ST BARTS – Do's and Don'ts
for a St Barts Destination Wedding

• DO be realistic about your hair & makeup options
  While an island wedding can be a dream come true, tropical breezes, heat and humidity can do damage to hair and makeup. When planning a St Barts destination wedding, take the elements into consideration before choosing your hairstyle. For a beach or other outdoor ceremony, seriously consider an up-do. This tried and true style will keep you looking polished all night. If you are determined to wear your locks down, invest in a stylist to spend the day with you touching up your makeup and hair so you do not have a tangled and messy do by the time you enter the reception.
  
• DON’T put your groom and groomsmen in a tuxed
  While most people cannot envision anything but a tux, any attire that is black and made of wool is a no-no in tropical climates. While this may look good for pictures, a fainting groom or groomsmen will put a damper on your day. Consider going with a St Barts island feel with your groom in a lightweight linen suit.
  
• DO wind proof your décor
  When creating place cards, favors and other décor for your tropical celebration, keep in mind that the wind can be your enemy. You can personalize and wind proof these details with a little creativity. For instance, tie seashells to each place card to anchor them. On the dinner table, weigh your menus and dinner napkins down with maracas made of coconut shells. If tall centerpieces are your dream, have the florist secure the centerpieces to a heavy, flat object such as a larger mirror. She can always cover these mechanics by lining the vases with ti leaves, palms or another natural element that will carry out your theme.
  
• DO entertain your guests
  A St Barts destination wedding is definitely more work than a hometown affair simply because you have not only invited guests to your wedding, you have also invited them on vacation. For this reason, plan days at the beach, a sunset cocktail hour or other simple activities where your guests can spend time with you without breaking your budget.
  
• DON’T feel obligated to plan every minute
  On the other hand, guests are on vacation, too. Do provide them with activity options and a short itinerary for the week so they know where to find you. However, definitely allow them time to explore the St Barts on their own.
• DO be flexible
  Whether it is about the minister or the décor, recognize that with a St Barts destination wedding you may not have as many options when it comes to clergy, photographers, even flowers. If you are set on a Lutheran minister or an 8mm cinematographer, recognize that you may have to fly someone in to handle these tasks. Ultimately, approaching the event by being flexible will relieve stress on everyone’s part and save you a few bucks as well.
• DON’T go it alone
  Never plan a St Barts destination wedding completely on your own. In doing so, you are risking disappointments such as your cake not showing up, flowers being late, etc.. Make sure your wedding planner is someone with your best interests in mind.
• DO trust the experts
  Once you’ve found the best wedding planner to handle your day, trust your judgment and their guidance, especially in a location where you may or may not have visited. While things like the direction of the setting sun and timing of high tide may not be of concern to you, it will definitely be on the mind of your wedding planner , who are ultimately there to ensure you have a flawless wedding day.
• DON’T expect everyone you invite to attend
  Traveling is expensive and because of this, expect a certain percentage of your guests to decline your invite. While this can be initially disappointing, it will make for a much more intimate celebration.
• DO embrace the culture
  St Barts life is like no other. Because of this, you would be doing your guests an injustice if you did not introduce them to the unique culture of this beautiful French island. You’re in the Caribbean, start your cocktail hour off with Mojitos.