In a summer when none of us are going very far, I’m dreaming of skipping town for an island vacation. Or better yet, a tropical destination wedding! There’s so much to love about having your big day somewhere sun-soaked and tropical. A trip of a lifetime with your loved ones, white sand beaches, cocktails and endless sunshine… A tropical destination wedding is a chance to create a truly memorable experience with family and friends. But, of course, the flip side of this sunny vision is that a tropical destination wedding has its own set of logistical questions. Here are some of the biggest dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you start your destination wedding planning.
DO keep your guests informed. As you plan your tropical destination wedding, it’s important that you keep guests up to date on your plans. That starts with sending out Save the Dates sooner rather than later, so they can plan for the trip. Provide as much information as possible along the way. For example, travel routes, accommodation options, childcare facilities (if relevant), dress codes, weather, and activities. The more info you have available, the fewer questions your guests will need to ask you! A wedding website is the perfect solution. Treat it like a mini guidebook, and update it often. It’s also a great place to send Covid-19 updates if needed, though we hope that won’t be the case!
DON’T forget to do your research. Of course, it’s easy to get lost in the fun aspects of dreaming up a tropical destination wedding and honeymoon. But don’t neglect the less exciting aspects early on. For example, you’ll need to properly research local weather, to ensure your wedding doesn’t clash with storm season. You’ll also need to look into the legal elements, and make sure your paperwork is in order, and ready in time. An experienced destination wedding planner can help with all the practicalities, and keep you on track.
The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Phuket
DO choose a dress that suits the location. Needless to say, a wedding in the tropics isn’t an ideal place for a heavy, ornate ballgown. But if that’s your style, that’s okay too – just consider the weather! Keep your destination in mind when you go dress shopping, both in terms of style and weather. For example, lightweight fabrics and sleeker silhouettes are easy in a beach ceremony. They’re also a lot smaller to travel with and can be brought in a garment bag or carry-on. The same goes for the groom. Ditch the suit or tuxedo and opt for light cotton pants and a linen shirt, for example.
DON’T underestimate the climate. Your clothing isn’t the only place you need to consider the weather at your tropical destination wedding. Strong winds can blow away chairs and flowers at an outdoor ceremony, while the blazing sun will make things hot for your guests. Take the climate into account when planning your ceremony time and location, and ask advice from your resort or wedding planner. Have a later ceremony start time, offer parasols to shield the sun, and prepare ahead for a flawless guest experience. And like always, don’t forget to have a backup plan.
DO arrive at least three days before the wedding. If you’re having a destination wedding, don’t cut your arrival too close. Make sure you touch down at least 3-5 days before the big day. You’ll have time to adjust to the climate and time zone, fulfill any legal requirements, and most importantly, relax and have fun with your guests!
Private Island Destination Weddings
DON’T limit your planning to the wedding itself. Speaking of fun, one of the best parts about a destination wedding is enjoying a once in a lifetime getaway with your special people. Make it count by planning a few fun activities for the days and nights before and after the wedding. This will allow guests to get to know one another, as well as get a taste for the destination. Start with a welcome dinner or reception, and be sure that everyone has an updated itinerary on arrival.There are lots of easy decisions you can make in life, but unfortunately, choosing a location for a destination wedding is not one of them. There are just so many places in the world you can travel to, and have an amazing experience, that a bit of research is necessary in order to choose the best place for you.
Also read: 8 Most Romantic Destination Wedding Venues in the Caribbean to see the one-of-a kind Over-the-water chapels and more unique wedding venues.
Some of the top wedding destinations in the world include Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean islands; like Jamaica and Saint Lucia. Not surprisingly, the latter are high up on the list of the most popular destinations for weddings. Unquestionably exotic, these Caribbean islands make it easy for any visitor to appreciate their unique and captivating landscapes. This is with good reason, as these locations consistently deliver on their promise of spectacular experiences filled with sun, sea, sand, and a chance to rediscover the essence of love.
Hamilton Island Weddings
Just in case you’re fighting a losing battle to reduce your top 10 wedding location list to your top 2, or even top 5, we’ve put together a list of Caribbean islands which are perfect for both destination weddings, and honeymoons. The sooner you get reading, the sooner you’ll be on your way to choosing the location of your perfect Caribbean destination wedding!
Expert tip: Find out which documents need to be notarized ahead of time for your marriage license application. Most destination weddings require a residency period. This means you’d need to stay within the borders of a country for a specified period of time (often several days), before getting married. To avoid the residency requirement altogether, consider getting married at home, and having the official ceremony abroad. Getting married at a or Beaches all-inclusive resort? Your personal wedding planner will help you with the documents and requirements! We do this all the time and know exactly how to make this process go smooth and worry-free.
The lure: Jamaica is at the top of the list for romantic and exciting island getaways, in the Caribbean. Much more than beaches and palm trees, Jamaica has a rich history and vibrant people. Reggae music is the heart and soul of this land, and these trends seem to add something laid back to the entire experience. Montego Bay is a great place to stay while in Jamaica, as is Negril and Ocho Rios.
Dreamy Destination Wedding Ideas
Best time for a wedding in Jamaica: December to April are good months to get married in Jamaica. Read ‘Best time to visit Jamaica’ to find out more.
See all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Stay three nights or more and get your wedding for free! resorts are designed for couples and adults-only. Inviting families with children to your destination wedding? Check out one of the nearby all-inclusive Beaches resorts in Jamaica!
The lure: The Turks & Caicos have a more high-end feel, when compared to some of the other Caribbean locations. Among the 40 beautiful islands, 8 of which are inhabited, life is beautiful in Turk & Caicos, just like your wedding will be, if you have it at this destination. Here you will also find what many call the most beautiful beach in the world: Grace Bay beach.
Unique Wedding Venue Devon
Best time for a wedding in Turks & Caicos: December to April are good months to get married in Turks & Caicos.
Your best option? The Beaches all-inclusive resort on Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos. Stay three nights or more and get your wedding for free! Inviting families with children to your destination wedding, or do you have children yourself? The kids will love the waterpark at this resort! It’s all included.
The lure: The islands of the Bahamas have a charm that’s hard for any other island to emulate. It is one of the best locations for a destination wedding with powdery white sand beaches, exotic uninhabited islands, and great scuba diving. The Bahamas is also one of the closest Caribbean territories to the United States, which works out well when a majority of your guests are joining from the US.
Magic Island Gallery
Best time for a wedding the Bahamas: December to April are good months to get married in the Bahamas. Read ‘Best time to visit the Bahamas’ to find out more.
The lure: Saint Lucia is becoming increasingly more popular for travelers to the Caribbean, especially destination wedding seekers and honeymooners. The island is a mix of luxury and simplicity, and these two concepts meet each other right in the middle in this romantic island nation.
Best time for a wedding in Saint Lucia: December to April are good months to get married in Saint Lucia. Read ‘Best time to visit Saint Lucia’ to find out more.
Weddings At Zeavola Resort
Residency period: Three business days. No Sunday weddings. Friday arrivals can be married on the following Thursday. Monday arrivals can be married on Friday.
See all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia. Stay three nights or more and get your wedding for free. Guests of any of
