Planning A Destination Wedding Itinerary: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a destination wedding? Creating a fun and dynamic itinerary for your guests is a thoughtful idea. Not only does it enhance their experience, but it also saves them time and money. A detailed itinerary helps guests plan their time and budget effectively, and it creates a sense of community as they bond with each other before the big day.

- Schedule events at a comfortable pace to ensure your guests don't get exhausted. Spread events throughout each day so everyone has time to relax.

- Let your guests know that all events are optional and that they can choose which ones to attend.

- Offer a mix of activities to cater to different interests and energy levels. For example, you could organise a day of adventure with hiking or kayaking, or a relaxation day with spa treatments and a beach or yoga session.

- Decide on the types of events you want to hold. If you're at an all-inclusive resort, you might want to include spa treatments, beach yoga, and poolside cabanas. If you're celebrating the local culture, consider tours of landmarks, local markets, and wine tasting.

- Let guests know the event schedule ahead of time so they can pack accordingly. Include details on your wedding website or app.

- Don't let your pre-wedding events overshadow the wedding itself. Keep the welcome party casual, and make the wedding reception the most formal event.

Happy planning!

Adventure-filled itinerary

An adventure-filled itinerary is perfect for couples who love outdoor activities and want to showcase the natural beauty of their wedding location. Here is a suggested itinerary for an adventure-filled destination wedding:

Day 1 (Arrival Day)

• Arrival at the hotel: Greet guests as they arrive and provide them with welcome bags and a schedule for the weekend.
• Welcome brunch and dinner: With guests arriving at different times, offer a relaxed brunch or dinner to ensure everyone is fed and starts to feel welcomed.
• Adventure excursion: Get guests' adrenaline pumping with a guided hike, kayaking trip, or even a zip-lining adventure to explore the local scenery and wildlife.
• Evening cocktails and bonfire: As the sun sets, host a casual get-together with cocktails and a bonfire. This will allow guests to mingle and relax after their travels.

Day 2: Adventure & Exploration

• Morning yoga: Start the day with an energizing yoga session to get guests stretched and ready for another day of adventure.
• Sightseeing and cultural immersion: Plan a day trip to explore the local area, including visits to museums, historical landmarks, and places of cultural significance. Immerse yourself and your guests in the rich heritage of the location.
• Local cuisine experience: Treat your guests to an authentic culinary experience by dining at a locals-approved restaurant, sampling street food, or enjoying a cooking class featuring regional specialties.
• Rehearsal dinner: Host an intimate dinner for the wedding party and close friends/family to go over final details, make toasts, and share stories.

Day 3 (Wedding Day)

• Wedding ceremony and reception: The main event! Exchange vows in a stunning location, surrounded by loved ones.
• Late-night after-party: Keep the celebration going with an after-party where guests can dance the night away.

Day 4: Adventure Activities

• Adventure activity options: Offer a choice of adventure activities such as white water rafting, rock climbing, or exploring hidden waterfalls. This will cater to different interests and energy levels.
• Picnic lunch: Provide a casual outdoor lunch for guests to refuel and recharge.
• Relaxation options: For those who prefer a slower pace, arrange spa treatments, a beach day, or a gentle nature walk.
• Farewell dinner: Host a special dinner to bid farewell to your guests, share memories, and express gratitude.

Day 5 (Departure Day)

Breakfast and departure: Provide a simple breakfast for guests before they depart, and offer a warm send-off.

Relaxation itinerary

A relaxation itinerary is perfect for guests who have travelled a long way to attend your wedding and need some downtime before the big day. Here is a sample relaxation itinerary for your destination wedding:

Day 1 (Arrival Day):

• Arrival at the hotel: Guests will be arriving at the hotel at various times throughout the day. It is recommended that the couple gets there a day or two before most guests to help with final preparations.
• Welcome brunch and dinner: Greet guests with a meal to accommodate different arrival times.
• Spa morning: Help guests ease out of jet lag with massages and other treatments.
• Beach day: A day for guests to relax on the beach, enjoy water activities, and soak up the sun.
• Evening cocktails and bonfire: A relaxed evening for guests to mingle and enjoy the surroundings.

Day 2:

• Adventure excursion: Organise a guided hike or kayaking trip for guests to experience the local scenery and wildlife.
• Cooking class: Guests can learn about local cuisine and enjoy a fun group activity.
• Rehearsal dinner: A casual dinner for the wedding party to go over final details and toasts.

Day 3:

• Wedding ceremony and reception: The main event!
• Late-night party: An after-party for guests to continue the celebrations.

Day 4: Relaxation Day

Guests can take it easy, enjoy the hotel's amenities, or book a spa treatment.

Day 5:

Farewell dinner: A final dinner for guests to share memories and say their goodbyes.

Day 6 (Departure Day):

Guests will be departing from the hotel.

This sample itinerary can be adjusted to suit the specific needs and interests of the couple and their guests. For instance, you could organise a yoga class, or arrange for guests to visit local museums or historical landmarks. The key is to provide a mix of fun and relaxing activities so that guests can make the most of their time at your destination and create memorable experiences together.

