Planning tool
Wedding Checklist
Add your custom checklist embed here so couples can tick off tasks as they plan their Greece wedding.
I Do In Greece
Your Crete Wedding Checklist
Everything you need to plan your dream destination wedding — from first enquiry to final dance.
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12+ Months Before
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Set your overall wedding budget
Include travel, accommodation, and a contingency buffer of 10–15%
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Choose Crete as your destination and pick a region
Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, and Lasithi all have distinct character
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Decide on your wedding date (or a shortlist of dates)
Peak season is May–October; shoulder months offer better availability and weather
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Agree on a rough guest count
This affects venue size, catering costs, and travel logistics significantly
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Research and book your wedding venue
The most sought-after venues in Crete book 12–18 months in advance
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Understand the legal requirements for your ceremony type
Civil, religious, and symbolic ceremonies each have different Greek legal processes
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Browse the I Do In Greece directory to start building your vendor list
idoingreece.com — all vendors are Crete-based and personally known to the team
9–12 Months Before
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Book your photographer
The best Crete wedding photographers get booked out fast — prioritise this early
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Book your videographer (if desired)
Ask to see full wedding films, not just highlight reels
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Book your wedding planner or coordinator
A local Crete planner is invaluable for navigating Greek bureaucracy and supplier relationships
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Book your caterer (if not included with venue)
Ask about traditional Cretan menu options alongside international choices
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Book your DJ or live music
Greek nights and live Cretan music can be a magical addition to your reception
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Begin researching florists
Discuss seasonal Cretan blooms — bougainvillea, olive branches, jasmine — for authentic arrangements
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Arrange wedding insurance
Especially important for destination weddings — check it covers overseas events
6–9 Months Before
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Send save-the-dates to all guests
International guests need maximum notice to book flights and accommodation
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Create a wedding website with travel and accommodation information
Include local tips about Crete to build excitement for your guests
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Research and block-book guest accommodation options
Villas, boutique hotels, and agrotoursim stays all work well in Crete
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Book transport for the wedding day
Minibuses and vintage vehicles are popular for transferring guests between venues
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Begin wedding dress or suit shopping
Allow time for alterations — at least 3–4 months
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Finalise your florist and discuss your mood board
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Begin gathering legal documents for the ceremony
Birth certificates, passports, proof of single status — translation and apostille may be required
3–6 Months Before
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Send formal wedding invitations with RSVP deadline
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Book your wedding cake or dessert table
Consider incorporating Cretan honey, local pastries, or loukoumades
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Arrange hair and make-up trials
If possible, do this during a visit to Crete with your chosen artist
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Plan any pre- or post-wedding events
Welcome dinner, beach day, boat trip, or farewell brunch?
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Finalise your ceremony readings, vows, and music playlist
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Book any additional beauty or wellness treatments
Massages, facials, brow and lash appointments
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Confirm all vendor bookings with written agreements
Check contracts for deposit terms and cancellation clauses
1–3 Months Before
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Confirm RSVPs and finalise guest numbers
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Send final numbers to caterer and finalise menu choices
Collect dietary requirements and allergies from all guests
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Create your seating plan
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Organise and buy wedding favours
Cretan olive oil, thyme honey, or local herbs make beautiful and personal favours
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Chase any outstanding legal documents
Ensure apostilles and translations are certified and ready
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Confirm the day-of schedule with all vendors
Share a master timeline with arrival times, locations, and contacts
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Book your honeymoon (if in Greece, consider island-hopping or Santorini)
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Purchase travel money or arrange a travel-friendly bank card
Many local vendors and tavernas in Crete still prefer cash
1–2 Weeks Before
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Reconfirm all vendor arrival times and logistics
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Do a dress or suit final fitting
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Prepare payment envelopes for vendors (if paying on the day)
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Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day
Safety pins, blotting paper, stain remover, painkillers, spare shoes
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Delegate a point-of-contact for the wedding day (someone other than you!)
Your planner or a trusted friend to field vendor questions on the day
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Arrive in Crete with enough time to rest and acclimatise
Allow at least 2–3 days before the wedding if possible
Your Wedding Day
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Eat a proper breakfast
Seriously. You’ll thank yourself later
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Allow extra time in your getting-ready schedule
Everything takes longer than expected — build in a buffer
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Hand your phone to a trusted person
So you can be fully present — your photographer is capturing everything
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Take a quiet moment with your partner before the ceremony
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Soak in the Cretan light — it really is that golden
The Mediterranean magic you’ve been planning for is really happening
After the Wedding
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Register your marriage at home (if you had a legal ceremony in Greece)
UK couples: notify the General Register Office with your official Greek marriage certificate
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Update your name on passport, driving licence, and bank accounts (if changing)
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Write heartfelt thank-you notes to your vendor team
A personal note and honest review makes a huge difference to small businesses in Crete
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Leave reviews for your vendors on Google and the I Do In Greece directory
Help the next couple planning their Crete wedding find the right people
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Enjoy your photographs and film when they arrive — and share the memories
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