Navigating the dos and don’ts for your dream destination wedding

1. Do find the right season for you: While summer does offer the benefit of less crowds and reduced rates for yourself and your guests, hurricane season comes with a certain amount of unreliability, so you may want to consider booking your date between December and April where weather isn’t as much of a point of concern – especially for a beach wedding!

2. Do embrace local culture: Incorporate elements of local culture into your wedding like traditional music, delectable farm-to-table cuisine and décor made by local vendors. These details will add a certain level of authenticity to your wedding ceremony, ensuring it is truly unique to your chosen destination!

3. Do consider your guests’ comfort: Put your guests at ease while they’re in paradise with a welcome bag full of tropical necessities like sunscreen, a local travel guide, destination-inspired treats, some remedies for those who may really enjoy the reception and a keepsake marking the occasion that they can cherish for years to come!

4. Do plan engaging activities: Since your guests will be travelling far and wide to celebrate alongside you, gift them unforgettable memories by planning some exciting excursions before or after your wedding day. They’ll have the opportunity to explore the wonders down south while making the most of their stay (and budgets) in paradise.

5. Do trial your hair and makeup: Those representing the curly hair club know firsthand how much the tropical heat can affect the longevity of your glam. Our recommendation? If you’re able, replicate the conditions in a similar season at home to test how well your style will hold up in destination. Consult your stylist for any additional tips, but waterproof products are a must, especially if you’ll be using misting spray to stay cool!

1. Don't forget about budget: Knowing how best to allocate your budget before making any big financial decisions will help reduce your stress during the planning process (more than you think!). As well, we recommend sharing your draft itinerary with your guests prior to setting anything in stone as it will not only give them the opportunity to communicate what’s possible within their budgets, but it may also influence the activities you plan.

2. Don't neglect sun protection: We know you’ve dedicated the manhours to ensure your skin has that warm wedding day glow, so make sure to protect it by frequently applying SPF, wearing sunhats and spending time in the shade whenever possible. Especially on your wedding week, it’s important to sun soak responsibly!

3. Don't stress about the guestlist: Sending your save the dates and destination wedding invites well in advance offers you the chance to properly identify which wedding package, resort venue and accommodations best suit your needs, as they can vary depending on the size of your wedding party.

4. Don't pack last minute: Avoid the stress of forgetting essential items by getting a head start on packing – easier said than done, we know – but the relief you’ll feel knowing your passport and important documents are packed away safely will be far worth it!

5. Don't forget to relax and enjoy: With all the excitement, it’s easy to temporarily overlook the reason you chose a destination wedding was to share your love in a breathtaking, unmatched tropical setting with those most important to you. Carve out some time to rest, relax and bond with your loved ones – it’s all about making lasting memories!

While these are only a few considerations for planning your destination wedding, these tips will ensure your nuptials run smoothly and everyone in attendance has the time of their lives! To book your wedding in paradise or for more ways to maximize your big day, connect with a destination wedding consultant at Sunwing Weddings, who are always here to help.