The Perfect Wedding Timeline for your French Destination Wedding

September 21, 2023

Bonjour love birds,

Got a proposal during the summer holidays? Congratulations! Now what? As the saying goes, first comes love, then comes marriage, and after that comes…a flurry of wedding planning tasks that may seem overwhelming at first glance. Don’t fret because today, we’re unveiling the ultimate guide to creating a seamless wedding timeline, featuring our curated ‘Kiss and Toast Destination Wedding Collections,’ and it’s especially tailored for those planning a destination wedding in France.

Here’s a snapshot of the main steps:

Set a date, and a region: These aren’t just calendar details; they set the stage for your entire celebration.
Draft a guest list: Because love is best celebrated with your nearest and dearest.
Create an estimated budget: Clueless on where to begin? A wedding planner can offer virtual consultations; don’t hesitate to reach out to our sister brand Giacomelli Weddings to schedule a Consultative Guidance.
Find your venue or reach out so we can find one together: An enchanted chateau? A sun-kissed beach? The world, or at least France, is your oyster!
Book your destination wedding collection with Kiss and Toast and personalise it.
Or, assemble your dream team of vendors to bring your vision to life and follow our planning checklist to make sure you are on top of everything, because details make the day.
Enjoy your wedding day!: After all, this is what it’s all about.

Your Wedding Timeline: A Roadmap to 'I Do' for Destination Weddings

12 to 18 Months Before

Dream a little dream, lovebirds! Envision your perfect day and set those wheels in motion. Choose the date and the jaw-dropping destination where you’ll say “I Do.”
Finalise your guest list and establish your budget focusing on what matters most to you.

9 to 12 Months Before

Secure your fairy-tale venue and define the aesthetic essence of your wedding. You can have a look at our partner venues selection.
Time to select your collection ! Considering our ‘Kiss and Toast Collections’ simplifies your planning by offering a comprehensive package that aligns with your vision. Otherwise, it’s time to assemble your team of extraordinary vendors: catering, music, photography, videography, florals, beauty experts and all the vendors that are important to you.
For those wishing for a religious ceremony, now is the moment to connect with your respective religious authorities. If it’s a symbolic ceremony you seek, start drafting with your chosen celebrant, whether it’s a friend, a relative or a professional celebrant (link to celebrant services)

6 to 9 Months Before

Revisit your budget and, with your key vendors sorted, see if there’s wiggle room for the delightful extras you’ve been eyeing.
Venture into the realm of bridal couture for that dress that makes your heart sing.
Get those travel arrangements nailed down. From securing early-bird flights to block-booking rooms, make sure the journey is as seamless as the wedding itself.

3 to 6 Months Before

Personalise your Collection and/or dive into the delightful world of décor, fashion, and gastronomical tastings. Personalising your wedding starts here.

1 to 3 Months Before

It’s all about the details. Think seating charts and wedding day stationery, playlists, photo list and yes, even the late-night snacks for your post-dance floor munchies.
One month out, with your guest count finessed, it’s time to finalise not just quantities with your vendors but also those ever-important travel and transportation arrangements for your guests.
Round it out with a venue walkthrough, confirmations from vendors and deliveries, and perhaps an intimate vow-writing session that brings it all back to what’s most important: your love for each other.

2 Weeks Before

The home stretch. Final checklist reviews, attire collection, and perhaps indulge in a spa day. You’ve earned it!

The Wedding Day

Ah, the pinnacle of your planning journey. Enjoy each moment, each glance, and each spoken vow.

Destination Weddings and the Art of Guest Management

When it comes to destination weddings, confirming travel arrangements is a pivotal step that couples often neglect or postpone. Who can blame you, it’s a lot of work !

If you intend to manage or assist with your guests’ travel plans, aim to have these details sorted around 6 to 9 months in advance. This allows your guests ample time to secure their own logistics and perhaps plan a mini-holiday around your nuptials. After all, who wouldn’t want to extend their time in France ?

For couples who prefer giving their guests freedom to plan their own travels as they wish, sending a ‘Save-the-Date’ a year in advance is a courteous gesture. This allows everyone ample time to make their arrangements. To further assist, consider providing your guests with a curated list of local accommodations and transportation tips on your wedding website, or the contact of a local travel planner or agency. In our Kiss & Toast wedding packages, all the information is provided to ensure a smooth journey around your French destination wedding for you and your guests.

With this timeline as your trusted guide, your journey from ‘yes’ to ‘I do’ should be as smooth as that decadent chocolate ganache on your wedding cake. Now, go forth and plan, with all the joyful authenticity your heart can muster!

You can also reach out to tell us all about your plans, contact us to see if we can find the perfect destination wedding collection for you at Kiss and Toast ! They are designed for couples like you, who seek both enchantment and ease.

With love,