What to Expect on Your Wedding Day in Cancun
As a Cancun wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful weddings in this tropical paradise. Your wedding day in Cancun promises to be a magical and unforgettable experience. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect, from the moment you wake up to the final farewell.
Arrival and Preparation
Morning Relaxation
First, begin your day with a relaxing morning. Enjoy breakfast in your suite or at one of the resort’s restaurants, allowing yourself time to unwind and prepare mentally for the day’s events.
Pre-wedding Relaxation
Additionally, consider options like spa treatments, massages, exercise, or yoga sessions to help you relax before the big event.
Girls Getting Ready
Next, brides and bridesmaids typically start with hair and makeup early in the day. Professional stylists will help you achieve the perfect look for your wedding. The photographer will likely arrive when the bride has 90% of her makeup done to capture details, final touches of makeup, the girls in robes (if they have them), the bride putting on her dress (usually with her mother), the first look with her father, and bridal portraits with fresh makeup.
Guys Getting Ready
Meanwhile, grooms and groomsmen often have a more relaxed morning. They may shave and prepare in the morning, then spend time at the pool or relax with friends until about 1-2 hours before the ceremony when they start getting dressed.
Transportation to Ceremony
Arrival of Guests
Typically, guests generally meet at a known location (e.g., lobby bar) and are taken by the wedding coordinator to the ceremony location. It’s best if the groom and groomsmen are there early to greet guests, helping create anticipation for the bride’s arrival.
The Ceremony
Location
Usually, ceremonies are typically held on the beach, offering stunning views of the turquoise ocean and white sandy beaches, or in a beautifully decorated gazebo.
Timing
Due to the heat and humidity, weddings in Cancun traditionally start later, around 4 or 5 PM, to avoid the hottest part of the day and to capture the best light for photos, about two hours before sunset. At 95% of weddings, the bride and bridesmaids are picked up by the wedding coordinator and taken to the ceremony location once everyone has arrived and is seated. The majority of ceremonies start about 10 minutes late and last around 30 minutes.
Ceremony Specifics
The ceremony begins with the music and processional, where the chosen music sets an emotional and memorable tone as the bride walks down the aisle, creating a heartfelt reaction from both the guests and the groom. The highlight of the ceremony is the exchange of vows and rings, capturing intimate and emotional moments that define the couple’s commitment to each other.
Keep in mind that the breeze might blow your hair, so consider this when choosing your hairstyle.
Family Photographs
Formal Photos
After the ceremony, it’s time for formal photographs with family members. This usually takes about 30 minutes. These photos are important for capturing key family moments of the day.
Bridal Party and Couple Photographs
Photographs Around the Resort
Following family photographs, the bridal party and couple take photos around the resort. This typically takes about an hour, with 20-30 minutes dedicated to the bridal party and 30-40 minutes with the couple and the photographer alone. During this time, guests will likely be at a cocktail party. If there isn’t a cocktail party, guests can gather at the lobby bar as a group.
Cocktail Hour
Entertainment Ideas
Consider providing entertainment during the cocktail hour, such as live music, local performers, or fun activities to keep guests engaged.
Signature Cocktails and Appetizers
Furthermore, offer special drinks and appetizers that reflect the couple’s tastes or local flavors. After the ceremony, guests usually enjoy a cocktail hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres while the couple takes photos. This can be on the beach, by the pool, or in a garden area.
The Reception
Entrance and First Dance
At most receptions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the couple enters the reception and immediately does their first dance(s). This is often timed for sunset, giving beautiful lighting and allowing you to capture these moments without having the photographer for the whole reception, saving costs.
Dinner and Speeches
After the first dances, dinner is served. If there is a plated meal, it is suggested to do speeches between courses to maximize party time.
Dancing and Partying
After speeches and eating, it’s time to party, and the DJ opens the dance floor.
Evening Activities
Late-night Snacks
Provide late-night snacks or food trucks as the night goes on, offering a fun and delicious treat for your guests.
Interactive Elements
Include interactive elements, such as photo booths, guestbook stations, or games, to keep guests entertained.
Entertainment
Moreover, consider adding unique entertainment options like fire dancers or drummers to enhance the evening experience and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Final Moments
Farewell
Outdoor wedding receptions in Cancun tend to end at 10 or 11 PM at the latest out of respect for other guests. However, this does not mean the party has to end. You can move to the lobby bar if you want to relax and talk, or head to the disco if you want to continue dancing and partying.
Conclusion
Your destination wedding in Cancun promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining the joy of your union with the stunning beauty of a tropical paradise. From the serene ceremony on the beach to the lively reception under the stars, every moment is designed to create lasting memories. Expect a day filled with love, breathtaking scenery, and heartfelt celebrations. Embrace every aspect of your wedding day, knowing that each element, from the pre-wedding relaxation to the final farewell, contributes to the magical story of your special day. Enjoy the journey and the incredible memories you will create, making your wedding in Cancun a treasured chapter in your love story.
Dean Sanderson
Cancun Wedding Photographer
