Planning a destination wedding can feel like a dream and a whirlwind rolled into one—an unforgettable celebration in a location that reflects your love story, with the bonus of vacation vibes for everyone involved. But to truly enjoy it stress-free, expert advice makes all the difference. Enter Aimee Monihan, founder of Tropical Occasions and Mountain Occasions, with more than two decades of destination wedding experience across the globe. In her interview on Destination I Do, The Podcast, Aimee shared essential wisdom to help couples turn their wedding away into a seamless, magical experience. Here are her top 20 tips to keep in mind:

Photo By Julieta

1. Choose a Destination with Intention

Select a location that’s personally meaningful and logistically realistic for you and your guests. Aimee emphasizes how the right location should reflect your personalities and be accessible.

2. Trust a Destination Wedding Planner

According to Aimee, hiring a seasoned planner with experience in your destination is crucial. Local knowledge and established vendor relationships can make or break your experience.

3. Vet Your Vendors Carefully

Don’t just go with the first suggestion. Your planner should help you vet photographers, florists, and other vendors to ensure quality and professionalism—especially if they’re based locally.

4. Understand Local Laws and Requirements

Make sure you know what’s legally required to get married in your destination. In some countries, a legal wedding might be more complex than a symbolic one.

5. Lean Into the Locale

Let the setting influence your wedding design. Aimee loves using local textures, colors, and cultural elements to enhance the authenticity of the celebration.

Photo by Caitlin Alohilani Photography

6. Think Seasonally

Know your destination’s high and low seasons—both in terms of cost and weather. A planner like Aimee will advise on the best time of year to marry in a specific location.

7. Plan a Welcome Party or Casual Kickoff

Aimee recommends a welcome event to greet guests, set the tone, and give everyone a chance to connect before the wedding day.

8. Give Your Guests a Full Experience

Treat your guests to more than just the ceremony and reception. Suggest activities or excursions to let them fully experience the destination.

9. Budget for Shipping or Sourcing

If you’re dreaming of a specific decor item or dress, consider what can realistically travel with you—and what should be sourced locally to save on costs and stress.

10. Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when planning abroad. Aimee notes that things may change or not be available, but there’s often a beautiful alternative just waiting to be discovered.

Photo by The Hulls

11. Create a Thoughtful Timeline

Give your guests plenty of time to plan. Aimee advises sending save-the-dates at least 9–12 months in advance for international weddings.

12. Use a Wedding Website Wisely

Keep your guests informed with a dedicated site outlining travel details, schedules, and local recommendations.

13. Don’t Overpack the Itinerary

Leave space for spontaneity. Your guests are on vacation too! Aimee encourages couples to allow downtime between events.

14. Be Culturally Respectful

Incorporate local traditions thoughtfully and respectfully. Aimee often works with local artisans and musicians to enhance authenticity.

15. Think Beyond the Beach

While Aimee started with Tropical Occasions, her Mountain Occasions brand reminds couples that destination weddings aren’t limited to sand and sun—think mountaintop, desert, or vineyard.

Photo by Weddings by Katherine Marchand

16. Prioritize Communication

Work with vendors and your planner on clear expectations. Aimee stresses consistent communication as a key to smooth planning across time zones and languages.

17. Be Realistic with Your Budget

Destination weddings can be cost-effective, but they still require smart budgeting. Talk openly with your planner about what’s possible in your price range.

18. Expect the Unexpected

Travel hiccups, weather changes, or last-minute vendor issues can happen. Aimee believes a seasoned planner helps mitigate those stresses so you can stay present.

Photo by Davy Whitener

19. Take Care of Yourselves

Don’t lose yourselves in the process. Carve out alone time during the trip to recharge, especially right before the big day.

20. Celebrate Love with Gratitude

Aimee closes by reminding couples that a destination wedding is a gift—for you and your guests. Be grateful, soak in the joy, and make it yours.

With these 20 tips from Aimee Monihan—one of the most respected destination planners in the business—you’ll be well on your way to planning a meaningful, stunning, and stress-minimized celebration, wherever in the world your heart leads you.

For more expert advice and behind-the-scenes insights from industry pros like Aimee, be sure to tune into Destination I Do, The Podcast—your go-to audio guide for planning the wedding away of your dreams.

Featured image by Raw Shoots