I Do Part II: Weddings in the Caribbean

“Because you are going to a foreign county and legal documents are involved in getting married, it is recommended that you hire an experienced wedding coordinator who knows the legalities and can also do all of the local paperwork on your behalf, so your wedding planning process will be hassle-free. You also need to take into consideration that certain items that you may want as part of your wedding ceremony may not be readily available on the Caribbean island you choose. Proper planning allows the wedding planner to get what you want and need in time for the wedding,” added Gonzalez, who explained that while almost anything can be flown in for a wedding, cost and having ample time to acquire what you might want play important factors.
 
When people opt to get married in an exotic location, such as on a Caribbean island, sometimes it’s just the couple themselves who attend the wedding ceremony, which is officiated by someone local. Others choose to fly in a handful of close friends and relatives.       

“We have hosted many weddings at Belize Legacy Resort and see this as a large and important part of our business. Some of the wedding ceremonies that have taken place on our beach were attended by just the couple who were got married. For other weddings, the couple flew in a group of up to 35 people. Most of the people who get married here are about to experience their second marriage and are looking for a beautiful, private beach setting. Belize Legacy has one of the nicest beaches along Ambergris Cay [which is actually a 20-minute water taxi ride outside of San Pedro Town],” said Ralston. “Sunset weddings are popular, but we have done several sunrise weddings as well.”       

Working with the right resort and a wedding planner based on-location (as opposed to within The United States) offers many benefits. “You are assured that all of the licensing issues will be handled properly and that your wedding setting will be exactly what you want and the way you want it. We take great pride and care in giving our guests the best on their special day,” added Ralston.


ADVANCE PLANNING IS A MUST  

One trick to insuring your dream wedding will happen without a hitch, especially if you’ll be getting married in a foreign country, is plenty of advance planning. “If your wedding involves hosting a group of people, it is always best to plan as far in advance as possible. You’ll always get better rates on airfares and accommodations, plus advance planning gives you time to cover all contingencies. For weddings that will include a group of people, we often start working with the couple a year in advance on planning the ceremony and reserving rooms. This way, everyone attending the wedding can stay at the same resort and receive the type of accommodations they want or need,” said Ralston.       

As you select the actual spot where the ceremony and reception will be held, it’s important to consider privacy issues and whether or not you’ll have to deal with other resort guests or the general public, if the beach setting, for example, it not totally secluded.      

 Ralston added, “Many of the couples we work with are legitimately concerned about privacy issues. The Belize Legacy Resort, for example, is up north and we don’t have to worry about foot and golf cart traffic, so our location makes it a great area for weddings. Other Caribbean resorts, which are located on public beaches, can not offer a secluded beach front setting for their wedding ceremonies.”       

When planning a Caribbean wedding, the weather should also be taken into consideration. “Belize, for example, has an average temperature of 85-degrees F, so anytime of the year is good. To avoid the potential of rain on your wedding day, I personally recommend avoiding the height of our hurricane season, which is in September and October,” explained Gonzalez.       

As part of your wedding planning, Gonzalez suggests that you take into account the local ambiance. “Presumably your wedding party will be much smaller than at a traditional ceremony in your own country. Embrace the casual pace of the Caribbean. Enjoy the warmth and the exotic possibilities offered. Utilize the local culture, atmosphere and climate as an opportunity to experience a totally carefree, less formal celebration. When you’re dealing with a small group of people and a beautiful and exotic location, the possibilities for creating your dream wedding are limitless,” added Gonzalez, who recommends tapping your own creativity while also accepting guidance from your wedding planner.     

Part of embracing the local culture and incorporating it into your ceremony involves the wedding flowers you choose. In many Caribbean countries, including Belize, the local flowers are exotic and beautiful. However, if you’re looking for traditional (by American standards) flowers, like roses, chances are they’ll need to be imported.


INVEST IN INSURANCE        

Once you’ve set your wedding date and have everything planned, consider arriving to the wedding destination at least two or three days early. This gives you ample time to deal with flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage, or last-minute problems that might arise. You’ll also have time to unpack, relax and adjust to any time differences as you overcome jetlag.      

Another preventative measure to consider is investing in travel insurance to help cover any financial losses resulting from cancelled flights, missed connections, lost luggage, unexpected hurricanes, or medical emergencies.