Destination Wedding Help

Hi Ladies,

My cousin is planning a destination wedding and I am doing some research for her. I was just wondering if you could please give any advice or experiences you had. She is interested in doing it some where in the Caribbean.


TIA!

Re: Destination Wedding Help

My BFF got married in Bermuda about 15 years ago. It was amazing! She rented out 2 B&Bs that were next door to each other and also provided everyone with a list of hotels they could also stay at.

She met with a travel agent who took care of booking everyone's flight/hotels.

She did it over Labor Day weekend The wedding itself was on Sunday. It was a great time.

Re: Destination Wedding Help

We had a destination wedding in Naples, Florida. My advice for your cousin...

-SMALL invite list! You become a travel agent for a lot of your guests so to keep stress levels low-don't invite too many people.
-once you decide on a date and place, send out save the dates and set up a website to give everyone info on flights, hotels, itinerary etc. Be sure to put website on save the date cards.
-hire a day of coordinator. We got married on the beach, had reception at a country club and guests stayed at a separate hotel. We needed someone to help organize things that day since it all wasn't in one location.
-some touches we had...fan programs, leather luggage tags that doubled as seating cards and favors, welcome bags for guests when they got to hotel with personalized water bottles, map of the area attractions, advil, suntan lotion etc.
-don't sweat the small stuff (but this is advice for any bride!)

Re: Destination Wedding Help

I was just in a wedding in the Bahamas last month! My best friend got married at the Pelican Bay Resort in Freeport and the wedding was really lovely. Freeport is less built up than Nassau and it was really a nice break from the cold to be there in February. Maybe have your friend look into it!

Re: Destination Wedding Help

i have been to 2 destination weddings and both were in Jamaica...

One was in Ocho Rios, JA - she had her wedding at a Sandals all inclusive hotel. they do everything for you..you just pick the location for the ceremony! for an extra fee they will provide extra decorations and fresh flowers. My friend did everything herself and the bridesmaids helped decorate. Sandals also included a honeymoon suite and a few days as part of the package. Some guests stayed at the same hotel but many stayed at different ones. Anyone not staying at that hotel had to pay for a day pass to attend the wedding.

The other was in Montego Bay, JA - she rented a huge house with a spectacular view! she had the ceremony on the front lawn and the reception was at the back of the house. She contacted vendors over there and set up the decor, food, dj, etc. The bride and her immediate fam all stayed at the house. My friend organized it so that all of the guests stayed at the same hotel which was nearby and she also organized the transportation for everyone to get back and forth.