How to Plan an Outdoor Weddings in Sri Lanka

The enchanting island of Sri Lanka is blessed with some truly spellbinding natural beauty which makes it an ideal destination for outdoor weddings. From misty mountains to sun-kissed beaches and more, there are many magical backdrops to choose from along with various types of ceremonies and celebrations that can be tailor-made for you. So just how do you go about planning your dream outdoor wedding in Sri Lanka? Here is a guide to help you get started!

Start Organising in Advance

Just like you would plan in advance in your home country, get the ball rolling as soon as possible when it comes to organising a destination wedding in Sri Lanka. There is much to keep in mind be it the location, hotel, dates, reception, catering, travel, etc. It might seem overwhelming, but take it one step at a time.

The good thing is, there are hotels that not only provide the ideal outdoor venue, but that will also take care of the planning, entertainment, catering and accommodation as well. Organising in advance also gives you time to inform family and friends who will be attending, so they can plan for it too.

Select the Right Season

Sri Lanka enjoys glorious tropical sunshine most of the year so you can look forward to some sublime weather. That said, since it is a tropical nation, it does experience monsoons at different times which bring with it rains which can be a dampener, literally!

The ideal time to plan a wedding along the south and west coasts, as well as the hill country, is from December to March when you can expect pretty consistent sunshine throughout the days; it does get hot too though mornings and evenings are relatively cooler. For those planning a wedding along the east coast, April to September is generally the best time for such pleasant weather.

Be Mindful of the Budget

As with any wedding, budget considerations are always important. When planning your wedding here, you will have to consider added elements too like the cost for airfare, accommodation and transport. Making your reservations ahead helps in this regard and gives you a chance to take advantage of deals for early bookings too. If you are planning to invite many people who will have to travel to Sri Lanka consider the availability and cost of accommodation for them as well.

Choose Location & Format

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to locations for your special day on the island. Beach weddings in Sri Lanka are particularly popular and the west, south and east coasts offer a great many beaches to pick from. Of course, you could choose to have a garden wedding or one amidst the mountains in the hill country. You could also consider wedding hotels in Colombo which are ideally placed right beside the ocean while offering easy access to the airport and the commercial capital; such properties also make an ideal base from which to explore the island on a honeymoon! One such option would be Pegasus Reef which is amongst the hotels where you can have an outdoor wedding by the beach or in a landscaped garden followed by a grand reception indoors.

In Sri Lanka, wedding formats can also vary in terms of the ceremony and customs followed. While you could have a typical western-style wedding outdoors, you can also consider a traditional Sinhala or Tamil ceremony to add a touch of unique island charm. Find a hotel that organises such traditional weddings which can include the needed attire (like a saree for the bride) as well as other elements including drummers and someone to perform the ceremony. Additionally, it will help if the hotel you have chosen takes care of all the other aspects too such as the themed décor for the selected format.