So, you’ve decided on a destination wedding. Great choice! A sun-kissed beach surrounded by all of your loved ones sounds like pure bliss. But before you can send out your invitations, there’s one crucial detail to nail down: the wedding date. Seems simple enough, right? Well, buckle up because there’s more to it than circling a day on the calendar and calling it a day. Here are my top tips to help you pick the right date for your destination wedding, without the headache!
Factors To Consider Before You Pick Your Wedding Date
Resort Availability
If you’ve fallen in love with a specific resort or venue, you’ll need to act fast. In the world of destination weddings, popular venues book out 18-24 months in advance. And no, I’m not exaggerating! You don’t want to be stuck with your second (or fifth) choice because you waited too long. Plus, booking early means you will find a resort with enough rooms to accommodate all of your guests.
Bonus Tip: The earlier you book, the better the rates will be!
Consider the Weather
Before you lock down your date, do a little weather research on your dream destination. I recommend looking at seasonal averages and local weather patterns for the area. Imagine walking down the aisle as a hurricane sweeps through. Not your vibe, right?
If you’re planning a Mexico wedding, keep in mind that hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, with the peak happening between August to October. On the bright side, it’s whale-watching season on the West Coast of Mexico (think Puerto Vallarta or Cabo) from December to April.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in the Bahamas the winter months can be chilly and if you are hoping to have a destination wedding in Costa Rica, be prepared for rain from May to November.
Pricing is going to be higher during the “best” time of year to travel which is customarily the winter months. But hey, there’s an upside! Off-season pricing can be beneficial to your budget and you (and your guests) can save money by traveling during the off-season!
Watch Out for Holidays
When it comes to holidays, timing is everything. Sure, having your wedding over a holiday weekend might seem convenient, but beware of sky-high prices and huge crowds. During these times it is very likely that you won’t receive any resort perks from the room block; you may also find that many resorts won’t book weddings during these dates. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Spring Break (mid-March to early April)? Avoid these peak holidays for your potential wedding date.
That said, some holidays can work in your favor. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day are solid choices. Your guests might even thank you for giving them an excuse to take a long weekend off work!
Fun Dates to Consider
If you are looking for fun local holidays or cultural events that could give your destination wedding some pizazz consider these points. Thinking of heading to Mexico for Cinco de Mayo? You may be disappointed as it turns out it’s not the party you think it is unless you’re in the state of Puebla. Alternatively, September 16th is Mexican Independence Day and is a much bigger deal and a great option to consider for your destination wedding date in Mexico. If you’re lucky they’ll have Chiles en Nogada (yum!) on the menu, which is only available this time of year! Another fun time to visit Mexico is during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is traditionally celebrated on November 1st.
Want a wedding date with a little extra sparkle? Look and see if there are any significant dates during your relationship that stand out & could be a meaningful choice. Or consider a fun date with number symbolism like 2/5/25- just remember you are not the only one interested in what I like to call a ‘hot date’. So, it’s best to book about 2 years in advance!
Check Your Guest List
As much as your wedding is about you, your guests matter too. So, if half of your guest list is tied up with school schedules, sports events, or another wedding, you might want to rethink that date. An important note to remember, Saturdays and Fridays are the first to go. Luckily, destination weddings happen all week long, and you can often snag a discount for a weekday ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About Picking Your Wedding Date
What’s the best season to plan a destination wedding?
The best season depends on your priorities. If you want the most reliable weather, aim for the dry season (November to April). Shoulder months like May or October can lower your cost and crowds, with minimal rain risk.
How far in advance should we set our wedding date?
Ideally 18 to 24 months out, especially if you have a specific resort or peak-season date in mind. That gives you plenty of time for resort availability, guest budgeting, travel logistics, and contract negotiation.
Can weather make or break our destination wedding date?
Absolutely. Hurricane season (June to November) can bring disruptions. Even during dry season, there’s still a small chance of showers, so always have a backup plan.
Should we avoid holidays when picking our date?
Skip peak holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Spring Break since they bring sky-high prices and no resort perks from your room block. Long-weekend holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day tend to work in your favor.
Your Dream Destination Wedding Wedding Date Awaits
At the end of the day, your wedding date is all about what works best for you and your love story. Whether you’re dodging hurricanes, chasing whales, or avoiding Spring Break crowds, there’s a date out there for you. Just remember to book early, check the weather, and maybe avoid a major holiday. Be sure to ask during your consultation how to find the right wedding date for you! Book your destination wedding consultation today!
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