In Part 1 of this blog we mentioned 5 areas that you really need to carefully consider when planning your Jamaican wedding. Now here are the other 5 things that you need to consider to avoid these common mistakes.
1. 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. Importantly, a Marriage License is required most of all. Also, you must 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.
2. 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.
- Gather all the 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 has enough rooms for your family and guests. Alternately, 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.
3. Services Available
Ideally, it’s best to have the services of a local wedding planner when planning your Jamaican destination wedding. A wedding planner 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, 360 video booth and live bands, have bdcome popular and may need to be booked well in advance. Knowing these little details beforehand can save a ton of stress!
4. 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 or venue’s wedding coordinator who will only coordinate the activities of the venue. A hotel/venue coordinator is only responsible for ensuring that the hotel/venue provides what it has been contracted do. They will most likely be handling other events on the same day as your wedding. A full-service Jamaican wedding planner will be contracted to you and will work with you from start to finish to ensure that your Jamaican wedding is executed according to your vision. He/She will have the connections and expertise at their fingertip, can liaise with travel agents and hotels, and negotiate better rates on your behalf. Daunting matters such as monetary currency, recommended vendors, government permits and licenses can all be handled by your local wedding planner.
5. A Wedding Website
Creating 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 include the day’s activities and every detail pertaining to your Jamaican destination wedding. It can easily be updated, and you can create links to the various services such as travel agent, airline, hotel and information about the island. Best of all, it’s a great way to create some excitement among your guests. Our recommended FREE wedding websites are available on The Knot, WeddingWire, Minted and eWedding.
Was any of this helpful? Like this post or share your comments and let us know your thoughts. As always, happy planning!
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