The couple that chooses a beach wedding generally values the experience itself over extravagance. They want their wedding to feel like a vacation where guests spend meaningful time together rather than attending a single evening event. They plan three to five days of celebrations, which includes welcome parties, excursions, wellness activities, and farewell brunches…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, Destination Wedding Planner
JOANN GREGOLI, founder of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, has spent three decades producing destination weddings worldwide from her bases in New York, Rome, and Marrakesh. JoAnn’s approach to beach weddings centres on decor that reflects the destination itself – shells, driftwood, and tropical flowers – paired with a soft pastel palette suited to coastal settings, and lighting such as lanterns, string lights, and candles to build a romantic, intimate atmosphere. JoAnn is co-author of The Knot’s Guide to Destination Weddings and was recognised as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Wedding Planners in the world, with beachfront work spanning locations from Bermuda’s pink-sand shores to resort settings across the Caribbean and Mexico. Here we discuss JoAnn’s favourite locations for a beach wedding and how to create the perfect ambience…
C&B: “Out of all the amazing locations you’ve researched, which would you say are your favourite for beach weddings, and why?”
JG: “Anguilla, remains one of my top choices because the beach is exceptionally calm, the white sand is pristine, and the atmosphere is elegant without feeling overdeveloped. It lends itself beautifully to intimate luxury weddings where guests can truly unwind for several days. Also, Necker Island is one of the world’s most extraordinary wedding destinations because it offers something that even the finest luxury resorts cannot: the feeling that an entire private island belongs exclusively to you and your guests…”
I love creating multi-day celebrations that include beachfront welcome parties, sunset rehearsal dinners, barefoot ceremonies, and farewell brunches overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The island’s warm hospitality makes every guest feel as though they’ve been welcomed into a private home…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, Destination Wedding Planner
C&B: “Are there particular times of year that you specifically recommend your clients choose for their beach wedding?”
JG: “The best time for a beach wedding in the Caribbean all depends on balancing weather, pricing, and guest travel. While the Caribbean offers warm temperatures year-round, there are certain seasons that consistently provide the most enjoyable experience. Look at past weather patterns to choose the season that is not rainy season – and try to avoid hurricane season, at all costs!”
C&B: “What are your biggest challenges when staging a wedding on the coast?”
JG: “As before, the weather is always our biggest challenge… wind conditions can be strong along with pop up showers!”
One of my favourite destinations has always been Anguilla, where I’ve planned weddings for 20 years that embrace the island’s relaxed elegance. I love the powder-soft beaches, exceptional culinary scene, and intimate luxury resorts, Anguilla is ideal for couples seeking privacy and sophistication…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, Destination Wedding Planner
C&B: “Do you generally fly your team in? For example, the celebrant, stylists, floral designers?”
JG: “We typically fly in the full team along with the couple’s preferred photography and filmmaking duo because these professionals will by then already know the couple’s style and have a consistent artistic approach. As the photographs and films do become the family’s lasting legacy, clients often prioritise that sense of continuity over hiring locally…”
I recommend interviewing several photographers and filmmakers who have extensive destination wedding experience; keep in mind that shooting in an unfamiliar location requires a unique skill set. The best destination professionals know how to work with changing light, unpredictable weather, travel logistics, and diverse cultural settings while remaining calm under pressure. The photographer should also be comfortable collaborating with local vendors and adapting to different environments…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, Destination Wedding Planner
C&B: “What’s your expert opinion on dress code for the guests?”
JG: “I recommend attire that could be described as ‘coastal elegance’ – linen or lightweight suits for the men and cocktail dresses or flowing maxi dresses for women. Stick with wedges, block heels, elegant flats, or dress sandals – rather than stilettos that sink into the sand. I always suggest natural fabrics that breathe well in warm climates…”
The best destination weddings happen when the climate, local events, resort atmosphere, and destination’s seasonal character all come together to create an unforgettable weekend – not just a beautiful ceremony…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Founder, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, Destination Wedding Planner
C&B: “And, lastly JoAnn, live music often sets the tone from the outset – which style of band do you generally suggest?”
JG: “We always match the music to the destination… for the Caribbean we ask our couple to consider reggae, steel pan, Caribbean jazz, soul, and/or contemporary dance music. In Hawaii, traditional Hawaiian musicians can perform during the ceremony or the cocktail hour, transitioning to contemporary entertainment for the evening…”
CONTACT: http://www.elegantoccasionsbyjoanngregoli.com
