How many days should we stay in Punta Cana before the wedding day?
You’ve booked the perfect destination, chosen your venue, and invited your closest friends and family. Now the big question is: How early should we arrive in Punta Cana before our wedding day?
The general recommendation is to arrive 3 to 5 days before your wedding. This gives you enough time to settle in, meet with vendors, do a hair and makeup trial, adjust to the climate, and enjoy quality time with your guests before the big day.
Why Arrive Early?
Final Coordination: Meet your wedding planner or on-site coordinator to confirm details like seating arrangements, timelines, and ceremony flow.
Beauty Trials: Schedule a trial run for hair and makeup to ensure everything is perfect for the big day.
Jet Lag Recovery: Give your body time to adjust, especially if you're traveling from a different time zone.
Legal Requirements: If you're having a legal wedding in the Dominican Republic, you may need to meet the judge or complete paperwork in person.
Welcome Activities: Organize welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinners, or excursions for your guests.
Ideal Arrival Timeline
Day 1: Arrival and check-in, explore the resort
Day 2: Meet planner, venue walk-through, spa or massage
Day 3: Hair & makeup trial, final confirmations, welcome dinner
Day 4: Wedding day
Day 5+: Relax, enjoy your honeymoon, or plan a group excursion
What About Your Guests?
Most guests arrive 2 to 3 days before the wedding, especially if they are traveling with children or want to enjoy the resort before the event. This also allows for casual meet-ups and bonding moments that make destination weddings so special.
People Also Ask
When should the bride and groom arrive in Punta Cana before the wedding? Ideally 3–5 days before, especially for final meetings, beauty trials, and legal requirements.
Can we arrive 1 day before our wedding? It’s not recommended. One day is too rushed and doesn’t allow time for adjustments or emergencies.
Do we need to be in Punta Cana earlier for a legal wedding? Yes, some resorts or judges may require couples to be present 2–3 business days before the ceremony.
Should our guests arrive early too? Yes. Arriving 2–3 days before allows them to relax, adjust, and enjoy group activities before the wedding.
What if my flight is delayed? That’s another reason to arrive early—to avoid last-minute panic in case of travel disruptions.
