TAHITI BACKYARD WEDDING : DON’T OVERLOOK ANY OF THESE! | PART 1
Are you traveling to the South Pacific to have a destination wedding in Tahiti?
No matter how big or small, the first question that will likely come to mind is about your options of wedding locations/venues.
Where will the ceremony be held? What are our options of locations for our wedding reception in Moorea?
Just like for a home wedding, choosing the right wedding venue in Tahiti will be the first and most important decision, as the entire wedding experience, from music to décor to food options will solely depend on what’s available or doable – or not – at the selected venue.
If your guests list (and let’s say it, your budget) is large enough, you will be able to choose from a few options including resorts or local restaurants.
In the likelier event that your wedding party is small – not everyone of your friends or family may be able to travel overseas – and that you will have an intimate party, there will be fewer options. If your party is not quite big enough to privatize an event space or restaurant, you may consider turning to a more casual event and have a backyard wedding in a vacation rental villa. There are lots and lots of amazing vacation rental properties around Moorea, all beach front and/or with a pool, but be wary, there are a few things to consider:
1. Is A Backyard Wedding / Event Tolerated?
The large majority of vacation rental houses / villas’ owners in Tahiti or Moorea will NOT allow special events in their properties. They’ll be afraid that things go awry and that their belongings get damaged during the event. Some will also face constraints with the immediate neighbourhood if they are not so tolerant with wedding music / party. Inquire with the owner or with the rental management company whether special events are allowed and what the special terms are (max. number of guests, music tolerance etc.). They may give you their approval if you subscribe to a liability insurance and/or hire a professional planner to direct the event but know that there are only a handful (actually, it’s more like 2 or 3) of options. It is my recommendation that you inquire about planning an event in your vacation rental before booking it, to not face unwanted situations during the actual event, or simply find out too late in the process that it is not tolerated and your well-thought-out plans are off.
This holds true to ANY pre or post wedding event, not just the wedding celebration itself, such as a Welcome Cocktail or Lunch you may want to host at your rental villa or a Day After Brunch… I can of course assist you in finding the right place.
Photo Credit: AngelM
2. Backyard Wedding Space
If your party is very small, inside the house may simply work. But if the party is slightly larger and does not fit inside, then in addition to bringing in sufficient tables and chairs, you will want to make sure there is ample room outdoors to sit everyone. You also need to seriously consider having a tent / marquee if there is no covered terrace as the weather in Tahiti can be very unpredictable and a shower can totally ruin your table setup, even when it lasts a few seconds or a couple minutes. Is the garden area spacious enough to have a tented event?
3. Backyard Lighting & Music + Washroom Facilities
Nothing replaces the beauty of an outdoor wedding, as there’s something magical about being outside, especially in Tahiti! While outdoors allow to produce some of the most romantic and gorgeous events, it comes with some challenges as well. Most often lighting is nonexistent so you may either need to light up the trees or grounds, line all paths, with candles and (warm) white lights, or to hire a professional lighting pro. If music is also part of the plan, you’ll need to check whether there is a power source available for both lighting and music, and if they can safely plug in their equipment outside. Of course toilets must be easily accessible for your guests all night, too.
Need inspiration for your backyard wedding in the meantime? Browse 20 Incredible Backyard Weddings.
There is more! Next week I’ll share an extra three recommendations for your backyard wedding in Tahiti.