A Relaxed Destination Wedding on the Beach
Posted on 14th October 2021 at 11:01
Do you dream of having a destination wedding? Somewhere warm with almost guaranteed good weather? Somewhere secluded on a beautiful beach?
Destination – or to be more specific to the blog topic – beach weddings can be dreamy, but it's important to consider the logistics and expenses that go into planning one. The main hurdle is having to factor in that due to it being overseas not all your family and friends will be able to show up for various reasons: budget, travel restrictions, taking time off work, etc.
The main pro to a destination wedding is that it will cost the bride and groom on average less than it would to organise a wedding back in Blighty. Unless they decide to pay for everyone to fly to the wedding, that would certainly rack up costs.
This blog post is going to look at the factors you must consider before committing to a destination beach wedding. If you manage to keep on top of these, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a relaxing event that’s cherished in memory.
Time of Year
If you’ve settled on somewhere exotic for your beach wedding, you have to think about what season will be most suitable. For example, the Caribbean has a high season from mid-December to mid-April, when prices are set higher. You can often score deals in July, August and September, but then hurricane season runs from June to November – definitely a time you’ll want to avoid to ensure the safety of your guests.
Can You Legally Get Married Abroad?
Some countries can make it nigh on impossible to get legally married over there so you’re better off having a civil marriage ceremony before you leave the UK and then a symbolic ceremony and wedding reception abroad. This then requires two lots of invites and planning if you want to invite guests to both events.
What Should You Wear?
If it’s due to be hot and humid, coupled with pre-wedding jitters and sweating, you’re not going to be comfortable in a heavy wedding dress. Lightweight fabrics are key, and this also makes it easier to transport your gown on the plane. Loose-fitting fabrics like chiffon and organza are perfect for sunnier climes. But keep in mind that sometimes the evening can be a lot cooler abroad, so pack a bolero or jacket for you and your bridesmaids.
Who Pays for What?
In an ideal world, you’d probably want to pay for everyone’s flights and accommodation if you could afford it, but this is unlikely. Usually for destination weddings, guests pay for their own travel and accommodation. The couple then pay for food, and sometimes drinks, at the main wedding breakfast. Some couples like to choose to put on extra events for those staying for a few nights such as a welcome dinner, after-party, or hangover BBQ brunch.
In summary, destination weddings can have relaxed and beautiful scenes, but they do require extensive planning and the managing of expectations should problems arise. We’d recommend finding a wedding planner from the specific country to help you overcome any language barriers and keep you up to date on travel restrictions. If a planner isn’t within your wedding budget, look for a resort with a highly skilled on-site coordinator.
Share this post: