A Perfect Union

Couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience, should consider planning to host their big event in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago. From exquisite landscapes and perfect climate conditions to delicious food and a superb locale for a built-in honeymoon, a wedding event in Trinidad and Tobago promises to deliver memories to last a lifetime.

If you have always imagined getting married on a sandy stretch of beach in the Caribbean, but never believed it could be plausible, think again. A small amount of research and large dose of mindful organization can enable you to have the Caribbean wedding you've always dreamed about.

Pros and Cons

Some men and women find that wedding event planning can be quite stressful, notably when you choose to place all your confidence in an event manager in a foreign nation.  However, for so many couples, the advantages outnumber the disadvantages. Still, a Caribbean wedding isn't for everyone. The included list of pros and cons may help you to determine if getting married in Trinidad and Tobago is appropriate for you.

Pros

• Cost. While many individuals do not recognize this, a destination wedding could actually save you money - including the expenses of airfare. This is because destination weddings are likely to be smaller affairs at which less people attend, thus costing you less money in table settings and cuisine. Numerous resorts also provide wedding and honeymoon package promotions, thus enhancing your savings even more.
• Weather. While thinking about a destination wedding, many couples are enticed by Trinidad and Tobago because of its tropical weather conditions, where the average temperature rarely dips below 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Rain storms do occur, but they are usually over before they begin.
• Planning. Couples preparing for a destination wedding usually choose an event planner (or one is allocated to you by your resort when you buy a wedding package from them). This helps ensure that every single element of your big day is thoughtfully considered by an expert.
• Friends and Family. Arranging a destination wedding means that you can trim down your guest list - you don't have to feel compelled to invite a relative you aren't very close to, or your fiancé's boss.

Cons

• Cost. While researching a destination wedding, many couples may feel that they are responsible for handling all travel expenses for their entire wedding party. If you decide to include all these expenses within your budget, a Caribbean wedding will undoubtedly require a larger budget.
• Weather. It is important to keep in mind that because of Trinidad and Tobago's location within the hurricane belt, scheduling a wedding celebration during hurricane season (from the beginning of June until the end of November) presents a slight risk.
• Planning. Since you will not have the option to personally check out and choose wedding particulars for much of the time leading up to your nuptials, you may find yourself becoming nervous because you feel that you are not able to exercise as much control over everything.

• Legal issues. Legislation pertaining to marriage licenses could be different than those you would deal with back home. Procuring a marriage license in Trinidad and Tobago necessitates time, so a rapidly organized wedding might not be practical.

• Family and friends. It is important that couples keep in mind that everyone you want to share your wedding memories with may not be able to attend a Caribbean wedding due to obligations that may prevent them from being able to travel.

Why Choose Trinidad and Tobago

Out of all the locations in the world, why should you choose to get married in Trinidad and Tobago?  The answer is simple really:  the ambiance.  Trinidad and Tobago mixes a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a laid back, tropical environment.  On one island, Trinidad, guests will experience the upbeat, artistic lifestyles of the islanders that is surrounded by lush greenery and the crystal, cool waters of the Caribbean.  Meanwhile, Tobago offers an old world feel, the island dense with history, mythology, and the pride of those who live there.  The diversity of the islands allows for varied wedding locales and set-ups; from indoor affairs to beach side vows.

Furthermore, the activities you can plan on the days surrounding your wedding are endless.  Days spent participating in water sports on the beach will allow for an opportunity to release all of the tension that typically surrounds wedding planning, while touring historic landmarks and natural sites will make great memories. 

Local Wedding Customs

An elegant way to incorporate the customs of Trinidad and Tobago into your wedding is through your attire.  At a traditional ceremony on the islands, the groom will wear a black suit complete with top hat, bow tie, and tails over a white shirt, while the bride will wear a dress made of satin (usually white, but pale pinks and other light colors are common as well). 

If you have your own ideas of how you would like to dress, another great way to highlight local culture is by serving up some regional fare, such as dumplings and crab, stuffed crab, and rotis (bread stuffed with chickpea curry and ground meats). 

Types of Ceremonies

As you start the process of wedding planning, you can compose a memorable event that is ideal for your desires by choosing a venue in which you will feel most comfortable in. If religious beliefs and tradition are fundamental to you, planning a traditional wedding event at an island church, or perhaps a historic landmark may work best for you. If you're a dreamer at heart, imagine an outdoor wedding on the beach, in a garden, or at the edge of a waterfall. Couples seeking adventure, however, may prefer a wedding underwater or at the top of a mountain. No matter where you imagine your perfect wedding, Trinidad and Tobago has a venue to suit your tastes.

Budgeting

Despite the fact that a Caribbean wedding generally is less expensive than an elaborate event hosted back home, it is still imperative that you take some time to sit down and create a budget. Plan with your fiancée and create a list of everything you believe you will end up spending funds on, in order of relevance to you. Some typical ideas include the catering, location, photographer, and dress, among many others. After doing some quick research, allocate an estimated price to each item, then total everything up. This will provide you with a rough idea of what you can plan on spending. Remember that this total will alter as you shop for your big event, and the organized list of vital items will help you to know immediately what items you can trim back on and which items you simply can't be without.

Requirements

Couples wishing to obtain a marriage license in Trinidad and Tobago must visit the Trinidad Registrar General's Office or the Tobago Warden's Office at least three days after their arrival on the island, and 24 hours before their wedding.  With them they should bring $51(USD) to pay for their license, plus the following documents: certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, divorce certificates, adoption papers, and passport.

Planning a wedding in Trinidad and Tobago doesn't have to be a daunting prospect.  Although you will be celebrating your big day far from home, the beauty and enchantment of the islands are sure to make all the time you spent planning worth it.  Take each aspect of planning step-by-step, weigh your options, and your wedding in Trinidad and Tobago is sure to be a dream come true.