The Cayman Islands’ popularity as a wedding destination is growing year on year, in spite of an economic slowdown. Given that these islands are not exactly renowned for their low cost of living, and that weddings generally constitute one of the major expenditures of a lifetime, this might seem surprising.

However, as Reno Manicni, the Wharf’s manager points out, you have to consider all that you do get in Cayman. The laid-back atmosphere, almost guaranteed sunshine and the appeal of a tropical beach as a backdrop, the convenience of having everything on your doorstep, and the reassurance that comes from knowing the standards of accommodation, food and service are high.

Hosting an average of 60 weddings each year, Reno is not short of advice in this area. “Yes, the location is important,” he says, “but it is also very important to pick someone you are going to be comfortable working with while you plan your wedding.”

Reno urges people to keep weddings simple: “It’s the Caribbean, so make the most of that fact”.

The small adjacent beach, which is technically the very start of Seven Mile Beach, is not easy to reach and people rarely wander that far, so it provides the seclusion one would want for a beach ceremony. Chairs and archways can be set up there, and then the wedding party need only move across to the restaurant’s wooden deck for canapés, drinks, dinner and dancing. The semi-permanent tents are ideal for private parties, and a wedding party can take over one section of waterfront deck, which affords the wedding party the privacy they need, without having to buy out the entire restaurant. There is also the option of holding the reception indoors, where there is space for 130 guests plus a DJ and dance floor. This air-conditioned option is often the most popular with locals.

There is a choice of three and four course menus that offer between two and four options for each course, ensuring all tastes are catered for. The menus are priced per head and the fact that there are choices does not incur any additional cost. The Wharf’s own pastry chef is also on hand to create the perfect wedding cake.

According to Reno, the emphasis these days is far more on ensuring everybody has a good time, and that the party fits the style and character of the happy couple. A more casual type of wedding is emerging, where there are no bridesmaids or maids of honour, where the first dance may be to a hip hop track.

For many, tying the knot in the Caribbean is unconventional in the first place, so all the more reason to make it a uniquely personal day.    WH

For more information, phone 949-2231 or visit wharf.ky.