Everything You Need to Have the Best Destination Wedding

Destination weddings are trending more than ever, and more and more couples are ditching the need for a passport and choosing to stay stateside. South Florida weddings are a popular option on the destination list and with good reason. Swim and snorkel on your own private yacht.  Hang out on the sundeck with a cocktail and great food. Or cruise into to the evening enjoying the sunset before being dropped off for dinner at a waterfront restaurant.  South Florida has it all, plus many other attractions: from the wildlife of the Everglades, the culture of the Caribbean Islands and Latin America, to the amazing nightlife of downtown Miami, Wynwood and the Beaches.  Our panoramic views, sunny weather and beautiful beaches easily compete with the beach appeal of Mexico and staying stateside is also likely lighter on the wallet for both you and your guests.

Destination wedding on a yacht

2020 DESTINATION WEDDING TRENDS

If you are planning a Florida destination wedding or are planning to go to one, you can expect to see some of these hot trends. 

Destination Wedding in Miami

WEDDINGS ON THE WATER

South Florida is all about the water and the outdoors and depending on where you are staying we may be able to bring the floating wedding venue to you. Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters is a great option for a yacht event in South Florida.  They are highly regarded as a top wedding venue in Miami and not just amongst yachts.  Although their home base is in Miami they can travel as far as Palm Beach.  We should also mention the added convenience of having your guests stay at any one of many beautiful South Florida’s hotels which have their own docks.  Your guests can walk out the door and onto the yacht.  Just imagine how surprised and impressed your guests will be when your reveal that the wedding, reception, or both will not take place in yet another boring hotel ballroom but instead on your very own private luxury yacht! Contact us to learn more!

Rent a Yacht in Miami

BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE TRIP AND WEDDING COMBO

You can plan your bachelor/bachelorette trip a few months before the wedding or you can make it the week before the big day to extend the destination wedding experience!  This is better on the pockets as you’re only purchasing one flight and you’ll also get more time to celebrate with your family and friends before the big day. Spend the day on a sport yacht with your bridal party!

CREATE AN ITINERARY

To really help curate a great destination experience for your guests, create an itinerary of fun and of course optional activities for them to enjoy before and after the day of.  This is extra helpful for your guests who want to use this opportunity as a mini vacation for themselves. You can include their itinerary with their wedding invitation, on your wedding website or in their welcome gift bag.

Your wedding website is great for keeping guests up to date. Since guests will most likely stay at different hotels depending on budget make sure to include meeting points for optional activities. A lot of your guests will most likely opt for a day of rest and relaxation on the beach.

It is highly recommended to schedule a welcome party to give guests the opportunity to meet and get to know each other.  This always makes for a better time at the wedding reception. The welcome party might be a sunset cocktail cruise, a dinner or a bonfire on the beach.

Everglades Tour Miami Florida

GROUP ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS

Make sure to include some fun group activities for guests to enjoy. Some of your guests will wish to go off on their own to see the sights but a lot of your guests would rather take part in activities planned for them. Pre-planned activities are the best way to bring everyone together.

Below are a few great ideas that please every time!

  • Take them snorkeling or boating
  • Spa day
  • Explore the Everglades
  • Adventure package with activities like snorkeling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding
  • Brewery tour
  • Sunset yacht cruise
  • Beach yoga
  • Group classes (surfing, painting, cooking, etc.)
  • Beach bonfire
  • Golfing

WELCOME GIFT IDEAS

Make sure to use your destination as inspiration!  A personalized beach tote or waterproof bag if you are planning activities on the water is always a great touch!

  • Flip Flops
  • Handheld fans
  • Luggage tags
  • Pre-stamped postcards
  • Sunglasses
  • Playing cards
  • Hand rolled cigars by experts in Miami’s Little Havana
  • Individual bottles of local beer
  • Hydrating facial spray
  • White chocolate key lime cookies and key lime candies
  • Practical items like suntan lotion, aloe vera, bug repellent wipes and hangover kits (always a hit!)

PACKING SMARTER

You really can’t forget any of your must-have items, but on the flip side, you also want to make sure you don’t over-pack. Here’s a helpful tip, consider inquiring whether you can send certain items to the venue ahead of time. Then you’ll only have to pack the essentials, such as your wedding attire, toiletries, any medications and vitamins.