Hey lovebirds! Picture saying ‘I do’ surrounded by sun-kissed beaches and sparkling turquoise waters of Lakshadweep – a dreamy paradise that guarantees a blend of romance and tranquillity. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, this dream is about to turn into a reality. If you’re all about shunning the ordinary in favour of the extraordinary, consider this your cheat guide to pulling off nuptials that are as chilled out as they are unforgettable in the heart of this tropical utopia. From sandy shorelines to local flavours, let’s get down to the low-down on putting together your wedding of a lifetime on the mesmerising Lakshadweep Islands – where love meets the sun, sea and sand!
1. Choose The Right Season and Venue
Dreaming of a sunny July wedding in Lakshadweep? Sorry ladies, that’s not happening. The monsoons won’t let you. You see, choosing the right season is imperative for a picture-perfect beach wedding. Generally, the best time to say ‘I do’ is November to March, when the weather is simply perfect and there’s hardly any rainfall.
Once you’ve narrowed down the dates, move on to the next step — choosing the perfect wedding venue on the Lakshadweep Islands. Good news: You have plenty of options. Think resorts or private beachfront locations that offer an intimate affair and sensational views. Some of the most popular choices for couples tying the knot are Bangaram Island and Kadmat Island. Both boast pristine beaches, a turquoise sea and a serene ambience for your special day. But of course, spend some time researching and choose a venue that resonates with your heart and dream wedding visions!
2. Send Your Invitations Out Early
Designing and finalising your reception invitation cards early is important, as your loved ones will need time to plan and reserve a spot at your Lakshadweep wedding. This is especially crucial in Lakshadweep, as the islands have limited resources and accommodations. With this in mind, try to get invitations in the mail 3-6 months before the wedding, if possible. This should give your guests plenty of time to plan the arrangements needed for a tropical island wedding, making sure they can join you for your special day.
In addition, allowing extra time will help you get the most accurate headcount for planning purposes, giving you the assurance that your wedding will run seamlessly. So, don’t wait too long to get those invitations in the mail. Start the excitement for your Lakshadweep wedding today!
3. Look Into Legal Requirements – Important!
The last thing you need is a legal snag to derail your destination wedding in Lakshadweep, so listen up! Before planning your big day, it’s super important that you understand and meet all the legal requirements for your destination wedding in India. This includes securing the permits and permissions to marry on an island in the first place — remember that the Lakshadweep islands are highly regulated in order to preserve their outstanding natural beauty.
In addition, you’ll need to make sure that your nuptials are in harmony with local laws and customs, so look to see that your ceremony meets both the requirements of Indian law and of the atolls of Lakshadweep and let your wedding day unfold without a hitch!
4. Plan For Guest Accommodations
Since accommodation options are few and far between in this beautiful paradise, it’s essential to lock down your guests’ places to stay well in advance when planning your wedding in Lakshadweep. Start by researching resorts, guesthouses and hotels on the islands. You’re looking for options that offer a good mix of both comfort and amenities, while being not too far away from your wedding venue. Once you’ve got a list, remember to make your reservations as early as you can. Places fill up fast, especially during peak wedding or holiday periods and the last thing you want is for your guests to have nowhere to lay their heads. Major bummer!
A great tip? If you’re bringing a large wedding party along with you, consider group bookings or block reservations at select accommodations. Not only does this ensure you’ll be able to book a good number of rooms, but hotels and resorts may also extend special rates or add in extra perks for your wedding party too.
5. Hire A Skilled Photographer and Videographer
What’s a beach wedding without a gazillion stunning photos and videos? A Lakshadweep wedding is not complete without a post of every breathtaking moment. So, make sure to put in the effort to research photographers so that you can get the most out of your wedding experience. Remember, the population of Lakshadweep is only around 65,000, making it a smaller community. Therefore, finding a photographer and videographer may require a bit more effort, but it’s certainly possible!
Best recommendation: try reaching out to locals, resorts, or wedding planners on the islands. They may have recommendations or know of people you can contact for additional help. Alternatively, could always use online resources like Upsource, as some photographers and videographers are willing to travel for destination weddings, so don’t hesitate to just ask! Remember, these are your wedding photos that you’ll be looking at for a lifetime, so it’s worth spending a little extra on a talented photographer and videographer!
6. Immerse Yourself In Water Activities & Excursions
Who said the fun has to end once the last song plays at your evening reception? Na-uh! One of the biggest perks of planning your wedding in the magical Lakshadweep Islands is the myriad of water activities and excursions you’ll be able to enjoy even after you say “I do”.
It’s also important to note that there are plenty of seasonal cultural and ecological activities and attractions that you can enjoy depending on what time of year you travel to these gorgeous islands too. For instance, if you travel during the rainy (or Southwest monsoon) season, you can expect to do a few nature hikes to take in the verdant landscape and blossoming flora. Post-monsoon season, however, you can expect less vibrant forest areas but calmer waters, which is ideal for scuba diving.
Regardless, whether you are looking to experience some scuba diving with colourful marine life, kayaking, windsurfing, or even a romantic sunset cruise with your boo, there truly won’t be a single dull moment during your wedding getaway. Chances are you probably won’t be able to fit everything into your itinerary, so maybe leave a couple of things for your next visit!
7. Schedule In Some Downtime
Weddings, receptions, dancing, eating, activities…we’re tired already! While we’re not complaining (weddings are, after all, the most fun ever!), they can be pretty exhausting, so be sure to schedule in some relaxation time for you and your guests. Whether it’s lazing by the pool, taking a stroll on the beach or indulging in a well-deserved siesta in a hammock, prioritise relaxation and make sure you’re feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Downtime is also a great chance to bond with your plus-one, family and friends. Enjoy heart-to-hearts, create lots of laughter and make memories that don’t involve wedding activities.
In the end, your wedding in Lakshadweep is about celebrating love, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of your closest friends and family. Keep it simple, enjoy every moment, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after in paradise!
