Month-by-Month Timeline for Planning a Destination Wedding in Mexico
So, you’re engaged and you know you want a destination wedding in Mexico. You can picture the beach, the welcome party, the breeze, the dress, the margaritas… it’s all there in your head. But then reality kicks in and the questions start piling up.
When do I book the resort?
Do I need Save the Dates?
Is 10 months too late?
What even is attrition?
If any of those sound familiar, you’re in the right place. You’re not behind, and no, you haven’t missed the boat. You just need a plan. Let’s break it down month by month.
First, What’s the Ideal Planning Timeline?
If you want your pick of resorts, dates, and perks, I recommend starting about 15 to 18 months before your wedding date. But if you’re working with less time—six months, nine months—it’s still totally doable. You’ll just need to be decisive, flexible, and ideally, have someone on your team helping you move quickly and smartly.
16–18 Months Out: The Big Picture Phase
This is your dreaming phase. You don’t need to have everything figured out yet, just enough to start making smart decisions.
Set a realistic budget. Even a range is helpful. Most of my couples spend between $15,000 and $35,000 for the full wedding weekend.
Draft a rough guest list. Doesn’t have to be final, just enough to gauge how many rooms and what size resort you’ll need.
Let your VIPs know you’re thinking destination wedding. The earlier they know, the more time they’ll have to save and plan.
Start researching locations and resort areas. Are you feeling Cabo cliffs or Riviera Maya jungles? Boutique luxury or adults-only party?
Schedule a consultation with a destination wedding travel advisor. That’s me. This is where I take all your ideas and help you narrow it down to a few perfect-fit options.
Think about seasons. Avoid holidays and high season price spikes unless you’re fully prepared for the splurge.
Create a vision board. Pinterest, Trello, or a jumbled note in your phone… whatever works.
This stage is messy on purpose. You’re exploring. You’re gathering inspiration. I’ll help you take that big picture and turn it into an actual plan.
14–16 Months Out: Narrow It Down
You’re going from endless options to a clear front-runner.
Narrow your list to your top two or three resorts.
Ask your wedding party to be part of your day.
Start researching symbolic vs. legal ceremonies in Mexico. (Trust me, there’s more to it than you think.)
Explore honeymoon registries. They’re totally optional, but some guests will ask.
Finalize your destination and resort. [I’m a literal google filter when it comes to resorts in Mexico so take advantage of that perk…]
12–14 Months Out: Lock It In
This is where things get real. You officially become a destination wedding couple.
Book your wedding date and secure a room block for your guests.
Launch your wedding website. I create one for every couple I work with.
Schedule a site visit if you want to preview the resort in person.
Review vendor policies. Some resorts charge fees for outside photographers, planners, or DJs.
Finalize your guest list.
Send out invitations. Yes, now. Don’t wait for Save the Dates—once your website and room block are live, go for it.
The earlier your guests can plan and book, the better for everyone.
10–12 Months Out: Build Your Wedding Team
You’re laying the groundwork for your vendor dream team.
Choose your music. DJ, band, mariachi, playlist - whatever fits your vibe.
Book your photographer and videographer.
Decide if you want a planner or designer for décor upgrades.
Book your honeymoon. I can help you coordinate travel that flows seamlessly from wedding to honeymoon.
Heads-up: some resorts charge outside vendor fees, so we’ll weigh your options and find what makes sense for your budget.
8–10 Months Out: Travel & Wedding Attire
Now it’s time to handle the logistics and the fashion.
Book your flights.
Renew or apply for passports.
Finalize your wedding attire.
Start planning your rehearsal dinner (if you’re having one).
Source welcome bag items.
Quick tip: If you’re giving welcome bags, hand them out at the welcome party. Most resorts charge per-room delivery fees, and you can skip that entirely.
6–8 Months Out: Your Guest List Starts to Settle
You’ll start getting a clearer idea of who’s really coming.
Confirm pre-wedding events like your shower or bachelorette.
Decide whether you’re hosting a welcome party or farewell brunch.
Start planning your ceremony: vows, readings, and must-have photos.
This is where the planning starts to feel real and exciting.
4–6 Months Out: Time to Put It All in Motion
Your checklist will start shrinking, and that’s a good feeling.
Finalize your food and beverage menus.
Purchase accessories like shoes, veil, and jewelry.
I’ll submit your rooming list and confirmed guest count to the resort.
Send out formal invites if you haven’t already.
Plan any group excursions for your guests.
One of my favorite weddings included a surprise catamaran cruise the couple gifted their guests. It wasn’t complicated or crazy, but it was unforgettable.
2–4 Months Out: Time to Fine-Tune
At this point, your on-site wedding planner from the resort usually gets involved.
Finalize your ceremony and reception timeline.
Finalize your vows.
Confirm your music selections.
Buy wedding party and parent gifts.
Review your resort perks and comps.
Let’s make sure you’re getting the full value of what you’ve earned - it could be extra nights, free events, upgraded spaces… the little things that make a big difference.
1 Month Out: Last-Minute Logistics
This is the final prep phase before you’re wheels-up.
Confirm your final RSVP list and guest count.
Set up guest transfers to and from the airport.
Request printed and digital travel documents. I’ll create these for your guests.
Final dress fitting.
Ship decor items only if necessary. I usually recommend packing them in your luggage instead.
2 Weeks Out: Almost There
This is the home stretch.
Assign wedding day roles to your bridal party.
Pick up your dress.
Confirm your hair and makeup appointments.
Review airline policies for flying with your dress.
Final check-ins with your vendors and resort coordinator.
Wedding Week: The Fun Begins
Before you leave:
Pack for your wedding and honeymoon.
Prepare gratuities for vendors. Assign this task to your maid of honor or best man.
After arrival:
Meet with your on-site wedding planner.
Deliver welcome bags.
Enjoy your welcome party. You made it.
Day before:
Rehearsal and dinner.
Gift your wedding party.
Rest, hydrate, breathe.
Wedding day:
Have breakfast. Sip something celebratory. Take it all in. Say “I do.”
Want the Whole Timeline as a Checklist?
Here’s the thing: you can figure all this out on your own. You could keep Googling, scrolling resort websites, and second-guessing your every move… or you can have someone in your corner who’s done this dozens of times and knows exactly how to get you from “we’re engaged!” to “we did it!”
When you work with me, you’re not just getting a resort recommendation, you’re getting a destination wedding game plan. Personalized resort matches, travel logistics handled for you and your guests, clear timelines, Trello boards, checklists, reminders, and all the little things no one tells you about until it’s too late.
If that sounds like the kind of support you’re craving, let’s chat.
