With wedding season coming up, and having been married for about 100 years (uh, sorry honey, it actually feels like just yesterday! :~) I thought it would be a good time to have our guest author,
Tiffany Mullins share some of her thoughts and insights on why the Caribbean is so popular...thanks for your contribution Tiffany!
All inclusive Caribbean vacations are a popular choice, renowned for the
sparkling sandy beaches, friendly locals and rich island history. But did you
know that these famous isles are also the number one choice for many couples’ weddings
and honeymoons? It’s easy to see why – we’ve compiled a list of the unique
elements that make the Caribbean an ideal destination for two people in love:
1. Romance and Luxury
The Caribbean is one of the most romantic
destinations on Earth, making it an ideal fit for weddings and honeymoons. The
breathtaking scenery of the sparkling Caribbean Sea lapping the pristine
beaches creates a soothing, romantic ambience. With a variety of all inclusive
luxury resorts to choose from, couples can enjoy luxuries like a private
candlelit dinner in a lavish honeymoon suite – the perfect way to unwind from
all the months of wedding planning.
2. Island Hopping
There
are thousands of islands throughout the Caribbean Sea, each with their own unique
personality and attractions. Whether couples are seeking a calm and secluded
honeymoon, or an unforgettable cultural adventure, there is an island that will
have exactly what they’ve been searching for. For example, Jamaica offers a
colorful nightlife and a variety of attractions, while some of the beaches in Antigua
are among the most peaceful, quiet Caribbean destinations.
3. Beaches and Water Sports
Whether you’re walking Negril’s famous 7-mile beach
hand-in-hand, or just basking in the salty sea breeze while watching the sunset,
the Caribbean island beaches offer some of the best scenery around that can be enjoyed
from the pristine, sandy shores, or from the deck of a peaceful catamaran
cruise. Additionally, couples may choose from a wide array of water sports, many
of which are offered during all inclusive Caribbean vacations, including
paddleboards, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, aquatrikes, scuba diving and
waterskiing.
4. Adventurous Tours and Attractions
For couples searching for the perfect balance of
laid-back relaxation and jaw-dropping adventure, the Caribbean islands offer an
exceptional blend. Possible honeymoon excursions include zip-lining and
off-roading through the rainforest, canopy tours, mountain biking, volcano
explorations, catamaran sailing, deep-sea fishing and swimming or snorkeling
with dolphins. Additionally, there are a variety of sprawling parks with
breathtaking mountains and waterfalls just waiting to be explored.
5. Room to Get Away
There are a multitude of romantic excursions to
choose from as well. Couples can wander along undisturbed beaches and marvel in
the beauty of the islands. There are even “Castaway Tours,” where couples are
left alone on an uninhabited island for a few hours with a well-packed picnic
basket and a bottle of wine.
6. Tropical Weather
Planning
a wedding or a honeymoon can be a stressful venture, even without the added
concern of the weather conditions. That’s one of the aspects of the Caribbean
that is so attractive to couples: it’s warm year-round – which is greatly
appreciated by couples from northern states or by those planning winter
weddings. On the off-chance the weather does not cooperate, the wedding party
can often be easily accommodated by changing locations to a gorgeous indoor
setting.
7. Picture-Perfect
Couples
often dream of the perfect background to complement their exchange of vows. When
your wedding is in the Caribbean, it almost doesn’t matter where you stand
because there are so many picturesque locations. Couples can choose from garden
or beach settings for their ceremonies, creating excellent backdrops for photographs
and memories that will last a lifetime.
8. Combining Weddings and Honeymoons
Celebrating weddings and honeymoons together doesn’t
just save money - it also makes the entire planning process easier and less
stressful. Weddings held at Caribbean family beach resorts are also vacations
for the guests, not to mention that the happy couple will be at their honeymoon
destination immediately after the ceremony! Instead of agonizing over themes
and menus, couples can choose activities, décor and food – all prepared by the all
inclusive resort of choice. This leaves time for the happy newlyweds to
actually enjoy the ceremony and their time together. There are even some Caribbean
and Antigua vacation packages that will provide a free standard ceremony after
the bride and groom book a specific number of nights at the hotel.
Additionally, some all inclusive resorts may provide a wedding planner to sort
out any of the other details of the big day, ensuring that it all runs smoothly.
9. Customization
Although
many Caribbean resorts offer all inclusive wedding packages, there is still the
option for customization – upgrades and à la cart items
are often available for couples to use. This makes planning the ceremony even
easier because most of the work is already done. Depending on the type of
wedding you’re hoping for, you can customize your day to be either as elaborate
or as simple as you would like.
10. Affordability
Even though spending time in the Caribbean is sure to be a luxurious
adventure, in comparison with the average cost of an American wedding, it is
surprisingly affordable. Many all inclusive resorts often offer travel deals
for wedding parties or seasonal discounts that couples may take advantage of
when booking the trip.
The Caribbean is the most popular destination for weddings and
honeymoons, and it’s easy to see why. There are endless activities and
adventures to embark upon, and scenic views abound. Whether you’re planning a
destination wedding or honeymoon (or both!), you’ll find the picturesque
tropical setting you’ve been dreaming of in the Caribbean.
About the Author
As International Social
Media Manager for Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts (Unique Vacation, Ltd.), Tiffany
Mullins leads a team that creates new strategies for global, multi-brand social
media. In addition to managing Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts’ online community,
she also oversees the direction of Sandals and Beaches social media, including
the Sandals Wedding Blog, which brings brides and inspiration together to truly
create “Your Wedding. Your Style.” Tiffany now resides on Paradise Island in
The Bahamas. For more information on Grand Pineapple’s all inclusive resorts,
please call 1-800-327-1991 or visit www.grandpineapple.com.
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