I first fell in love with the wedding industry when I worked in a bridal boutique in my home country of Australia. When the owner would go to lunch I would try on gowns and veils and speak all day to customers planning their own wedding.  When I relocated to Grand Cayman several years ago, my dream of becoming a wedding planner came true. Working as a wedding planner for Parfait Weddings and Events there is never a dull moment and I also get great satisfaction in being able to assist clients create and enjoy their dream wedding or event.  

In my monthly column for The Observer on Sunday, I want to share with you my knowledge and experience in planning a wedding and take some of the anxiety out of what can seem like a list of never ending tasks. This week we start with the basics, where is your wedding going to take place? Beginning the search for your perfect wedding venue can be overwhelming. Having an idea of the type of venue you are looking for can definitely make the process easier but you should also take into account that each venue has advantages and disadvantages that need weighed up.

Hotel/Resort

An up market hotel or resort can be a great choice for an elegant and sophisticated wedding.  Hotel venues are usually large enough to cater for an extensive guest list, and offer an array of options for both the ceremony and reception ie. beach, garden, pool deck, marquee or restaurant.

The advantages of this venue are the ceremony and reception is held in the one location this reduces the hassle of transportation between venues for you and your guests. Overseas guests can stay in accommodation at the wedding venue. Hotels can offer great deals for blocking out rooms for a large number of guests.

Most hotels are on, or near the beach, which makes for a fantastic backdrop for your wedding.

The majority of hotels can offer a backup plan for your outdoor wedding in the event that it rains on your big day.

Disadvantages are it is unlikely that you will have exclusive use of the venue due to residents/guest of the hotel or resort, and other functions may also be held at the venue on the same day. If the décor provided by the hotel/resort is not to your taste, you may need to completely transform the area, this can be costly. Your chosen hotel/resort may have noise restrictions after a certain time in the evening which is an important consideration to think about for your reception.

Restaurant

This location works with both small and large weddings, and can also be a great way to incorporate a couple’s favourite cuisine into the wedding.  Some restaurants have outdoor areas and many on this island overlook the ocean, creating a perfect back drop without all the sand through your new Jimmy Choo wedding slippers.

You have full control over picking a restaurant that serves the type of cuisine that suits you and your guests tastes

Most restaurants have their own unique style when it comes to furniture and general decor. Selecting a restaurant that has the style that fits your wedding can eliminate a huge cost when designing your overall look with your planner.

Disadvantages are that table configuration is a key factor to consider when selecting a restaurant. Guests may need to be seated in different areas of the restaurant depending on the size of the guest list and size of the restaurant. 

A good size, and well positioned dance floor could be the key to a successful reception.  Ensure the restaurant allows for this space and also discuss the policies for music during the evening.

In order to have a restaurant to yourselves on your wedding day, there may be a minimum spend to “buy out” the space. 

Beach/Outdoor Venue

A beach or garden is the ultimate venue for a casual and fun wedding. The natural beauty of a garden or having the sand between your toes as you say “I do” makes for an amazing wedding venue. 

These venues are great for an “eco friendly” wedding. Your designer can incorporate natural products such as driftwood and sea shells into your décor to give that rustic, chic & carefree feel

You can use the surroundings to your advantage with outdoor weddings.  Hang lanterns between palm trees as extra lighting, have a barefoot dance floor under the stars and beach barbecues are also becoming extremely popular.

However if you are thinking of having your ceremony on a public beach, bare in mind that the area is “public”.  No one can stop photos being taken, screaming children or even other weddings taking place in the same area.

The sun can be brutal and very uncomfortable for you and your guests.  Make sure you provide water and also shade and have a “plan B”as no one can control the weather!

Rebecca Bateman Green is a Wedding & Event planner with Parfait Weddings and Events Ltd wedding and event planning company based in Grand Cayman.