5 events you can host during your destination wedding week

Welcome your guests to paradise with a cocktail party

Kick off your celebrations with a welcome cocktail party! Hosting a cocktail party on the first day of your wedding vacation is a great way to welcome your guests to the tropics and introduce everyone before their week away together. Whether you host a semi-private event at a trendy bar or a private party at one of the resort’s à la carte venues, this event sets the tone for your destination wedding week and provides a perfect opportunity to hand out wedding week itineraries or welcome bags.

Royalton Luxury Resorts offers a welcome party add-on experience which includes a bar serving an array of drinks including a signature cocktail of your choice, two trays of hors d’oeuvres, a microphone for speeches and more!

Toast to your big day in the tropics at a rehearsal dinner

Rehearsal dinners are a staple event for local weddings that can definitely be celebrated in destination as well. Depending on your style, you can opt for a casual barbecue by the beach, a poolside buffet or a private plated dinner at an upscale à la carte venue – some resort packages even include a rehearsal dinner. Want to add a tropical twist to your rehearsal dinner? Incorporate your destination’s local flair by including tequila tastings or dance lessons after dinner!

Whereas local wedding rehearsal dinners are usually limited to immediate family, the wedding party and out of town guests, it’s customary to extend the invite to all of your wedding guests for a destination wedding.

Celebrate your single send off in style

Many couples choose to take advantage of their tropical settings and host their bachelor or bachelorette parties in destination before their big day! No matter which resort you’re staying at, you can take advantage of the incredible on-site facilities and celebrate your bachelor or bachelorette party in style. You and your squad can get pampered in paradise at the spa, host an epic pool party or tear up the dancefloor at a trendy nightclub – the options for epic bachelor and bachelorette parties in destination are endless.

Celebrating your big day with RIU Hotels & Resorts? Book one of their #BACH Party social packages for an unforgettable party in paradise. Available for groups of ten and under, RIU’s #BACH Party packages include a two-hour private beach party complete with an open bar and DJ, a special cake and a bottle of sparkling wine to toast to new beginnings, plus a group dinner at one of the resort’s à la carte restaurants and more!

Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay hosted her bachelorette party at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica.

Explore your destination with a group excursion

Take advantage of your tropical settings and treat your guests to an exciting excursion! Choose from a wide selection of activities and experiences that your destination has to offer. For instance, if you’re getting married in Mexico you could cruise along the coast on a luxury catamaran, snorkel off the coast off Tortuga Island in Costa Rica or climb up a famous waterfall in Montego Bay. No matter what activity you choose, planning an excursion for your guests is a perfect way to thank them for joining you in destination and can even be gifted as an alternative to traditional wedding favours.

Host a farewell brunch

Before heading home, make the most of your last day together in the tropics and host a farewell brunch. Arrange for one last group gathering at one of the resort’s restaurants to thank everyone for joining you in paradise! You and your guests can dine under the sun at an al fresco eatery, recap favourite moments from your tropical celebrations and cheers to your week away with mimosas!