Our Planning Blog

Join our Director and Head Wedding Planner Val Mattinson for news, event and wedding planning advice, design and styling inspiration.


The island of Jamaica is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and covered in lush mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches. The birthplace of reggae, it’s a location filled with unforgettable experiences, from crocodile safaris to horseback riding in the sea.

5 Things to Do in Jamaica

The island of Jamaica is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and covered in lush mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches. The birthplace of reggae, it’s a location filled with unforgettable experiences, from crocodile safaris to horseback riding in the sea.

Feb 27 2023


At Benessamy, we’re passionate about the Caribbean. We never miss an opportunity to share our love for the region with other people. If you’ve decided it could be the perfect location for your destination wedding, you probably feel the same, even if you’ve never visited before. That’s the magic of the Caribbean!

How to Celebrate the Caribbean at Your Caribbean Wedding

At Benessamy, we’re passionate about the Caribbean. We never miss an opportunity to share our love for the region with other people. If you’ve decided it could be the perfect location for your destination wedding, you probably feel the same, even if you’ve never visited before. That’s the magic of the Caribbean!

Jan 16 2023


One of the first dilemmas couples are faced with when they decide to plan an overseas wedding in the Caribbean is whether to go for an all-inclusive wedding package. These packages are marketed extensively by resorts and tour operators, so they’re often the first thing you see when you start looking for inspiration and ideas.

All-Inclusive vs. Bespoke – Which Caribbean Wedding Package is Right for You

One of the first dilemmas couples are faced with when they decide to plan an overseas wedding in the Caribbean is whether to go for an all-inclusive wedding package. These packages are marketed extensively by resorts and tour operators, so they’re often the first thing you see when you start looking for inspiration and ideas.

Dec 04 2022


Setting a date is an important step in the planning of your Caribbean destination wedding.
From travel logistics to local holidays, there are a lot of variables to consider. So, when’s the
best time to get married in the Caribbean? Here’s my expert advice…

When is the Best Time to Get Married in the Caribbean?

Setting a date is an important step in the planning of your Caribbean destination wedding. From travel logistics to local holidays, there are a lot of variables to consider. So, when’s the best time to get married in the Caribbean? Here’s my expert advice…

Oct 28 2022


The beautiful island of Saint Lucia straddles the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and
the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an incredible place to get married and there’s plenty for you to see
and do. With its sandy white beaches, it’s also the perfect place to do nothing at all!

5 Things To Do In St Lucia

The beautiful island of Saint Lucia straddles the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an incredible place to get married and there’s plenty for you to see and do. With its sandy white beaches, it’s also the perfect place to do nothing at all!

Aug 04 2022


If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may be thinking about hiring local wedding vendors (i.e. vendors who are local to your chosen venue). Although I work internationally myself, I can recognise there are certain advantages to hiring people based locally. However, there are a few key questions you should ask before booking local vendors for your destination wedding.

Destination Wedding Planning - 3 Things to Ask Local Wedding Vendors

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may be thinking about hiring local wedding vendors (i.e. vendors who are local to your chosen venue). Although I work internationally myself, I can recognise there are certain advantages to hiring people based locally. However, there are a few key questions you should ask before booking local vendors for your destination wedding.

May 09 2022


We’ve all heard the phrase ‘your wedding, your way’. Personally, I’m thrilled to see more and more couples abandoning convention and planning the wedding they want rather than the wedding tradition dictates. One option that’s becoming increasingly popular, especially for destination weddings, is the symbolic ceremony.

Why a Symbolic Ceremony Might Make Sense for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘your wedding, your way’. Personally, I’m thrilled to see more and more couples abandoning convention and planning the wedding they want rather than the wedding tradition dictates. One option that’s becoming increasingly popular, especially for destination weddings, is the symbolic ceremony.

Apr 07 2022


If you’re getting married in Barbados, you’ll want to make the most of the island while you’re there. If your guests are treating your wedding as the perfect excuse for a holiday, they’ll be looking for inspiration too. My family are from Barbados, so it’s a destination close to my heart.

6 Things To Do In Barbados

If you’re getting married in Barbados, you’ll want to make the most of the island while you’re there. If your guests are treating your wedding as the perfect excuse for a holiday, they’ll be looking for inspiration too. My family are from Barbados, so it’s a destination close to my heart.

Feb 18 2022


Even before I fell in love with organising luxurious weddings throughout the Caribbean and around the world, destination weddings and elopements had my heart. Watching a couple get married is always special but celebrating with them in an incredible location takes things to another level.

Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?

Even before I fell in love with organising luxurious weddings throughout the Caribbean and around the world, destination weddings and elopements had my heart. Watching a couple get married is always special but celebrating with them in an incredible location takes things to another level.

Jan 26 2022


A Caribbean vow renewal allows you to combine an extra-special, intimate getaway with a heartfelt celebration of your love and commitment.

How to Plan a Caribbean Vow Renewal

A Caribbean vow renewal allows you to combine an extra-special, intimate getaway with a heartfelt celebration of your love and commitment.

Nov 20 2018