While your wedding is for you and your partner, it also includes the opportunity for family and friends to celebrate you and your life. It’s important to think about the experience you want your guests to have when they attend your destination wedding.
Will it be a fun-filled weekend of activities, or more low-key and relaxed? Whatever you decide, make sure to give your guests an idea of what the weekend will look like with a destination wedding Itinerary.
Creating an Unforgettable Wedding Experience
Every wedding is so different. There’s not a wrong way to do it! Having an itinerary, no matter how simple or elaborate your wedding, can help keep your guests informed and in the loop about what to expect. Here’s an example itinerary you could give to your guests:
Thursday: Arrival Day
Thursday is the day that all of you will arrive in Costa Rica! It’s a great time to relax and unwind in the beautiful scenery and explore the local culture. We will have an arrival gift bag waiting for you in your hotel room. Later in the evening, we will have a toast at 8 p.m. to celebrate our special weekend.
Friday: Rehearsal Dinner
What you do during the day is mostly up to you. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the beach, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Costa Rica’s most scenic spots. In the evening, everyone is invited to attend the rehearsal dinner celebration at one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking locations. You’ll have an amazing view of the sunset while dining on delicious cuisine—it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable night!
Saturday: Wedding Day
Today is the day that we will finally tie the knot! All wedding guests should arrive at the ceremony location by 10 a.m. The ceremony won’t start until 10:30 but please arrive on time. Following the ceremony and vows, we will have pictures on the beach with the bridal party.
At 6 p.m., the reception will be held at a nearby restaurant. We’ll have dinner, drinks, and dancing—it’s bound to be full of love and laughter!
Sunday: Farewell Brunch
Our final event will take place on Sunday at 10 a.m. We will be holding a farewell brunch! We’ll share one last meal and then say our goodbyes.
Your wedding weekend itinerary doesn’t have to be elaborate, but a simple one will keep things running smoothly while keeping everyone informed.
Tips for Planning Your Destination Wedding Itinerary
Tip 1: Hire a Destination Wedding Planner
Working with an experienced destination wedding planner can help you craft the perfect destination wedding itinerary that fits your vision and expectations. A great planner will also have lots of insider knowledge about where to find the best vendors, restaurants, and attractions.
Tip 2: Consider Your Guests’ Needs
Your guests should be at the forefront of your planning. Make sure you consider their needs, as well as your own when creating an itinerary—think about how long it takes to get from one place to another and if you need to include transportation for them. While you are drafting your itinerary, feel free to run it by a friend and see if it has any holes from their perspective. Sometimes an outside perspective will do a world of good!
Tip 3: Include Ample Downtime
Yes, your destination wedding should be filled with fun activities and events. But it’s also important to give your guests some time to explore the area and relax on their own. You want them to enjoy this special moment with you, not feel overwhelmed by all the planning and commitments. So make sure to include some downtime during your wedding weekend itinerary.
Tip 4: Respect Local Customs
Every destination has its own unique culture and customs, so if you are hosting a destination wedding, it’s important to respect them. Have a look at the local laws and traditions of the area you are visiting and ensure they are reflected in your itinerary.
Tip 5: Choose New and Exciting Activities
The great thing about a destination wedding is that you get to experience something new! When selecting activities for your itinerary, try to pick ones that are unique to the area or locals-only experiences. This will make your wedding truly special for all of your guests.
Tip 6: Plan Out the Evening Events
If you plan on having evening events, it’s important to make sure that they are specified in your itinerary. Be sure to include all pertinent information such as time, location, and attire so that everyone knows what to expect. If you are scheduling the wedding reception for a specific time be aware of the sunset times at your destination.
Tip 7: Make It Easy to Follow
The most important tip for planning your destination wedding itinerary is to make it easy to follow. No one wants an itinerary that’s too long and confusing. Make sure each event has clear instructions and timelines so everyone knows what their obligations are. You can also include maps and transportation details if you think they will be helpful.
Creating the perfect destination wedding itinerary doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. With these tips and a bit of creativity, you can make it an unforgettable experience for you and your guests!
Destination Inspiration is Here for You
We know that planning a destination wedding can be stressful. With all the t’s to cross and i’s to dot, you may feel like you are at your wit’s end. At Destination Inspiration, we know how to help you plan the most unforgettable wedding experience. Whether you need help finding a venue, planning the wedding weekend itinerary, scheduling flights, arranging the food, or all of the above—we can take the worry off your hands.
With over 30 years of combined experience, your wedding is in good hands. Contact us to start planning together today.
