This year, destination weddings are expected to surge in popularity – and for good reason! With many couples opting for smaller, more intimate ceremonies as they exchange their vows, destination weddings are a wonderful way to make a special day even more memorable. By incorporating a honeymoon into the mix, they can maximize their travel dollars, too. 

With a variety of venues, including intimate indoor spaces and wide-open expanses of powdery soft sand, The Bahamas provides beautiful backdrops for celebrations of all types, from formal elegance to laid-back and low-key. Full-service resorts, unique boutique hotels, and home-away-from-home suites are the perfect home base to start the next chapter of your life together. And best of all, our experienced on-site wedding planners can help you bring your vision to life, taking care of the details so you can focus on what’s important: each other.

Let’s take a look at some of the 2021 destination wedding trends we’re beginning to see – and how you can celebrate your own special day with us in Nassau Paradise Island. 

Trend #1: Micro Weddings

The biggest trend of 2021 is small, intimate ceremonies and receptions, also known as micro weddings. Both destination weddings and nuptials closer to home are scaling down to a small guest list of immediate family only, or, in some cases, just the couple. Not to worry, friends and family – in most cases, a big post-wedding party will be planned for a later date! 

Trend #2: Simple Attire

It used to be that destination weddings conjured up images of beachy, boho dresses, khakis and untucked shirts, and embellished sandals in the sand. This year, simple is the word when it comes to wedding wear. Easy, breezy slip dresses, crisp white shirts: wear what makes you comfortable! Many couples are choosing off-the-rack looks for the big day, too – no need to stick exclusively to bridal shops. 

Trend #3: Grand Gestures

While the outfits might be simpler, couples are going all out on decor. Think elaborate floral arrangements, giant balloon bouquets, and eye-catching signage – anything that will stand out in an Instagram feed! If you’d like to make special decor part of your Nassau Paradise Island destination wedding, your on-site coordinator would be thrilled to help you bring your vision to life (and answer any other questions about your destination wedding). 

Trend #4: Outdoor Oaths

Exploring nature and getting outside has been a trend that’s increasing across the travel realm, and weddings are no exception. The Bahamas is an ideal destination for this trend: couples seeking outdoor venues to exchange vows. In Nassau Paradise Island, there are plenty of places to say “I Do” under a sunny Bahamian sky (or a sparkling canopy of stars). The desire to explore the great outdoors extends to honeymoons, too. Check out our guide to planning the perfect honeymoon in Nassau Paradise Island, including a helpful checklist counting down to the big day. 

Trend #5: Beyond The Beach

Couples are increasingly seeking out private venues for their small destination weddings, and Nassau Paradise Island has plenty of unique and beautiful settings to choose from. The elegant Cloisters at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort brings a touch of old-world charm to a destination wedding, while Graycliff Hotel’s lush, green setting offers plenty of private spaces for small ceremonies. Atlantis, Paradise Island’s impressive venues list includes intimate patios and overlooks, while Baha Mar’s picturesque gazebos are perfect for exchanging rings. 

View All Nassau Paradise Island Wedding Venues

Trend #6: Cutting (Out) The Cake

Once upon a time, cutting a towering wedding cake was a rite of passage for every newlywed couple. Today, however, wedding desserts have taken new forms: cupcake platters, dessert trays, even cheese boards. Anything goes when it comes to the sweet treat at a wedding – in fact, it doesn’t need to be sweet at all. For a wedding in The Bahamas, we suggest an authentic regional dish, guava duff (give these local favorites a try, too!)

Start planning your destination wedding! 

In general, the theme for destination weddings in 2021 appears to be “anything goes” – and here in Nassau Paradise Island we’re ready to help make your special day magical and memorable, whatever your vision! Looking for a little more inspiration? Save the date for our upcoming Virtual Romance Expo on March 10, when you can connect with on-island wedding professionals and enter a contest to win a romantic getaway for two in The Bahamas!