10 to 11 months before
› If you’d like to create a website and hashtag for your wedding, now’s the time.
› Get your official documents together, and check that your passport is valid.
› See what’s included in your package, and book your photographer, DJ, musicians, etc.

8 to 9 months before
› Buy your wedding dress (and remember: you’re going to a tropical climate!).
› Ask your guests to pay their booking deposit with your travel agent.
› Now that you have a better idea of how many people will attend, budget and plan key elements with your hotel (package, theme and colours, menu, extras, etc.).

6 to 7 months before
› Decide what the bridesmaids will wear.
› Buy accessories for the big day, such as jewelry and shoes.
› Your guests’ attendance is their wedding gift. So instead of having a wedding registry, why not set up a honeymoon registry with your travel agent? Any loved one who can’t go to your wedding will be happy to contribute to your honeymoon fund.

4 to 5 months before
› Organize a few activities for your guests. Why not plan a group excursion?
› Buy stationery and any additional decorative elements you’d like (menu, chair sashes, place cards, centerpieces, etc.). Good to know: Transat’s group benefits include an additional piece of baggage for the wedding couple—ideal for those extra items.

2 to 3 months before
› Choose gifts for your guests and bridesmaids.
› Finalize your guest list, and pay your travel agent the full amount.
› Discuss the remaining details with the hotel: flowers, wedding cake, special musical requests, etc.

1 month before
› Schedule a meeting with the hotel wedding coordinator upon arrival and a short wedding rehearsal. Send the coordinator the seating plan, wedding day timeline and any other useful info, and confirm that all your requests have been duly noted.
› If you’d like, plan a welcome cocktail or dinner with your guests at destination.
› Book any beauty appointments you’ll need before your departure and once there.
› Start packing your essentials.

Upon arrival
› Arrange any welcome gifts or services for your guests.
› Discuss any last-minute details with your wedding coordinator.

Wedding day
Get married