A Bride’s Guide To Beach Weddings In Trinidad & Tobago

Seaside weddings are something we can easily envision – the bride’s gauzy gown floating in the wind, the groom looking into her eyes and the ocean’s waves lapping in the background.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the planning elements involved:

How to book a beach wedding locally?

Depending on the beach you choose, you will have to write the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & The Arts (MOT) and apply for permission. Beaches which require permission are: Maracas, Las Cuevas, Vessigny and Manzanilla. There is a caution fee to be paid and you must have your own power supply.

You must also submit the following to the MOT:

• Your site plan (outlining tent placement, stages, parking and placement of generators etc.)
• Your waste disposal plan
• Your safety and security plan
• Public Liability Insurance
• EMA Permission for noise variation regarding the use of PA Systems
• COTT License – for the playing of recorded music or live performances
• Approval for fireworks (if applicable) from the Fire Prevention Unit, TT Fire services

Logistics
As a courtesy, you may want to arrange transportation for your guests and wedding suppliers – think about whether it will be by boat, maxi taxi, bus or car pool? If you can’t arrange transportation, a good idea would be to include a map of your venue, along with your wedding invitation. Remember too, that if you’re having a wedding on a secluded beach or if it will be held in the late evening, guests may be concerned about security for both themselves and their vehicles.

Amenities
Once your guests arrive, they will require restrooms, seating, garbage disposals and shady areas out of the sun. A practical solution may be to choose a hotel or venue, which features a beach front. This way, guests can retreat inside to use amenities, once you pay the requisite fees to the venue.

Once dining and dancing are going to be on the agenda, be sure to erect sturdy flooring to prevent guests’ feet from sinking into the sand. Also remember that you won’t have electricity, which may pose problems for lighting and sound, so be sure to plan for this in advance.

Choosing a tented reception venue
If it is not possible to have your wedding near to a waterfront hotel or venue, you may have to opt for a tented venue. Tents will work well during the dry season, however, you will have to create a comfortable environment underneath. Therefore, you will have to think about renting portable restroom facilities, air conditioning/fans, tables, chairs, a stage, dance floor, tent walls, installing lighting and providing cooking and electrical facilities for the caterer and DJ.

Time of day
It may be more practical to have an early morning or a late afternoon wedding, since during the day, beaches tend to be crowded. During the day, there is an increased chance of having curious onlookers in the background of your wedding photos and unwanted sounds on your wedding video. If you are having a wedding on the beach at night, remind your guests to bring warm clothing since it may get chilly.

Once perfectly planned, the beach wedding of your dreams can go without a hitch!