In contemplating your Martha's Vineyard wedding, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the challenges of planning a destination wedding at a long distance. Remember that choosing a Martha's Vineyard wedding means a wedding that the two of you, your families, and friends will never forget.

It is essential in planning your wedding on Martha's Vineyard to start early. Most wedding planners on Martha's Vineyard agree that planning at least a year in advance is necessary to arrange wedding services on the Island. Because Martha's Vineyard is such a popular spot for nuptials, wedding service providers such as caterers, musicians, and reception sites get booked up early.

Don't forget that your guests will also have to plan early, so it is very important to send out a save-the-date, pre-wedding mailer at least four months in advance, informing them of all that is entailed in planning the trip to the Island for your big day.

Because hotels book up long before our heavy wedding season, it is a very wise idea to reserve blocks of rooms at a selection of accommodations for your guests. You should also give your guests a list of realtors and rental homes should they decide to make a longer vacation out of your wedding celebration. Inform your friends and family that Martha's Vineyard is a very popular destination, and their planning for your wedding day should be done as early in advance as possible. The Chamber of Commerce has several different trip-planning brochures to choose from to include with your save-the-date letter. On this site you will find detailed information under Request Chamber Publications, Getting Here, Places to Stay, Real Estate Services and in our Wedding Directory.

Invitations should go out at least two months in advance (as opposed to the traditional one month ahead) to ensure that even last-minute guests are able to find accommodations.

On Martha's Vineyard the most popular times to marry are Saturdays in May, June, September, and October. If you have less than a year to plan, consider getting married on a day of the week other than Saturday, or in our off-season. Avoiding the peak times may allow for more flexibility in planning and booking all that is needed for your special day.

The key to making it all happen on Martha's Vineyard is to plan in advance, be flexible, and most importantly to have fun making the arrangements!