20 tips on planning a Destination Wedding in the Cayman Islands

• Couples chose to have a Destination Wedding for many reasons. One reason is to be able to control the cost of your wedding. If you are thinking of a Destination Wedding, the Cayman Islands is a good choice. It is near the US mainland, it is an exotic Caribbean island with beautiful beaches, and it has very good, high quality, services. Your Cayman Islands wedding is legal world-wide.

• Over 90% of brides use the internet to research their wedding. Start by typing in 'wedding' and 'Grand Cayman' or 'Cayman Islands'. You will find lots of wedding planners, and hotels with wedding planning services.

• If you typed 'getting married in Cayman' into your browser you will get a list of all the requirements, but there is no need to get the requisite Special Marriage License yourself, your wedding planner will get that for you at no additional cost.

• A wedding planner or wedding consultant is an intelligent choice for a destination wedding, since she will know the best local vendors.

• Establish a budget for your destination wedding. If you are coming by cruise ship, an all-inclusive package which includes transportation for you and any guests may be your best option.

• If you arrived by plane, factor in transportation, either a cab, a town-car or a limousine. You don't want to be driving on the 'wrong' side of an unfamiliar road after your wedding dinner or celebration.

• Tell your wedding planner the things which are most important to you. If you want a deserted beach you might have to pay time and travel costs, but a quiet beach might have no additional costs.

• If you want a particular floral arrangement send the images to your wedding planner, but expect to pay mainland US prices plus 20%, all cut flowers are imported into the island and attract import duty.

• Your wedding officiant should send you a script of the ceremony well in advance so you can negotiate any changes you wish to make.

• If you are traveling with no guests, make sure your wedding planner knows so she can arrange the two witnesses required by law.

• Our marriage bureau is not open on weekends or the 10 annual Public Holidays. Your wedding planner can make special arrangements with the government authorities to get your Special Marriage License, but it has to be done in advance.

• Be sure to provide the required documents well in advance. You can mail or scan the picture page of your passport (colour is better) and any divorce decree (every single page.) The marriage bureau does not accept facsimiles (faxed copies)and your wedding officiant won't either.

• Bring whatever you plan to wear to the wedding, and pack it 15 days in advance so you're sure not to forget anything. Being spontaneous is nice, but when we want to buy clothes for a wedding we go to the USA. there is limited choice here.

• Book a photographer. Today's digital cameras are great, but things happen when you move from air-conditioned cars and rooms to the hot beach. Don't gamble with your wedding pictures.

• If you want a 'name'photographer, say so. You can usually get any photographer you want, for an additional cost to your package.

• Yes, you can get a wedding cake. Your wedding planner can advise on the size, most popular for cruise weddings are 6" and 8" cakes with fondant icing (doesn't melt in the sun)

• Be thoughtful and treat your wedding vendors as the professionals they are.

• When something goes wrong, it shoul;d be compensated for by an apology, a rebate or some small token of appreciation for your business from your wedding planner.

• You should acknowledge good service by a note or email.

• Always say goodbye and thank the people who have worked hard to ensure you have a perfect wedding day in the Cayman Islands.

Simply Weddings, your first choice for your Destination Wedding in the Cayman Islands. We are a member of the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AfWPi) and work to their Code of Ethics. Call today, (345) 949-9933 to start planning your Cayman Islands wedding.