To be honest, I was never that little girl who dreamed of planning a big, lavish wedding. However, I have always been a big fan of tropical vacations and *love*. If I got married, you can bet it would be somewhere warm, with sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, and probably no shoes. After all, your wedding should be about you and your partner, and create the ideal day for you and your loved ones - whether it's in a luxurious church or a secluded beach. Because it's a little off the beaten path, you may not have considered having your own ceremony by the ocean, but with a little inspiration from the U.S. Virgin Islands, we've devised a list of compelling reasons why a beach wedding is totally doable. suits you.
There are a few obvious factors that may have convinced you already, but to confirm our suspicions, we talked to Jen Glantz, a true wedding expert, attendee of at least 10 destination weddings, and founder of Bridesmaids For Hire. Spoiler alert: Grantz really makes tropical destination weddings sound like the best idea ever, but also delves into why they work so well for some couples. From travel logistics and decor to events, families, dress codes and more, we've got it all covered. Here are seven reasons to consider having your own beach wedding.
1. Your style is relaxed
As Jen attests, beach ceremonies are best for laid-back couples who love adventure. “In my experience, people are moving away from cookie-cutter weddings,” she says. "They're looking for something different."
That might mean your dream dress is more understated and elegant than ruffles and embellishments, and you really don't mind ditching your heels for sandals — but, on St. Croix, would you choose something else?
2. You want an intimate relationship
When you're planning a destination wedding, it's important to realize that there will be fewer people attending, but for many, this is a plus. As Glantz points out, "This gives you an excuse to spend more time with your guests. At a 'traditional' wedding, you only have a few hours."
The people closest to you will be on this journey together, and eventually you'll meet a closer-knit group of people you actually want to spend time with. No second cousins from your parents (twice removed) or random friends here!
3. You get an ambience that can’t be measured by the price tag
This viewpoint in Saint John is the stuff dreams are made of. You can decorate any party room with flowers and tea lights, but even the most lavishly decorated venue can't match the view of a warm, idyllic beach at sunset. If you agree with me, then the case is effectively over.
4. Your schedule is packed, so finding time for your honeymoon can be tricky
One of the great things about a destination wedding is the vacation that comes with it. You're already gone, so you might as well stay another week, right? A two-for-one deal is so convenient and what could be better than enjoying a carefree resort atmosphere on your wedding day?
5. Your squad loves adventure.
You probably already know if your group of friends would be excited about it. Grantz points out that when you plan a destination wedding, you have more time for activities, and you and your guests have the opportunity to enjoy activities like boating, snorkeling, or just hanging out on the beach together.
6. Budgeting is easier than you think
A destination wedding may sound expensive, but it's important to consider all the savings you'll make. When your venue is the beach, a lot of the work has already been done - instant atmosphere! Your dress code may be more casual (i.e., dresses may cost much less), and amazing seafood and exotic flowers are much cheaper when they're not shipped. Finally, seaside destinations (yes, like the U.S. Virgin Islands) are more than ready for this sort of thing.
"When you plan a destination wedding, they're usually all-inclusive," Glantz says. “A lot of planning can be done for you!”
7. You dream of an endless summer
When you close your eyes and imagine “vacation,” do you see sandy beaches and warm blue water? When a winter snowstorm hits, do you start counting down the days until June? Some of us are just beach people, and what better time to get married than in your happy place? Your wedding should be completely customized for you and your loved ones, and if a tropical location like St. Thomas sounds ideal, it's more feasible than you think.
This post is sponsored by the U.S. Virgin Islands .
Photos: US Virgin Islands (6); Matt Wade/Flickr (1); Navin75/Flickr (1)
