How to Choose The Best Time of Year to Plan Your Destination Wedding

Are you considering a destination wedding in Mexico or The Caribbean? Your wedding will be a once and a lifetime occasion, so you want everything to be perfect. One of the most important factors of your destination wedding is the weather. Here's a breakdown of what to expect weather wise for your destination wedding in the tropics based on the time of year. I've also included some tips on choosing the best date if you're considering tying the knot during hurricane season.

Let’s jump into the weather you can expect for your destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico based on the time of year that you travel. If you want to know the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico, it is between December to April. This is the region's dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is mild and comfortable, averaging around 78 to 82 degrees Farhenheit. Hello sunshine!

While the dry season is safer bet for a weather-friendly Caribbean or Mexico wedding, it’s not a guarantee. Rain and wind can still occur. Additionally, it's essential to note that it's also peak tourist season. This means that flights and accommodation are likely to be higher than at other times of the year. Bummer, I know. Based on my experience, the most popular months to have a destination wedding are in May and November. This would be considered “shoulder season” where you aren’t really dealing with the higher “peak tourist” prices, but also don’t have as much concern with the weather. Hooray!

The struggle there is that the dates at the best resorts and venues book very quickly. So, if you want to plan a destination wedding in May or November, do not waste time or you’ll end up compromising on the venue.

So, what happens if the dry season months don’t work well for you and you are hosting your destination wedding in the Summer or Fall months, when hurricanes could develop?

First, let me put your mind at ease. Just because it is “hurricane season” doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop.

Also, there are some destinations that are “safer” during the tropical season, so don’t throw in the towel quite yet!

Here are 5 ways to help avoid having your big day ruined by a storm, here are some tips on how to plan a destination wedding regardless of the season.

1. Choose your wedding date wisely

As mentioned above, the best way to avoid hurricane season when planning your destination wedding is to choose a date outside of the peak months. If that isn’t possible, consider these general rules of thumb... Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active months being August, September, & October. If possible consider a wedding in June, July, Mid to Late November, or even early December.

2. Research the weather patterns

Each destination has different weather patterns during hurricane season, so do your research before choosing a location. Some islands or regions may be more prone to hurricanes than others. For example, the northern Caribbean islands are at higher risk than the southern ones. Consider speaking with a travel agent who specializes in weddings to help you pick the right time and location.

3. Consider wedding & travel insurance

Wedding insurance can provide a financial safety net in case of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It can cover unexpected expenses such as cancellations, postponements, or rescheduling fees. It's important to note that not all wedding insurance policies cover natural disasters, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a policy.

Travel insurance is recommended for you and your guests. In case the weather prevents you from arriving to your destination, or requires you or your guests to depart early, it will protect your investment. Travel insurance is always recommended, but during the tropical season, it is much more imperative, so I encourage you to encourage your guests to have the right coverage.

4. Have a backup plan

Regardless of the date of your wedding, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather. When booking your venue and vendors, ask about their contingency plans in case of inclement weather. For example, some resorts may have indoor facilities or covered areas that can serve as backup locations for the ceremony or reception. It’s always a bonus when you love the back-up venue as much as your chosen outdoor venue.

5. Stay updated on weather forecasts

If you're planning a wedding during hurricane season, be sure to stay informed about any potential tropical storms or hurricanes that could impact your wedding plans. Sign up for weather alerts, monitor weather websites, and keep in touch with your vendors and venue. Be prepared to make changes if necessary and I advise to make a swift decision, getting the advice of the onsite wedding team, if things are not looking promising on your wedding day.

If the wedding team at your venue advises you to change to an indoor venue due the weather report, and you choose to move forward with an outdoor event, they will likely have you sign a contract. If weather does disrupt the wedding there will be a fee to set up the wedding decor again in the back-up location.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which months are best for your wedding. We have provided you with all of the relevant information regarding your ideal options and weather patterns, but ultimately you will want to look over all of this information, as well as consider other factors specific to your situation, before making a final decision.