Pro Eleuthera Wedding Planning Tips from BoyMeetsGirl-Weddings.com
Eleuthera is a dream wedding destination, from the raw natural beauty of its secluded beaches to its rugged coastline and turquoise waters.
Michelle "Mish" Lavagnino is the CEO of Boy Meets Girl Weddings, which has offered event planning, styling & catering services, and BMG weddings on Eleuthera since 2010.
"This island is a stunning backdrop for any destination celebration," Mish said. "With so many different location options - from the hustle and bustle of Harbour Island with boutiques and golf carts, to the quaintness of Governors Harbour or the slow pace of Alabaster Bay or Palmetto Point - there are so many options to choose from."
The biggest challenge for many brides & grooms is planning from afar.
"When you don't know the location, it can be daunting - or even feel like an impossible challenge," Mish said. "I often meet clients who are part way through planning their celebration, but have been stymied by several challenges. We help them clear those hurdles and make their wedding visions a reality."
It's always beneficial to have local knowledge and assistance when planning an event - especially on an out island like Eleuthera, where inventory, supplies and shipments are all limited.
"Helping clients find their venues, vendors, arranging government paperwork, and making the process fun along the way - that's what we do & what we love."
Do I Need to Travel to the Island for Planning?
Not everyone is able to visit the island to plan prior to their celebration - and that's Ok!
"As we have been in business since 2010 and have worked at all of the major rental properties that offer venue services, we can provide detailed images of setups, conduct site visits with property managers and arrange for video meetings to discuss the planning process to remove the stress of the unknown," Mish said. "If traveling to Eleuthera prior to your celebration is within your budget and flexibility with your work schedules, we always make arrangements to meet our clients and host site visits, walk the space, explain the setups and discuss options in person."
How Do I Pinpoint the Perfect Venue?
The wonderful thing about the wide variety of properties available through eleutheravacationrentals.net is that couples can find the perfect spot for any size event - whether that's a small cottage for anniversaries, family reunions, or engagements or a larger estate home that can host more elaborate wedding celebrations with backyard dancefloors, beach bonfires, dinner tables under the stars, or Bahamian junkanoo rushes.
Properties like Cocodimama have large common areas, a commercial kitchen, and calm beaches. Properties like Buttonwood Reserve offer stunning condos, modern event spaces, dueling beach options, golf carts and walking distance from restaurants.
"There is a unique venue out there for every celebration," Mish said. "With guest counts of 10 - 100+ we can find the most fitting location for you!"
Any Tips for Couples Sticking to a Budget?
Every wedding package Boy Meets Girl Weddings is customized to suit each client's needs. "We do not offer standard packages, as no two clients are the same - their needs vary, their styles are different. This ensures the planning process is that much more intimate, personalized, and curated to the specific needs of the individuals at the heart of the event."
Mish has the insider scoop for couples committing to a budget:
"Taking advantage of the season will help with travel and accommodations. We tend not to book weddings during the peak of hurricane season (August 15 - October 15), but 'shoulder seasons' are great, avoiding holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter," she said. "Utilizing local tropical greenery will help with the floral budget, serving local seafood and farm to table produce is always encouraged."
What Not to Skimp On
"Planning is the biggest part of the execution of your celebration, and is the key to making things flow smoothly," Mish explained. "Personally, my favorite aspect of any celebration is making spaces look beautiful and inviting, watching my clients faces when they light up walking into their reception, and viewing the party as it unfolds while guests enjoy dancing to the tropical island entertainment. It always makes for an amazing and memorable experience!"
What Makes an Eleuthera Wedding So Memorable
"Eleuthera is a whole vibe," Mish said. "It's an energy really. The beaches, the seclusion, nature, adventure, and privacy that you experience here - it's like no other place. People who get married on Eleuthera or guests who attend, they always come back to visit. We have a saying: 'Now that you've found Eleuthera, you will be back!' And they always are."