Every wedding is epic. But, a Destination Wedding is super special. You are traveling to a tropical location with your favorite people to celebrate your love and party it up a bit. Every bride wants her wedding to be a lasting memory not just for herself and new spouse, but for her guests as well.

We’ve created a list of the top 10 ideas to make your destination wedding totally extra!

1: Create welcome bags for your guests:

There are tons of ideas for these little gems. A bottle of water, a ‘hangover kit’ consisting of things like individual-sized pain reliever, band-aids, Alka Seltzer…you get the drift. Other favorites of past brides are: mini sunscreen tube, lip balm, chewing gum or breath mints, local hand made candies, koozie can holders, personalized mugs to keep those pool or beach drinks cold. Matching sunglasses along with those drink holders make the guests feel like a gang and identifies them as a group. The options are endless. Just be creative! And…of course, check Pinterest for some ideas!

2: Host a Welcome Event:

A favorite of many couples is to host a sunset catamaran cruise the day before the wedding. A couple of hours at sea with some island vibe tunes, open bar, and some light snacks is the perfect way to set the tone and get the party started!

3: Photo Seat Markers:

During that welcome event, why not have each guest’s photo taken by your photographer, have your photographer print them before the wedding and then use the photos as seat markers for the wedding dinner!

4:Fireworks:

Many resort wedding packages will have the option to add some fireworks immediately after the ceremony at the outdoor wedding arch. While this may be a fantastic unexpected bit of fiery bling for your guests, our friends at Fun In The Sun Wedding Photography advise it’s definitely a must to give a heads up to your photographer!  You can also go for full blown-light-the-sky-up fireworks during the reception once the sun goes down.  No better way to say I love you than with a big bang!

5: Surprise Them!

The unexpected is always well received! Maybe a ‘flashmob’ with the bride and her squad?!

6: Set Them Free:

Take the last 5 minutes of your dance party, ‘release’ your guests to carry on with their night, and use those final precious moments for just the two of you on the dance floor to your favorite song. Just make sure your photographer and videographer aren’t punched out quite yet!

7: Embrace Local Culture:

Consider adding local cultural elements to your ceremony. Things like a Mayan (Mexico) Chaman blessing of your love and new life together.  Or, setting your intentions for your new life ahead and making an ‘offering’ to the ocean as you send your intentions out to sea (reef-friendly materials only, please!). Dove and Butterfly releases are also popular!

8: Spice Things Up for Cocktail Hour:

Why not hire a local band for cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony? A Mariachi Band in Mexico, a Steel Drum Band in Jamaica. Your guests will love the local sounds and vibes!

9: Consider a sunrise or morning ceremony time!

Yup! That’s right! Especially for weddings in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, the sun rises on the beach side, making for some stunning morning photos! Then take your reception to your own private yacht for a day at sea! You can include a trip to a nearby island for fun and exploration or stay at sea and have your gang snorkel!

10: Consider hosting the ceremony away from the resort property.

A private Cenote, or get married at sea on your own private yacht. While traveling from the resort to a private site has it’s own logistics and can add a bit of expense, if unique and unforgettable is what you are going for, it may be an option!

Every bride wants a wedding that will be remembered for years. A wedding that will be the conversation piece among her guests. At Playa Bella Weddings and Travel, LLC, we are here to make that happen!