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The Do’s and Don’ts for Your Destination Wedding

Shelli Nornes
Author:
Shelli Nornes
CEO/Owner
Publish Date: June 16, 2020
Last Modified: October 18, 2025

Couples, we’re here to tell you like it is! Planning a destination wedding should be exciting, not overwhelming, so let’s break it down with some real talk. Here are the do’s and don’ts that will make your journey smoother and way more enjoyable.

Do…book early

One of the best things you can do for yourself is secure your resort early. We recommend reaching out to a destination wedding specialist about 16 to 18 months in advance. Booking early means better resort and venue choices, more availability for your preferred wedding date, and plenty of time for your guests to plan.

But don’t… invite guests too early

We know you’ll be excited to share the news, but resist the urge to send invites right away. Hold off until your resort and wedding date are officially booked. The sweet spot is about 14 months before the big day. This keeps everything clear and organized for your guests.

And don’t… require an RSVP

Traditional RSVPs don’t work well for destination weddings. You’ll get a lot of “yes” responses that never turn into actual bookings. Instead, let the guest’s room deposit be their RSVP. Once they’ve booked, you know they’re coming. Easy, right?

But do… set a “book by” date

Encourage your guests to book early by setting a recommended “book by” date on your wedding website. This creates urgency without pressure and helps your guests budget, save, and make their plans on time.

Definitely don’t… worry when your wedding coordinator takes a while

Here’s the truth: in the destination wedding world, it’s perfectly normal for your wedding coordinator to take a week or more to reply. They’re juggling multiple weddings, events, and behind-the-scenes magic. Stay calm, be patient, and know that your big day is in good hands.

Oh, and do… trust your travel agent and wedding coordinator

These are your people! They are your advocates, your problem-solvers, and your partners in pulling off the wedding of your dreams. Trust them to guide you, answer questions, and handle the details you don’t need to stress over.

Also, don’t… stress out over the little things

It’s so easy to get caught up in small details like playlist choices or napkin colors, but we promise those things won’t matter nearly as much as you think. Your guests will remember the joy, the location, and the love they celebrated with you.

Lastly, please do… commit yourself to slowing down

This is your once-in-a-lifetime wedding countdown. Take it in stride, enjoy the little moments, and don’t let stress steal the magic. Savor the planning process, because before you know it, you’ll be walking down the aisle in paradise.

Ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams? Connect with a destination wedding specialist at Romance Travel Group today! We can’t wait to help you turn your vision into reality.

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