A Bride’s guide to beach weddings in Trinidad & Tobago

Photo provided through the kind courtesy of
 Liz Chung LukPat Photography
http://www.lizphotoimages.com/

 

Weddings on the seashore are something most of us can easily envision – the bride’s gauzy gown floating in the wind, the groom looking into her eyes and the ocean’s waves in the background.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the planning elements involved:



Logistics
It may be considerate of you as a host, to arrange transportation for your guests and wedding suppliers. Will it be by boat, maxi taxi, bus or car pool? Remember too, that if you’re having a wedding on a secluded beach or if it will be held in the late evening,  guests may be concerned about security for both themselves and their vehicles. It may also be a good idea to include a map of your venue, within your wedding invitation.

Amenities
Once your guests arrive, they will require restrooms, seating, garbage disposals and shady areas out of the sun. A practical solution may be to choose a hotel or venue, which features a beach front. This way, guests can retreat inside to use amenities, once you pay the requisite fees to the venue. Once dining and dancing are going to be on the agenda, be sure to erect some sort of sturdy flooring in those areas, to prevent guests’ feet from sinking into the sand. Also remember that you will have no electricity, which may pose problems for lighting and sound, unless this is planned for in advance.
 

Choosing a tented reception venue
If it is not possible to have your wedding near to a waterfront hotel or venue, you may have to opt for a tented reception venue. These have the advantage of flexibility –a tent can be erected almost anywhere (once permission/a permit has been obtained). Tents also come in varying sizes and styles and can accommodate any number of guests.

They will also work well during the dry season. However, you will have to create a comfortable environment under a tent. Therefore, you will have to think about renting portable restroom facilities, air conditioning/fans, tables, chairs, a stage, dance floor, tent walls, installing lighting and providing cooking and electrical facilities for the caterer and DJ.

Your budget may also increase, since decorators may also have to get sturdier design elements rather than lightweight decorations that would fly away or fall down with the breeze. Alternatively, you can go the affordable “au natural” way and use beach sand, sea shells, raffia, baskets and starfish as your décor!

Time of day
It may be more practical to have an early morning or a late afternoon wedding, since during the day, beaches tend to be crowded. During the day, there is an increased chance of having curious onlookers in the background of your wedding photos and unwanted sounds on your wedding video. If you are having a wedding on the beach, at night, remind your guests to bring warm clothing since it may get chilly.

How to book a beach wedding locally?

Depending on which beach you choose, you may have to write the Tourism Development Company (TDC) and ask for permission. Beaches which require permission are: Maracas, Las Cuevas, Vessigny and Manzanilla. Your letter must reach the TDC no later than one month before your wedding. There is a rental fee and a caution fee to be paid; and you will have to organize a police presence, as well as notify the Lifeguard Services Department.

Once perfectly planned, beach weddings can go without a hitch. If these issues seem too much for you to handle, a good option is to hire a wedding co-ordinator. 

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