Chewy When it comes to island wedding resorts, the options are endless. Whether you want to host your special day at a scenic gazebo on the beach or under the stars on a private pier, plenty of luxury resorts offer all-inclusive destination wedding packages.
Choosing the perfect island wedding resort depends on a few key factors. Learn more about what you should consider before making your final decision!
Location
The best Cayman Islands destination weddings offer you and your guests a unique, memorable experience. The perfect island locale has many activities and amenities, creating an ideal backdrop for your special day. The island’s culture, cuisine, and natural scenery should inspire your vision of an opulent celebration.
Island resorts typically offer all-inclusive packages that provide the convenience of a single point of contact for your entire wedding. This simplifies the planning process and saves you money while providing a wide range of choices for your event.
Choosing the right location for your destination wedding depends on your preferences and budget. Ensure the location meets your wedding day needs by researching the local climate, travel warnings, and other political issues.
For example, if you’re looking for an exotic location that offers vacation-level relaxation before and after your ceremony, consider Bali or Costa Rica. Alternatively, Mexico may be the best choice if you want to provide your guests with an unforgettable cultural experience. Here, you’ll find vibrant culture, friendly people, mystical ancient ruins, and breathtaking beaches consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful.
Budget
Before getting too set on a location, it’s important to understand your wedding budget. According to wedding expert Megan Velez, a destination wedding can be 3-5 times more expensive than one held locally. This is because much money is spent on items that wouldn’t exist at a local venue, such as flowers, centerpieces, and silverware. However, there are ways to keep your costs down while still having the wedding of your dreams.
For example, choosing a location known for its vibrant art scene and unique architecture can help you save on decorations without sacrificing your wedding style. Similarly, choosing an all-inclusive resort can help keep your budget in check. Many all-inclusive resorts offer a free wedding package for guests who stay at the property for a specified number of nights. Depending on the resort, this can cover everything from room and board to meals, drinks, and activities.
It’s also a good idea to consider travel time and distance when selecting your wedding location. You don’t want your friends and family to fly for over 9 hours, change planes twice, or take a boat ride to attend your big day.
Another thing to think about is the weather. Some destinations have wet and dry seasons, so it’s important to research the weather patterns before committing to a date. You don’t want a hurricane or other unforgivable weather conditions to ruin your special day!
Amenities
Once you have your location picked out, it’s time to consider what amenities are available at the resort. Do you want something all-inclusive, where guests can enjoy various meals, drinks, and activities without worrying about the budget? Or would you rather have your guests stay in a villa or private island home that offers more of an intimate experience with a sense of being fully immersed in the culture of your destination wedding location?
The amenities you choose can also help to narrow down the selection of resorts for your wedding. Are you looking for a family-friendly resort with plenty of activities for kids, or do you prefer an adult-only, more refined, and elegant property? Maybe you have your heart set on a resort that offers the best of both worlds, like Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, where couples can celebrate in Beachfront Swim-Up Butler suites, or opt for a more abundant adult-only option, such as The Edge in Bali, where you’ll enjoy stunning ocean views and a range of curated wedding packages.
Guest List
Before you send out your invites, decide on how many people you want to include in your destination wedding celebration. This will help you determine your budget since additional expenses such as guest gifts, transportation, group excursions, and more may be incurred.
You’ll also want to factor in travel time and distance. Will your friends and family have to fly through multiple airports, take a ferry ride, or jump across two countries? If so, they may be unable to make the trip. You’ll also need to give your guests plenty of notice to clear their schedules, book their flights, and secure accommodations.
The good news is that there are many beautiful and exotic locations for your tropical destination wedding. The Caribbean is among the most popular choices, with all-inclusive resorts offering a stress-free way to get hitched. Alternatively, Bermuda is a popular choice for couples looking to combine the beauty of beachside ceremonies with a more formal vibe. Known for its tranquil pink-sand beaches, iconic pastel-hued houses, and rich history steeped in reggae culture, Bermuda offers a more sophisticated option than many Caribbean islands while still capturing the spirit of paradise. It’s also just a few hours from the East Coast, which makes it easier for your guests to attend.
