10 Most Common Jamaican Destination Wedding Planning Mistakes

So you've always pictured yourself saying "I do" on a white sandy beach in Jamaica with the sunset as your backdrop, the breeze blowing through your hair and your guests enjoying the time of your life. The planning has started, and already you're feeling overwhelmed with all the logistics suddenly staring you in the face and you're asking one of the most common question we get "What are the things we need to do to ensure we have a memorable Jamaican destination wedding?" Here are 10 things you must consider to avoid making these common mistakes.  

1.  The Budget

We can't say this enough when it comes to weddings, especially for destination weddings. No matter how much you think you can spend, penning a budget is essential. Websites will give costs as low as U$1,000 for a Jamaican wedding and it's easy to get swept away with thoughts of sun, sand and sea. However, this figure does not include hotel stay, airfare, ground transportation or other off-site activities. Craft a realistic budget and be open-minded. Solicit information from other Jamaican destination couples you may know, bearing in mind that each circumstance will be different.

2.  The Date

Before setting your wedding date, check the local calendar of activities for conferences, holidays, sporting activities or reggae festivals that may be happening around the time of your wedding date. These events will affect available flights, hotel accommodation and rates, or choice of venue. You may wish to consider dates before or after these special events and if possible, incorporate it with your destination wedding activities.

3.  The Climate

Nothing is more disheartening to know that you have made all your plans, sent out invitations, and confirmed your bookings only to find out that the time of year is most likely to have rainfall and you're having an outdoor wedding! While Jamaica is mostly sunny all year round, the island does have seasonal rainfall. Some fast facts on Jamaican weather are:

• January through March have the lowest rainfall.
• September and October are the  rainiest and least popular months to visit.
• Temperatures in July and August are often uncomfortably hot.
• March and April have the best combination of low rainfall and warm temperatures.

It's best to do your research and have a contingency plan in place such as tents or an indoor alternative.

4.  Legalities

It's really not hard to get married in Jamaica. Rest assured that your Jamaican wedding is legal and recognized internationally. But before saying "I do" there are a few things you need to do to make sure it's official. A Marriage License is required most of all. You must also arrive in the island at least twenty four (24) hours before the marriage ceremony. Your travel agent or wedding planner can help you to complete all the legal requirements.

5. The Dress

We'll say it again. Jamaica is sunny most of the time and it can be especially humid in the resort towns that are popular for destination weddings. Nothing is more uncomfortable than standing on the beach (which is why you want a Jamaican wedding) in a dress made of heavy fabric (or a suit for that matter!) in humid weather with beads of sweat running down your back. Choose your dress carefully and also determine how you will travel with it to avoid damage. When booking your airline ask if it can be hung in the business section of the plane.

6.  Your Guests

Planning for your guests and bridal party is a must! Remember they will be spending a lot on airfare and hotel accommodation to attend your wedding, so make it worth their while to come all this way for you. Arrange for welcome bags with items from the island to be placed in their hotel room on arrival. Keep them informed and entertained with the various activities that the hotel or surrounding town has to offer. These should include activities they can do with you as well as on their own. Well thought-out gifts for your bridal party is a winner.

7.  Travelling

There are a few things to consider here.

• Avoid doing too many DIY projects. It can be really difficult to travel with them plus they may get damaged.
• Information needed for yourself and your guests such as visa requirements or any travel restrictions. Send out Save-the Dates early so your guests can take advantage of specials such as 'Early Bird' booking.
• Check ahead to ensure that the hotel will have enough rooms for your family and guests or that there are options near to your wedding venue. Hotels usually offer blocks of rooms for reduced rates.
• Travel with confidence by getting travel insurance for medical services, your wedding dress, jewelry, and any high price items that could get lost or stolen.

8.  Services Available

When planning your Jamaican destination wedding, it is ideal to have the services of a local wedding planner who can give expert advice on vendors and services available.  A classic example is a bride who has her sights set on a particular type of flower for her big day, only to discover that it's not available on the island with no time to get it imported. Some services, such as a henna artist or a vintage car, are becoming popular and may need to be booked well in advance. Knowing these little details beforehand can save a ton of stress!

9.  A Wedding Website

Next to your budget, a website for your destination wedding is a definite must. A wedding website can save you so much time and stress with having to answer the host of questions that your guests will be sure to ask. With your wedding website, you are able to post every detail pertaining to your destination wedding, it can be updated easily and you can create links to the various services such as travel agent, airline, hotel, information about the island and so on. Our recommended FREE wedding websites are available on The Knot, WeddingWire and MyWedding.

10.  A Local Wedding Planner

This consideration is worth repeating. Enlisting the help of a Jamaican wedding planner is priceless. This should not be confused with the hotel's wedding planner who will coordinate limited services for your hotel wedding. A full-service Jamaican wedding planner will have the connections and expertise at their fingertip and can liaise with travel agents and hotels, and negotiate better rates on your behalf. Daunting matters such as currency, vendors, permits and licenses can all be handled by your local wedding planner. 

Get married in Jamaica and "feel alright". As always, happy planning!