| re a few tips to help you plan accordingly for your | | | | wedding apparel. Delegate some important things to |
| destination wedding. | | | | close family members who can bring it for you. If you |
| I. Wedding Size | | | | do decide to ship things instead, give yourself lots of |
| Destination Weddings are the new & exciting trend for | | | | extra time. |
| couples seeking a non-traditional way to exchange | | | | VI. Wedding & Event Planner |
| vows. Do you want the ceremony to be just for you | | | | You can always go ahead and begin planning your |
| and your fiancée? Do you want to only invite close | | | | wedding yourself especially if you are a very detailed |
| family and friends and keep it small? Or do you want | | | | oriented person. However, it will be less stressful to go |
| to make it a grand celebration inviting everyone? | | | | with a reliable source that not only has local contacts, |
| These are some initial things to think about when | | | | but is experienced with working with couples from |
| planning a destination wedding. In most cases your | | | | out-of-town and will go out of their way to |
| wedding will be a small and intimate gathering because | | | | make your special day a dream come true. |
| not everyone you invite will be able to attend. | | | | VII. Save the Date |
| II. Marriage Licenses & Applications | | | | Keep in mind when planning this celebration, that |
| In order to get married in the Cayman Islands, a license | | | | distance and even cost of travel and board will affect |
| is needed. It is recommended that you take care of | | | | who ends up attending. It is important to send out a |
| the application process way before the plans for the | | | | save the date card or reminder to let people know at |
| wedding begin to avoid any delays. The application fee | | | | least 6 months in advance of your destination wedding |
| for the License, including postal, is $200 U.S. (or CI$160 | | | | in paradise. It is more likely for them to attend if they |
| in Cayman Islands Dollars). For the actual Marriage | | | | have notice and can take the time off from work. |
| license, you and your fiancée will have to provide | | | | VIII. Guest Accommodations |
| The Cayman Islands international embarkation and | | | | When sending out invitations, use a travel agent to |
| disembarkation card showing proof of entry. A valid | | | | include discounted group fares and rates for travel and |
| passport or certified copies of your birth certificate | | | | board for your guests. It is important to also work out |
| along with photo identification is needed as well. | | | | travel accommodations for guests to and from all the |
| III. Budget & Costs | | | | wedding events like the rehearsal dinner, ceremony |
| Because the wedding may be smaller then the | | | | and reception. Make your guests’ job easier by |
| traditional, celebrating it in a far off destination is a | | | | taking care of all the research and logistics for them. |
| great idea to consider for the couple that does not | | | | Do not jam pack the itinerary for your guests |
| want to spend the traditional price of a wedding. The | | | | either with so many wedding related events. This is as |
| cost will be less for the number of people that you | | | | much of a vacation for them as it is for you and your |
| have to pay for and with the natural magnificence of | | | | fiancée. Let them have the freedom to explore the |
| the Cayman Islands, you can simplify your décor | | | | island and find fun and exciting things that they want to |
| which can also help you to save money in your | | | | do. |
| budget. There will already be a lot for the eyes of your | | | | XI. Venue Selection |
| guests to take in. You will not have to go overboard | | | | There are so many choices for the actual ceremony |
| with dressing up the place and can afford to | | | | and reception afterwards depending on the kind of |
| rely on your beautiful background. | | | | feel you are going for. You can take advantage of the |
| IV. Preparation | | | | beautiful scenery and background of a paradise island |
| Do as much as you possibly can at home before you | | | | by using the beach for the ceremony or even a unique |
| head to your island destination for your dream | | | | natural wonder. Either one of those options will not be |
| wedding. It will be easier to finish some details ahead | | | | difficult to find in the Cayman Islands! For the reception, |
| of time in order to have less to worry about when you | | | | there are many hotels with stylish banquet halls and |
| get there. For instance, plan your hairstyle and makeup | | | | court yard gardens that will only add to the uniqueness |
| in advance and bring everything that you will need with | | | | of the celebration. |
| you just in case you won’t be able to find it | | | | X. Entertainment |
| there. Taking care of more at home leaves you with | | | | Take advantage of the fact that you are in the islands. |
| more time to relax and be stress free. | | | | There will be lots of reggae, calypso, and steel pan |
| V. Packing | | | | bands that would add a wonderful touch to your |
| Make preparations for the type of packaging you will | | | | reception and maximize the island experience. |
| have to do to keep your bridal gown and | | | | This is something that your wedding coordinator can |
| fiancée’s tuxedo in great condition. It is difficult | | | | definitely help you with because of their local contacts |
| to pack for a wedding and a honeymoon especially if | | | | and connections. |
| you have to bring any additional decorations or | | | | |