Choosing the Best Dress for a Caribbean Wedding

You're getting married in one of the stunning Caribbean destinations – lucky you! When it comes to weddings, Caribbean locations are perfect for a dream tropical event no matter what time of the year. However, one thing you need to consider when you are planning weddings, Caribbean-style, is the location you plan on tying the knot. For instance, your all-important bridal gown will look very different if you are planning to get hitched on the beach, on a boat, or in a luxurious hotel on the waterfront – and all of these are options! You need to consider the location of both your ceremony and reception in order to ensure no wardrobe disasters or malfunctions on the big day.

Consider the design If you've long had dreams of tropical beach weddings, Caribbean islands are an excellent place to make those little girl fantasies come true. But with a destination as diverse as this one, you need to consider where on the island you've chosen (and there are several, including St Lucia, Barbados and Grenada) you want the actual ceremony and reception to be held.

In a luxury hotel

If you favour the traditional, book one of the stunning luxury hotels and let them organise the whole thing for you. If you choose to get wed in a hotel, naturally, there will really be no limit to the style of dress you can wear, or type of shoes you accessorise with. The only constraint is the heat, and even that might not matter much if your venue is air conditioned. That being said, if it is not, then it is recommended that you stick to the dresses that won’t have you breaking out in a sweat. A beach ceremony

Likewise, if you are planning on a beachfront ceremony where the soft breeze will blow a voluminous gown about and the sand will fill your shoes or seep between your toes, then you may want to consider a different outfit. On the whole, when it comes to weddings, Caribbean events are most often held on the beach, and there are few places more idyllic for the photographs.

When choosing a dress for a tropical beach ceremony, consider something very light and simple. Make sure the length falls to just above the ankle so it will not drag on the sand – if it was to get wet and then pick up sand, it can make you feel like you're carrying around half a beach with you! Simple and understated dresses will catch the wind in a romantic way, while strappy gowns that show off the shoulders, arms and back are also popular and really suit this kind of theme. Having said all that, don't be put off if you want the waterfront ceremony and still want to frock up in heels - just plan to have a makeshift aisle laid down for you to walk on.

Helen C. Edwards works for the Essential Hotel Collection. For romantic weddings, Caribbean venues can't be beaten. We have a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels offering superb accommodation. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.