The Caribbean makes for the perfect dream destination wedding location with its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and warm, sunny weather. While planning a destination wedding may seem stressful, we’ve got you covered. We sought out the advice of Caribbean destination wedding planners Tara Hildabrand, Jen Avey, and Jamie Chang, to get the lowdown on tips, tricks, and wedding planning advice.
Average Cost of a Caribbean Destination Wedding
“Weddings can vary from a private elopement, intimate ceremony with 10 guests, all the way up to a multi-day wedding with several events,” says Hildabrand, adding that a good rule of thumb is to budget $500 to $600 per guest, though she notes that each wedding is different.
For the best bang for your buck, Avey recommends opting for an all-inclusive package. She tells Brides: “Don’t forget to look for complimentary honeymoon packages too (which many resorts offer to couples who get married on-site), so you can tack on a few extra days of newlywed bliss after the big day!”
Best Time For a Caribbean Destination Wedding
“The winter months around the holidays are always the most popular because the weather is so nice and warm in comparison to almost everywhere else,” explains Chang. However, the winter months are also the most expensive, which can be cost-prohibitive. “A good time to go that balances weather and price is the spring,” she says.
With this in mind, Chang recommends steering clear of hurricane season (June through November). “While hurricane season is cheaper, you’ll be taking a big risk with your wedding and the weather isn’t quite as nice.”
Caribbean Destination Wedding Planning Tips
“With so many Caribbean islands and venue options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming with where to start,” Avey admits. To help alleviate additional stress, Avey recommends sitting down with your future spouse and making a prioritization list. What’s more, this will help you and your partner get—and stay—on the same page to “help guide you through certain decisions that need to be made along the way.” In order to come up with your ideal vision, you need to decide on what type of venue to look for (family-friendly or adults-only). Then, figure out where you’d like your ceremony and reception to be held. On the beach? A rooftop? A lush waterfall? “All of these details will help you narrow down the perfect setting,” she tells Brides.
From the beautiful Bahamas to the dreamy Dominican Republic, read on for a few of our favorite Caribbean destination wedding locations.
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