How to Plan Your Destination Wedding in the Maldives

Ranked among the world's most stunning beach holiday hotspots, the Maldives is also a prime location for destination weddings. The Maldives boasts breathtaking coastlines and some of the globe's most luxurious resorts, so hosting a wedding ceremony in the archipelago may seem simple. The stress of planning a wedding overseas, however, can weigh on couples who do not follow the following steps when organising their dream wedding in the Maldives.

Choose the Date

The first step in planning a destination wedding in any part of the world is selecting a date for the ceremony. Although it may be tempting to choose a date based on personal significance or to coincide with a special event in the couple's history, those who wish to host weddings overseas must also consider the prevalent weather conditions for the date selected. When it comes to the Maldives, it's best to choose a day between December and March and this is the sunniest period in the local calendar. Apart from the influx of holidaymakers, there are no disadvantages in planning a wedding during the peak tourist season. The months between May and October, however, should be avoided as torrential rains are common due to the monsoon season.

Finding the Perfect Venue

One of the best aspects of choosing the Maldives for one's destination wedding is the wide range of venue options accessible in the archipelago. While there's nothing wrong with choosing to have a tranquil and private ceremony at The Residence Maldives Dhigurah or any of the other resorts doubling as wedding venues in Maldives, couples with a sense of adventure can explore other alternatives. These enticing alternative options include hosting a wedding underwater, either in the depths of the ocean or in the country's captivating underwater chapel and yacht weddings. Weddings on other sailing vessels are also popular while couples can also choose to say "I do" in the secluded setting of a private island.

Informing Guests in Advance

Newly affianced couples must make the guest list after the venue has been selected and inform their attendees via e-mail of the date of the nuptials. There's no need to send formal invitations quite yet but informing guests of when the celebration will take place will inevitably help loved ones make plans to visit the Maldives in time for the event. Regardless of the wedding budget, it is crucial to have realistic expectations of one's family and friends as some may not be able to make the journey overseas due to various circumstances. Destination weddings also afford couples the chance to limit their guest list to the nearest and dearest as it's difficult to cater to and sometimes provide accommodation for too many attendees in a foreign location.

Hiring Vendors

While couples can see to their attire needs without relying on Maldivian wedding vendors, all other aspects of the ceremony and reception require the help of local service providers. When hiring florists, beauticians, bands and caterers for the wedding, couples should carefully explore the online catalogues of the vendors concerned and check the reviews of their previous clientele before arriving at a decision.

Wedding Packages 101

Couples who are organising a Maldivian wedding will notice that most resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages for those who wish to tie the knot in the country. While these wedding packages are convenient and budget-friendly, they lack the personal touch of a bespoke event. Couples with budgetary constraints, however, might find that an all-inclusive wedding package is the perfect fit for them as most provide not only a reception buffet and honeymoon suite but also traditional Maldivian wedding attire and Bodu Beru drummers.

Planning the Honeymoon

Newlyweds that pledged themselves to one another in the Maldives have no reason to venture elsewhere for a holiday after the ceremony. As one of the world's leading honeymoon hotspots, couples may also want to look into extending their stay beyond the wedding so that the honeymoon plan is also in place.