The Ultimate 3-Day Destination Wedding Itinerary (for Luxury, Stress-Free Celebrations)
- OneFineDayWeddingConsultants
- Sep 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Imagine this: over three sun-drenched, laughter filled days, you and your guests are fully immersed in your wedding story… not just one day, but an entire celebration. That’s the magic of a multi-day destination wedding.
Instead of cramming everything into 24 hours, you create moments, connection, surprise and joy sprinkled across three unforgettable days.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a carefully crafted 3 day itinerary, with expert tips, timing recommendations, and styling ideas, so your destination wedding becomes a seamlessly beautiful experience for you and your guests.
Whether you’re tying the knot in an Italian villa, on a European coastline, or a secluded mountain retreat, this framework adds structure, elegance, and delight.
Day 1 — Welcome & Kickoff
Afternoon: Guest Arrival & Settling In
Check-in window (3:00–5:00 PM) — guests arrive, unpack, refresh, wander the grounds.
Provide a welcome kit: itinerary, local map, small gift (e.g. artisanal treats or a scented candle), key contacts, and any useful local tips.
Offer optional experiential touches: a curated playlist, light welcome drink, lounge area.
Pro Tip: Schedule a gentle welcome journey (e.g. a short walking tour, garden cocktail hour) — enough to get guests mingling, not overwhelming after travel.
Evening: Welcome Dinner / Kickoff Gathering
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Style: informal but elegant — think a garden dinner, rooftop cocktails, rustic pizza party, or tasting dinner in a local trattoria.
Infuse it with the local flavor — regional cuisine, live instruments, ambient lighting.
Dress code: Smart Casual — relaxed but curated.
Late Evening: Lounge & Unwind
Time: 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Offer a cozy lounge space under the sky (terrace, beach, courtyard). Serve light finger food, after-dinner cocktails, and soft music.
This gives guests time to reconnect, reflect on travel, and settle into the vibe.
Pro Tip… Incorporate local flavors into the menu and local musicians or entertainment to give guests a taste of the destination.
Day 2. The Wedding Day
The day everyone’s been waiting for for so long! This day is filled with joy, beauty, and celebration, starting with your ceremony and ending with a night of dancing and laughter.
Morning… Getting Ready
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Details… Start your day with a delicious breakfast and then get going with the hair and makeup, getting dressed, and those precious moments with your wedding crews. This is also when your photographer can capture candid moments and pre-ceremony shots.
Pro Tip…Add buffer time in case any delays arise.
Afternoon…Ceremony
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Details…The main event! Whether you’re exchanging vows on a beach, in a historic church, a scenic mountaintop or a private villa your ceremony should reflect your love story and the beauty of the destination. Allow for a few minutes after the ceremony to soak in the moment with your spouse.
Pro Tip…Plan for comfortable seating, shade, or refreshments, especially for outdoor ceremonies in warm climates.
Late Afternoon Cocktail time & Photos
Time: 4:00 PM – 6.00 PM
Details…This gives you another opportunity to mingle with your guests for a while, treating everybody to cocktails and apertivo, before you slip away for romantic photos. Offer signature drinks, light bites, and entertainment like live music.
Pro Tip…Include an interactive element, like a photo booth or a guestbook station.
Evening: Reception
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Details…Your reception is the ultimate celebration. Start with the grand entrance, followed by dinner, speeches, and toasts. Then transition into the first dance, cake cutting, and open dancing. Include local touches, whether through cuisine, decor, or entertainment like a local band or dance troupe.
Dress Code…Formal or black tie (depending on the venue).
Late Night: After Party
Time: 10:30 PM – Late
Details…For those still wanting to celebrate more, an after-party is a fun way to keep the energy going. Pro Tip…Providing an open bar and late night snacks is always a popular decision
Day 3. Farewell Breakfast of Brunch and departure
Purpose: After all the excitement, this final day is all about saying goodbye and reflecting on the amazing time you’ve all shared.
Morning…Farewell Brunch
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Details… Host a casual farewell brunch to wrap up the celebration. This can be hosted at the hotel, or your private villa, a local café, or a scenic outdoor space. Serve a simple yet delicious spread, allowing guests to drop by as they prepare for their journey home.
Dress Code…Casual, travel-friendly attire.
Afternoon…Guest Departures
Time: 11:00 AM onwards
Details… Maybe you could Send them off with a heartfelt thank-you note and perhaps a small farewell gift, like a local delicacy or travel-friendly keepsake.
Final Thoughts
A three day destination wedding is more than just a ceremony, it’s an immersive experience that brings people together in celebration and adventure.
By planning a thoughtful itinerary, you’ll create a well-balanced mix of relaxation, excitement, and amazing emotional moments.
Remember, the key is to balance planned events with downtime, allowing everyone to enjoy the destination and savour the joy of your wedding celebration.
Pro Tip… If you decide on a four day event, this allows you to offer a pool day or an arranged excursion such as wine tasting, a cooking class, a local city tour or a beach day and to host a late afternoon or evening farewell party such as a fabulous chilled out bbq, as your guests won’t be checking out until the next morning.
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