Food and wine itinerary

A food and wine itinerary is perfect for foodie couples and offers a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine and beverages. Here is a suggested itinerary for a food and wine-themed destination wedding:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Upon arrival, guests can check into the hotel and enjoy a welcome brunch or dinner. This is a great way to receive guests who may be arriving at different times throughout the day.

Day 2: Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting

Arrange a tour of local vineyards and wineries, perhaps with a wine-tasting session. This is a fantastic way for your guests to learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the region's finest wines.

Day 3: Culinary Exploration

On the third day, you can organise a visit to a nearby farmer's market, where guests can explore local produce and interact with local vendors. This can be followed by a cooking class where everyone can learn to prepare some traditional dishes.

Day 4: Wedding Day

The wedding ceremony and reception are the main events, so ensure that your guests are well-rested and ready to celebrate!

Day 5: Relaxation and Farewells

The day after the wedding, guests might appreciate a more relaxed schedule. You could arrange a spa treatment, a beach day, or a yoga class for everyone to unwind and recharge. Before departures, host a farewell brunch or dinner, giving guests a chance to share memories and bid each other goodbye.

Additional Ideas:

• Include a food-themed welcome gift for your guests, such as local treats or a mini bottle of the region's speciality drink.
• If your wedding is in a location with a rich cultural heritage, incorporate food and wine into those experiences. For example, visit local restaurants serving authentic cuisine or take a tour of historical landmarks followed by a traditional meal.
• For a more active itinerary, arrange a day of wine-themed activities like grape-stomping or a wine-barrel rolling contest.
• If your wedding is near the coast, consider a boat trip with seafood and wine-tasting on board.
• For a more educational experience, organise a wine-making or food-pairing workshop.

Sports-themed itinerary

A sports-themed itinerary is perfect for couples who are sports enthusiasts and want to showcase their competitive side. Here is a suggested itinerary for a sports-themed destination wedding:

Day 1 (Arrival Day)

• Arrival at the hotel: Welcome your guests with a themed brunch or dinner, especially if they are arriving at different times.
• Spa morning: Help guests relax and unwind with massages and other treatments to ease jet lag.
• Beach day: If your destination has a beach, organise a beach volleyball tournament for guests to participate in and enjoy water activities.
• Evening cocktails and bonfire: Create a relaxed atmosphere for guests to mingle and socialise.
• Adventure excursion: For those who want more action, organise a guided hike or kayaking trip to explore the local scenery and wildlife.
• Rehearsal dinner: Host an informal dinner for the wedding party to go over final details, toasts, and activities for the coming days.

Day 4 (Wedding Day)

• Wedding ceremony and reception: The main event – a beautiful and memorable celebration of love.
• Late-night party: Continue the festivities with an after-party for guests to dance and celebrate into the night.

Day 5 (Sports Day)

• Golf or tennis tournament: Arrange a friendly competition among your guests with a golf or tennis tournament. This is a great way to introduce guests to each other and create a fun atmosphere.
• Beach sports: If your destination has a beach, organise beach sports such as volleyball, frisbee, or even a light-hearted sandcastle-building contest.
• Swimming pool games: For a change of pace, move the activities to the pool with games like water polo, relay races, or a simple splash contest.
• Awards ceremony: Conclude the day's activities with a fun awards ceremony, recognising guests' achievements and participation.

Day 6 (Departure Day)

Farewell brunch: Host a final meal for guests to share memories, say their goodbyes, and depart from the hotel.

Feel free to adjust and customise the itinerary to fit your specific needs, interests, and the location of your destination wedding. You can also mix and match activities to suit all types of guests and energy levels!

Cultural itinerary

A cultural itinerary is a great way to showcase the local culture and give your guests a unique experience. Here is a suggested cultural itinerary for your destination wedding:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Arrive at the hotel and check in. You may want to recommend or provide a welcome bag with essential items and your itinerary. This is also a great opportunity to include a small gift that reflects the local culture, such as a bottle of tequila for a Mexican wedding.

Day 2: Exploring the Culture

After a relaxing morning, your guests can embark on a cultural excursion. Organise shuttle buses to local landmarks, markets and vineyards. This is a great opportunity for your guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, taste regional cuisine and interact with the locals.

Day 3: Relaxation and Rehearsal

The day before the wedding should be low-key and focused on relaxation. You can book the spa for your bridal party, while other guests can continue to explore and enjoy the local culture. In the evening, host a rehearsal dinner, which is a great chance to spend intimate time with your guests. This is also an opportunity to include traditional rituals, music and cuisine in the celebration.

Day 4: The Big Day

The wedding day! After the ceremony, it's time to celebrate with a reception. By including so many events in your itinerary, you will have already connected with your guests, making the reception even more enjoyable.

Day 5: Farewell

Share a final meal with your guests and thank them for making the journey to celebrate with you. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the memories made and discuss future trips to the destination.

A cultural itinerary is a fantastic way to showcase the local culture and give your guests a unique and memorable experience. By including a mix of relaxation and cultural activities, your guests will have a well-rounded and enjoyable trip.

Frequently asked questions