FUN AND GAMES

from Today's Bride - Destination Wedding | Goddess vibes in Greece

CARIBBEAN WEDDING EXPERIENCE

Give A Warm Welcome

At this point, welcome bags are pretty standard when it comes to destination weddings. Leave the perfect bag of necessities in your guests’ rooms upon their arrival. Don’t forget the sunscreen, lip balm, hangover kit and sunglasses, plus local treats and alcohol.

Aside from the goodies, a firstnight welcome party is always fun and more appreciated than you think. Chances are that you’ll have some guests travelling with you that have never met each other. By the end of the week, you’ll all feel like family, but when you first arrive, things may be a little more awkward. Be sure to introduce each person and how you know them, then connect them to other people in your group by offering common interests. “Scott, meet Mark. Scott, you’ll be happy to know that Mark is a huge Star Wars fan.” And let the bonding begin.

Brewery. In Punta Cana, there is a street filled with fun bars and restaurants. Be sure to inquire about safety, stick together as a group and be respectful of the city you’re in.

ANY DESTINATION WEDDING WILL BE THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME, FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS. BUT IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LEVEL-UP THE CORE MEMORIES, PLAN SOME EPIC EVENTS FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Drink The Drinks

We hear that while people are on tropical vacations, they may indulge in a drink or two (shocking!). If this is the case for your group, work with your resort to set up a local pub crawl, or hit the craft breweries in the area. Costa Rica is filled with unique breweries, including Fuego Brewing Company and Whale Tail designated driver, of course.

You can also set up private tastings. Rum in Jamaica or Barbados, tequila and mezcal in Mexico, or Scotch whiskey in Scotland. There’s an art form to creating these yummy drinks and they all have different taste profiles. And no matter where you go, make sure you have a designated driver, of course.

Get To Class

Ask about a group class at your resort – yoga, snorkelling or maybe dance lessons so your guests can work on their moves before the wedding reception. Attending a private class allows you the freedom to be loud and have some fun with your people without annoying others.

Host A Scavenger Hunt

If your group is a competitive bunch, organize a scavenger hunt within the grounds of your resort, or take it up a notch and hit the local area, Amazing Race style. The concierge at your desk may be able to help with fun clues, locations and maps. Be sure to have a prize for the winners, although bragging rights will usually suffice.

GIVE YOUR GUESTS SOME ALONE TIME

REMEMBER:

SET EXPECTATIONS FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR GUESTS.

Keep your guests aware of “mandatory” events like the rehearsal dinner and “voluntary” events like wine tasting class. Do not be disappointed if some people don’t want to be involved in every activity.

Give your guests some alone time. Some couples may want a romantic dinner on their own, or perhaps a group will head off on a scuba diving excursion. You don’t have to be together every minute of the day.

Stream important events for those who can’t attend: the ceremony, reception speeches, and crowning the winner of the scavenger hunt.

One happy island

ARUBA'S WORLD-RENOWNED BEACHES ARE IDEAL FOR A DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING

Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, u

Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, u www.aruba.com/us/why-aruba/romance www.aruba.com/us/why-aruba/romance www.aruba.com/us/why-aruba/romance