Beyond the destination, decor, venue, and culinary options, choosing a wedding date is one of the most important aspects of destination wedding planning. With weather and resort availability to consider, it’s important to understand how the Caribbean operates throughout the year. 

If you’re planning a Sandals® Resorts or Beaches® Resorts wedding, here are a few trusted tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date! 

Let the seasons help you choose the perfect wedding date

Deciding on the right season for your Caribbean destination wedding all depends on what your ideal day looks like. For example, the stretch of year from April to November tends to be a popular season for Sandals and Beaches. This makes it an ideal time to book room blocks and lock in wedding venues in advance. By planning ahead, there is likely more availability to make larger group reservations at any 5-Star Global Gourmet™ restaurant for your wedding party.

As for weather, this time of year calls for warmer days and the occasional midday rain shower. With this in mind, you may consider planning your “I do’s” in the early morning or late afternoon, in a shady garden location, or at one of the wedding chapels. 

In contrast, mid-December through April tends to be peak season in the Caribbean. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan your wedding during these months! Most people prefer this time of the year for the cooler Caribbean temps in the evening and to escape the cold winter season where they live. For these reasons, it is also the perfect time to give your guests an exciting reason to leave the cold weather behind and jet set to paradise! 

Keep in mind that flight prices might increase during this busier season, so you’ll want to get those save-the-dates out as early as possible. This will give your guests ample time to plan and book!

When it comes to choosing a Caribbean destination wedding date, one of the biggest factors to account for is weather. If you don’t mind a little extra heat or adjusting the time of your ceremony to align with cooler temps, then summer is certainly for you! If you prefer less rain and an escape from the winter back home, opt for mid-December through April. This tip can apply to all Sandals and Beaches resorts, including Sandals Barbados, pictured above.

A destination wedding by day or by night

When it comes to daytime weddings, an early morning ceremony is ideal for exchanging vows when there are less guests out and about on resort. As for a midday ceremony, this is a great way to ensure you capture optimal lighting in all your wedding photos! The highlight of these options is that they free up the rest of the afternoon for your guests to explore the resort and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean.  

By day, you can incorporate the Caribbean’s natural beauty into your decor aesthetic. Consider filling centerpieces with native island blooms to pop against any backdrop! Just like this wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay, seashells, palm leaves, and rattan baskets also mesh well with any Caribbean locale. Photo credit: Finding Light Photography

The perks of planning a wedding ceremony later in the day is that the celebrations can follow right after! Whether it be a ballroom, outdoor patio, or beachfront setup, Sandals and Beaches offer a variety of spacious locations for your wedding party. To ease into the festivities, kick things off with a cocktail hour, complete with all-inclusive pours of premium liquors, tropical cocktails, and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines. After, guests can head to the reception for more drinks, dinner, and dancing. Once the party concludes, you and your guests can continue the fun at an on-resort bar or enjoy the convenience of heading back to nearby luxury accommodations. 

By night, you and your guests can experience the true personality of the Caribbean. From daring fire dancers to a traditional Junkanoo band, Sandals and Beaches resorts offer entertainment options for your celebration that are authentic to each island. Photo credit: Finding Light Photography

Sandals and Beaches wedding perks & inclusions

No matter what wedding date or time of day you choose, Sandals and Beaches will always go above and beyond to exceed expectations. That being said, couples who plan a Sandals or Beaches Customizable Wedding and stay for three nights or longer will receive the following inclusions at no additional cost: 

• Personal Wedding Planning Team
• Preparation of Marriage Documents
• Romantic Location of Your Choosing* 
• 1-Hour Cocktail reception for guests
• Signature cocktail for the bride and groom
• 15% discount on Red Lane® Spa services for bride and groom
• Free Sandals Wedding and Honeymoon Gift Registry
• Exclusive Sandals and Beaches honeymoon perks
• And more!

Have your picture-perfect time of year in mind? Save the date at Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts today! 

*Complimentary picturesque wedding locations applicable only to select onsite wedding venues.