By Cherry Pop Events – Weddings and Events with Sass and Class
Why Destination Weddings Sparkle
Darlin’, love doesn’t stop at the county line — and neither should your wedding. Today’s couples are turning their “I Do’s” into full-blown vacation extravaganzas. Think weekend-long celebrations dripping in glam, cocktails on the beach, and vows framed by jaw-dropping views.
But sugar, pulling off a successful destination wedding requires more than airline miles and Pinterest boards. That’s where a planner with 20+ years under her crinoline (yours truly) comes in. So let’s sashay through everything you need to know.
Month-by-Month Planning Timeline
12–14 Months Out
- Pick your destination (check climate and travel seasons).
- Set your budget.
- Hire your wedding planner (hi, doll — Cherry Pop Events specializes in this).
- Research local marriage laws.
10–12 Months Out
- Lock down your venue.
- Reserve a block of hotel rooms.
- Send “Save the Dates.”
8–10 Months Out
- Secure key vendors (photographer, caterer, florist).
- Arrange travel logistics for yourselves and VIP guests.
- Start designing your wedding weekend itinerary.
6–8 Months Out
- Shop for attire (consider climate — silk melts in Bali, sweetheart).
- Schedule tastings or virtual consultations.
- Plan excursions or group events (wine tours, boat rides).
4–6 Months Out
- Finalize guest list.
- Send formal invitations.
- Confirm décor rentals and transportation.
2–4 Months Out
- Arrange welcome bags.
- Finalize menus, playlists, and timelines.
- Schedule hair/makeup trials (either locally or on-site).
1–2 Months Out
- Confirm RSVPs.
- Create seating charts.
- Prepare emergency contingency plans.
Wedding Week
- Arrive a few days early.
- Inspect the venue.
- Host a welcome dinner.
- Relax and let Cherry Pop Events run the show.
💸 Budget Breakdown for a Luxury Destination Wedding
Estimated Budget: $75,000–$150,000 (for 75–100 guests)
- Venue & Accommodations: 35%
- Food & Beverage: 25%
- Travel & Guest Experience: 15%
- Photography/Video: 10%
- Décor & Florals: 7%
- Entertainment: 5%
- Miscellaneous/Contingency: 3%
Cherry Pop Events helps wealthy couples keep their sparkle without breaking the bank — from luxury villas to budget-friendly brilliance.
Top 10 Popular Destination Wedding Locations
- Tuscany, Italy 🍷
- Paris, France 🇫🇷
- Santorini, Greece 🏛️
- Bali, Indonesia 🌺
- Maui, Hawaii 🌴 – a Cherry Pop Events Favorite
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 🌊
- Riviera Maya, Mexico 🐚
- Provence, France 💐
- Amalfi Coast, Italy 🍋
- Phuket, Thailand 🏖️
Top 10 Easiest Destination Wedding Locations
- Mexico (Cabo, Cancun)
- Hawaii (Maui, Oahu) – a Cherry Pop Events Favorite
- Jamaica
- Dominican Republic
- Costa Rica
- Puerto Rico (no passport needed for U.S. guests)
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Florida Keys
- Belize
- Bahamas
Cautionary Tales (and How to Avoid Them)
- Tale 1: A couple forgot local marriage laws — ceremony wasn’t legal.
- ✅ Fix: Cherry Pop Events ensures all legalities are handled (and notarized).
- Tale 2: Guests couldn’t afford the pricey hotel block.
- ✅ Fix: Offer tiered lodging options at different price points.
- Tale 3: Rain washed out an outdoor ceremony.
- ✅ Fix: Always, ALWAYS have a Plan B venue.
- Tale 4: Luggage with the wedding dress got lost.
- ✅ Fix: Carry-on essentials (Cherry Pop Events has a dress-shipping hack).
- Tale 5: Guests overscheduled with excursions, missed the rehearsal dinner.
- ✅ Fix: Balance free time with group activities.
Questions to Ask Your Planner Before Hiring
- Have you planned weddings in my chosen destination before?
- Do you have local vendor connections?
- How do you handle international marriage laws?
- Can you coordinate guest travel and accommodations?
- Do you provide day-of coordination as well as weekend event management?
- How do you manage contingency plans abroad?
- What’s your fee structure for destination weddings?
Why Hire Cherry Pop Events?
Because doll, destination weddings are not a DIY project. With 20+ years of planning fabulous events, I bring the sass, class, and spreadsheets that ensure your weekend abroad sparkles without stress.
From Southern California to Santorini, Cherry Pop Events delivers:
- Luxe vendor vetting
- Culturally sensitive styling
- Budget and timeline management
- Weekend-long itinerary coordination
✨ Final Word
Planning a destination wedding is like juggling flaming batons in high heels — glamorous, but dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. With the right planning, budget, and a pro in your corner, your wedding weekend can be the dazzling affair your love deserves.
👠 Cherry Pop Events: Weddings and Events with Sass and Class
💌 Schedule your consultation here: Book Now
📚 References
- The Knot: Destination Wedding Planning Guide (2024)
- Brides: Average Cost of Destination Weddings (2023)
- WeddingWire: Top Destination Wedding Locations (2024)
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