Bucuti Wedding Setup

At Bucuti, beach weddings are simple yet stunning, backed by the white sands of Eagle Beach and the turquoise Caribbean

Beach weddings are gorgeous, no question. But they can also be a little tricky. We asked Nashette Wouters, the wedding specialist at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts, an adults-only, boutique-style property on Aruba’s famed Eagle Beach, to share her insights. Take notes!

On keeping it private
Because so many beaches are public, the first challenge they present is onlookers. Make sure your hotel provides an on-site wedding wrangler who can politely divert people from strolling through your ceremony. When choosing your photographer, ask if she’ll be able to edit passers-by out of the finished shots, and if that’s included in her fee. She’ll want to visit the ceremony site beforehand in order to figure out which angles will best frame you and your spouse and not bikini-clad strangers. And during the ceremony, focus on your spouse and forget what’s happening around you!

On ocean breezes
While a beautiful island breeze is ideal for keeping bugs at bay and guests comfortable, you’ll want to take the wind into consideration when selecting your décor. Paper goods like programs will need to be anchored with heavy items such as sand dollars; if you’re using place cards, put them in  picture frames.  Avoid tall centerpieces that can easily topple over and forget about candles—they simply won’t stay lit.

On beach music
The sounds of the waves can add to the overall ambiance, but keep in mind the waves are also loud. It’s not a problem during the ceremony (though if you’ve written your vows and want to share them with your guests, you’d better print them in the program). But at the reception, hiring a professional band or DJ with the proper equipment is a must. This isn’t the place for DIYing your first dance with an iPod that guests (and you!) will struggle to hear.

Bucuti Deck Evening

The Bucuti deck at twilight

On hair, heels, and makeup
If your vision includes a flowing veil and train, by all means go for it. Here in Aruba we’re blessed with steady trade winds year-round; we position the bride towards the wind during the ceremony, avoiding the issue of a long veil wrapping around her face and creating a very dramatic, romantic effect.  As far as heels go, just skip them. Go barefoot—it’s a beach wedding! We often advise that brides wear their hair partially or fully up to avoid tangling in the wind. Makeup should be semi-natural: a shimmering blush, bronzer, a glossy lip, and the right eye makeup. While some brides say they want to be natural and avoid eye makeup, the camera flash combined with the bright sun can turn “natural”  into “pale and washed out.”

On why beach weddings are so special
Beaches are synonymous with peace and tranquility, so the location generally encourages a relaxed wedding experience. And since you’re surrounded by natural beauty, there’s a tendency to focus more on the fact that you’re make a lifelong commitment than on the details of a decorating scheme. For you, and your guests, that’s pretty unforgettable.

Bucuti Romantic Beach Dining

Tiki torches illuminate a table for two at Bucuti


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