courtesy of: Aruba-Daily News
Here is a step-by-step guide compiled by a recent bride to help you get started.
1. Save the Date
Pick your date and send out your “Save the Date” card indicating Aruba as your chosen wedding destination. (Hotel details can be furnished at a later time.)
2. Make it Legal
Choosing to make your wedding legal in Aruba will add much more meaning to your destination wedding. A wedding planner has the knowledge and contacts necessary to make this a quick and seamless process and is the recommended option. The ease and peace of mind of having a professional handle all the paperwork is well worth the minimal additional cost.
If you still prefer to handle this on your own, contact the Civil Registry: fax (297) 583-9160 / cayetano.christiaans@aruba.gov.aw
3. Select hotel or Independent Wedding Planner
A wedding planner will handle everything on your special day so you can be totally relaxed and carefree. Once you inform your planner of your venue of choice, he or she can proceed – provided that they have an idea of what you envision on your big day. These professionals work with reputable vendors and will handle every aspect of your ceremony and reception, fulfilling all your needs and meeting all your expectations.
Some items to Consider...
- It may be quicker, easier and more economical to print your wedding invitations at home rather than having them printed in Aruba and shipped to you.
- Having a hairdresser on your special day is a good idea; Aruba trade winds can be quite strong. Click here for more information
- Consult the sunset time in Aruba rather than that in your hometown.
- Keep the shipping of special favors, gifts, decorations, etc. to an absolute minimum, due to import duties and breakage.
- Local photographers and videographers have ample experience with the lighting in Aruba at sunset. Bringing your own might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that, unless they have previous experience with photography (at sunset) in Aruba, it will be a challenge for them. You don’t want them to use your big day as their training session.
- Please contact your preferred wedding planner for further assistance.
Professional Wedding Planners
Wedding planners are detail-oriented, multi-tasking specialists who work at or in conjunction with resorts to assist with venues and vendors. What seems like a natural, seamless process is actually an intricate, well-coordinated production. Independent and resort wedding planners provide advice about documentation and legal matters, and coordination on the ceremony day.
Every minute detail about the ceremony and reception can be arranged, from officiator, witnesses, flowers, mementos, gifts, and wedding certificates, to limousine service, photography and video, rehearsal dinners, wardrobe, and personal attendants – even a butterfly release!
