Destination Weddings - Check List

Congratulations on your engagement! Now begins the exciting process of planning one of the biggest events of your life. Let us handle your travel planning to make the process simple and fun, working within your budget.

• Announce your engagement.
• Have engagement photos completed, if you wish.
• Choose your bridal party and put together a guest list.
• Research your destination options by calling Deborah at Cruise Planners/American Express Travel. There is no charge for the consultation. Don't forget to ask about ongoing deals, group rates, bride-and-groom discounts, honeymoon packages, and reception options.
• Discuss your favorite options with friends and family who may be attending the wedding so you can arrange for group travel. Group travel is the best way to get extra discounts and perks for your group and/or for the bride and groom.
• Choose your wedding date and put in a request through Deborah to see if that wedding date is free. Most times this is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so plan as early as possible. In addition, keep in mind that if you wish to get married around the holidays, a symbolic ceremony may be your best option since wedding officiants for civil ceremonies do not work during official holidays.
• Choose your Wedding Package and think about any extras you may want. Your wedding coordinator will be in touch to book each item during certain phases of the planning, leaving you to just decide on what you want. Items to be discussed may include type of wedding ceremony, location of the ceremony and the reception, flowers and decoration options, food and drink, cake, photography and videography, and extras for the honeymoon, such as dinners on the beach, etc.
• Plan for time off from work.
• If desired, fly to your #1 destination choice to preview the resort(s). Some resorts will offer you wedding stay discounts for previewing the resort.
• Finalize your destination/resort choice and book the resort and flights. Pay your deposit at this time.
• Sign the wedding contract with the resort.
• Begin your Honeymoon Registry, and begin your wedding website, if you wish. Share with friends!
• Send Save the Date cards.
• Gather all required documentation for marriage in your location. This varies by location. Make sure you have a valid passport and any other documents that may be necessary for travel to your destination.
• Send out invitations. Refer guests to Deborah at Cruise Planners/American Express Travel so they can be added to your group booking.
• Arrange for formalwear for the bride and groom and the bridal party, and coordinate fitting sessions.
• Purchase wedding bands.
• Decide on hair styles and accessories.
• Buy gifts for your bridal party.
• Purchase optional services through your resort's wedding coordinator.
• Make any final payments necessary for your wedding, reception, and honeymoon.
• Arrange for any house sitting, pet care, or child care.
• Write any custom vows or toasts.
• Plan for any wedding favors, programs, menus, guest books, etc., that you would like to take to your destination, if these were not already part of your wedding package.
• Enjoy a bridal shower, bachelorette party, and bachelor party, if you wish.
• Pack for your trip. Double-check all final travel arrangements, and don't forget those all-important marriage and travel documents, which should only be packed in your carry-on.
• Continue final arrangements at the resort with your wedding coordinator.
• Have blood test done, if applicable.
• Fly away and enjoy the resort and time with your wedding guests.
• Get Married! Enjoy Your Honeymoon!
• Receive any photography and videography from the resort.
• Reluctantly leave paradise to return home.
• File your marriage certificate with your local court house.
• Send wedding announcements and thank you notes.
• Book a trip for your first anniversary. Many of our resorts offer specials for return trips for the first anniversary.
• Smile and relax. It was simple and fun.

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