For many, the idea of tying the knot on a beach, standing in powdery white sand, soothed by balmy breezes, with the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, is the stuff dreams are made of.

For all the romance that a barefoot beach wedding evokes, however, there are certain things to consider at the planning stage to ensure it is as romantic in reality as in your imagination. Claire Pettinati, co-owner of Kaibo, has hosted numerous beach weddings and so knows exactly what to look out for to ensure a couple’s special day is truly magical.

The beach can be a public place and despite the picturesque setting, at any time there will be numerous other people sharing the beach with you.

Wherever you plan to exchange your vows, do also think of your guests: where will they sit during the ceremony? Are there wash room facilities nearby? Is there a shady area they where they can wait for the bride to arrive? Where will they park?

Situated on its own secluded beach, with nothing to either side, Kaibo guarantees complete privacy. For even greater intimacy, it offers the option of shutting down the restaurant to the public, making the venue exclusive to the wedding party. For something extra special, a water taxi service is available to transport the wedding party from the Seven Mile Beach area to Cayman Kai.

All the bothersome logistics of parking, washrooms, seating, shade and so on are eliminated at Kaibo and a contingency plan in case of foul weather is not even needed.

The majority of people have their ceremony at sunset, followed by dinner on the beach, explains Claire. This takes advantage of the wonderful colours and changing light as the sun slips below the horizon during the ceremony, followed by a romantic dinner under the stars, by the light of tiki torches.

For a beach ceremony there are options ranging from conch shell-lined aisles leading to decorated archways, to bamboo frames covered in muslin and decorated palm trees or thatched cabanas. Seating is arranged facing the sea and mats can be laid down the aisle to ensure the bride does not wobble on uneven sand. A choice of menus caters to every taste, from a casual Caribbean barbecue to a gourmet four-course dinner.

The staff at Kaibo can take care of all the details, and welcome suggestions as well as offering advice based on their experience. “We do not have set packages that people have to choose from,” Claire says. At Kaibo each and every wedding is entirely tailor-made and totally unique.   WH

For more information, call 947-9975,
e-mail kaibo@thebeach.com or visit kaibo.ky.