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IDEAS

POST-PANDEMIC DESTINATION WEDDING TRENDS

There are times that I feel like I’m watching a real-time, 360-degree camera focused on destination weddings because of my work on both the travel and planning sides of destination weddings. Since the beginning of the year, inquiries have dramatically increased on the destination side of the wedding industry as many couples have been waiting for more relaxed travel restrictions and protocols to confirm their plans. Here are some of the trends that are popping up as couples begin planning their destination weddings again. Whatever the reasons are for these changes, we are here for it and excited to jump back into planning dream celebrations.

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Couples are getting more private, with celebrations on the water or secluded island. There is a definite request for privacy and some couples still have a need to just be with their own groups for their celebration, and a boat on the open sea or a celebration on their own private island gives them the confidence to really enjoy their wedding without anxiety. (Little known and fun fact: Jamaica, for example, is an archipelago made up of 28 islands, some of which are perfect to host private wedding celebrations. Imagine that: An island all to yourself. Now that’s privacy!)

According to travel designer Vanessa McKnight of Unforgettable Escapes, there has been an increased interest in creating travel registries in lieu of wedding gifts for her clients. At recent bridal shows, she has seen interest from couples who want to know more about the process and how to create a travel registry.

There is a definite move towards more intimate weddings, which I feel will become a staple for a few years. Couples are very focused on spending time with just family and close friends because they have not been able to do that consistently for the past two-plus years. Even when there are requests with a bigger guest list, couples are focused on a design that reflects intimacy. Clients are doing weddings their way and are not being constrained by wedding etiquette and traditions. They are keen on creating new rules that they deem appropriate for their inner circle and the new life they are building as a couple.

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Natalie John of Dreamy Weddings in Saint. Kitts, says she has seen a definite surge in groom involvement in planning. Space has been created for grooms to add their personality and style, which is great, because design and décor is getting bigger. Couples are more focused on a more opulent look and feel. This could be attributed to postponed events. Some couples may have been able to put aside more savings over the last couple years and are wanting to create their dream wedding.

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A full weekend or multiple days of celebration is still very present and has now become a regular request so that couples can squeeze every drop of connection and together time in their wedding weekend. Franciene Foster of Jamaica Wedding Concierge says that couples are happy to spend a bit more to add in different elements and curate epic wedding getaways that include pre- and post-ceremony events, as well as excursions for their entire group in destination.

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Something Blue ALWAYS INCLUDED

... AND SO MUCH MORE

YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING WILL BE UNIQUE and never cookie cutter. Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the best choice for your dream celebration. Not only will your wedding be the only one on your special day, our wide range of packages for every budget and guest list have every inclusion.

Our Deluxe Wedding Package is perfect for an intimate ceremony with up to eight guests, while the Pearl Package turns your wedding day into a wedding weekend with three days of celebrations for up to 40 people. You’ll start with our Perfect Start Beach BBQ and Bonfire or Plated Rehearsal Dinner. On your wedding day at Eternity Beach, the Cocktail Reception is followed by your Private Dinner Reception and, as newlyweds, you’ll host a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise for your guests.

Choose the perfect package and then customize everything – from your stunning tropical bouquet and music, to the décor and menus. Make your choices and we’ll do the rest.

You can feel confident knowing our skilled event planner will assist you long before you arrive, and your dedicated wedding coordinator is here to look after every beautiful detail ensuring everything is stress-free on your special day and throughout your stay. At our award-winning resort, choose from the family-friendly Splash wing and adults-only Harmony wing. Splash is ideal for wedding guests with children, while adult guests can relax, restore and reconnect at Harmony, in pampered accommodations including concierge rooms and suites with sweeping ocean views. The Splash wing features family-friendly accommodations, the island’s largest waterpark, a petting zoo, the zero-entry Splash Pool and Swim-Up Bar, and the Kidz Klub for infants to 12-year-olds. In the adults-only Harmony wing, you and your guests can lounge in sun-tracker beds while premium refreshments are served at both pools. At Coconut Bay, we turn your wedding into a stress-free vacation you will remember forever. There are nine restaurants offering unlimited à la carte and buffet dining at indoor, outdoor and stunning oceanside locations, serving a range of cuisines and menus incorporating vegan and vegetarian selections. Bartenders serve top-shelf spirits at seven bars including the Paradise Beach Bar, where hammocks are surrounded by water or shaded by coconut palms. All just minutes from Hewanorra International Airport. Coconut Bay is Government Certified

You’ll enjoy the daily and comprehensive Paradise Protection activities, nightly entertainment, an oceanfront spa, one mile Protocols all on 85 oceanfront acres and a mile-long beach assure you’ll enjoy easy social distancing for a safe and joyful celebration. Don’t forget to of private beach and explore exotic Saint Lucia on a Piton 5 pools (2 adults only) catamaran cruise, visit the popular mud along with our Premium baths, or go ziplining, horseback riding All-Inclusive amenities. and diving.