Planning Timeline for Your Wedding in Costa Rica
You’ve already picked a date. You’re going to Costa Rica for the wedding of your dreams. It’s time to start planning. There are so many things to consider, especially if you select a venue that isn’t all-inclusive and doesn’t have onsite vendors. A destination wedding is no easy feat to pull off on your own. Hiring an experienced destination wedding planner is one of the best decisions you can make. If you decide to go it on your own, you have a lot of work ahead of you. We’ve put together a wedding planning timeline to help guide you through the planning process. It’s important to remember that every wedding is unique, and planning details will be different depending on a lot of factors. (Another reason hiring a destination wedding planner is a good idea).
Bride and Groom image on a Costa Rica beach by SilverSparrowWeddings.
9 to 12 months before your wedding
Some things you will need to do personally:
Set a budget
Hire a destination wedding planner
Create a guest list
Apply for or Renew Passports
Without a Wedding Planner
Choose & secure the venue
Reserve your suite and block off a set of rooms for guests
Wedding insurance is always recommended
Research marriage requirements/paperwork/license
With a Destination Wedding Planner
Meet with your destination wedding planner to talk about the initial planning details of your destination wedding. A destination wedding planner will be familiar with the venue and local area and will be able to help you make decisions that you are happy with as well as give you details about the marriage requirements.
9 to 11 months before your wedding
Some things you will need to do personally:
Choose your wedding party
Decide on your wedding dress
Set up a wedding website
Without a Destination Wedding Planner
Send out Save the Dates
Book your flights
Find vendors if the venue is not all-inclusive
With a Destination Wedding Planner
Meet with your destination wedding planner to talk about the details of your destination wedding. A destination wedding planner has built relationships with local vendors and can help you navigate contracts and deposits.
6 to 8 months before your wedding
Some things you will need to do personally:
Initial wedding dress fitting
Choose wedding party attire
Order and send invitations
Without a Wedding Planner
Decide on a menu
Review vendor contracts
Finalize guest list and send invites
Finalize honeymoon plans
With a Destination Wedding Planner
Meet with your destination wedding planner to talk about the menu options, floral arrangements, wedding decor, etc. You can review the vendor contracts together, confirm the invitations were sent out - destination wedding guests need 6-months notice to plan travel, and go over the details of your honeymoon.
3 to 5 weeks before your wedding
Some things you will need to do personally:
The shot list for the photographer
Required vaccines for the area
Check that all legal documents are finalized
Final dress fitting
Without a Wedding Planner
Finalize and confirm flight & hotel bookings
Review guest RSVPs and reach out to those that haven’t responded
Make final payments for vendors and accommodations
Wedding day timeline
Reception timeline
Packing list - Pack your wedding attire, rings, and anything else of value in your carry-ons. You don't want lost luggage to ruin your wedding day.
With a Destination Wedding Planner
Meet with your destination wedding planner to review the final details (listed above) and make sure everything is coming together and handle any unexpected issues that might come up - and they do.
1 to 2 weeks before your wedding
Some things you will need to do personally:
Pick up your wedding dress
Start packing
Assemble a wedding emergency kit
Tips for vendors
Without a Wedding Planner
Finalize seating arrangements
Confirm flight numbers and arrival times for the wedding party and parents
Check with the wedding party to make sure they picked up their attire
Deal with any last-minute issues that might pop up.
With a Destination Wedding Planner
Meet with your destination wedding planner for any last-minute details that come up. Take some time to get pampered with a spa treatment because you know your wedding planner has everything under control.
Read more about planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica
Wedding Planner Packages for Your Wedding in Costa Rica
What to Expect From Costa Rica Wedding Planners on Your Big Day
How to Plan the Perfect Costa Rica Wedding
Travel Tips and Tricks From Our Costa Rica Wedding Planners
Expert Destination Wedding Planner Tip
We know the perfect place to host your Costa Rica destination wedding. Rancho Haas is a gorgeous beach mansion tucked away among the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Take a virtual tour and see for yourself.
Here at Blue Linden, we are experienced destination wedding planners familiar with all the options Costa Rica offers. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you avoid the stress and hassle that can come with planning a wedding from afar.