Destination weddings in exotic locations can be incredibly memorable not only for the bride & groom, but also for the guests. However, beach weddings, whether in Mexico or the Caribbean, require certain considerations that a traditional celebration doesn't. From selecting the caterers to picking out your dress, you'll need to take into account a whole new environment & climate. Consider these tips from the experts & you're bound to have a blissful big day before & after you say "I do."
Consider an all inclusive resort There are an abundance of obvious benefits to all inclusive travel & these perks are especially worth considering for a destination wedding. Celebrity wedding planner Colin Cowie told Bridal Guide that these resorts are ideal because guests can enjoy their fill of food & drinks without being concerned about their spending. Not only will guests be thankful that they don't have to worry about expenses building up, but they'll also likely loosen up & have more fun as a result.
Cowie also recommended looking into beach wedding packages that offer planners & coordinators, as these professionals can be helpful for organizing the big day. One of the best parts about a destination wedding is that there's no need to rush off to the honeymoon right away, either – you're already in paradise. Cowie explained that couples might even get a better deal on their honeymoon if they stick around at the resort where their wedding was held.
Avoid a gown that weighs you down An extravagant, voluminous gown just isn't ideal for a beach wedding. Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner told Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine that a long train might work in a church aisle, but can drag you down when you're walking on the sand. Kate Bentley of Happily Ever After Wedding Planning & Design in Key West, Fla., recommended choosing a dress made of chiffon or another airy fabric, which keeps you cool & moves nicely. She also warned against choosing a dress with lace detailing, especially along the bottom, as it tends to collect sand & other particles.
Opt for off-beat accessories A beach wedding is a great opportunity to get eclectic with your accessories. While it may be tempting to don sky-high pumps, Larissa Banting of Weddings Costa Rica emphasized to Destination Weddings & Honeymoons that they simply aren't practical for beach weddings. She recommended flat sandals. low wedges or espadrilles, all of which provide better support on the sand. Stacy Mulcare from Ceremonies of St. John told the news source that a long veil is also a poor choice, as the beach breezes can cause it to cover your face, ruining any photo ops. Instead, she suggested clipping exotic flowers into your hair. An ornate headband, crown or jeweled pins are also eye-catching alternatives to fly-away veils.
Support local businesses For guests, an exciting aspect of a destination wedding is the chance to expose themselves to a new culture. Cowie advised choosing local florists, bands, etc., according to Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge further recommended booking a catering company that is eco-friendly & uses local ingredients.
Keep guests cool & comfortable Particularly when planning a wedding during the hotter months, it's important to consider tactics for ensuring guests aren't overheated, dehydrated or plagued by pesky insects. In Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Somchit Srimoon of Thailand Weddings stressed that un-tinted bug spray is crucial for a beach affair. Tara Soloway of Luxe Destination Weddings told the magazine that a canopy cabana is a picturesque way to provide shade on a sunny day. Still, temperatures might drop as the day goes on. Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York explained that as things cool off, it can be a nice gesture to provide matching scarves for female guests.
