With palm trees and golden sanded isles dotting its azure oceans, the Maldives is a popular honeymoon destination for newlyweds from across the globe. But why honeymoon in paradise when one can tie the knot in one of the world’s most beautiful and exotic locales along the secluded shores of countless unspoilt islands. It seems a growing number of the globe’s recently affianced are heading down to the powdery beaches and captivating tropical landscapes of the Maldives to say their I do’s in a ceremony that is far removed from traditional wedding celebrations.
Whether it is at the first light of dawn or the receding crimson light of sunset, wedding celebrations in the Maldives offers a tropical twist to the hackneyed wedding customs and practices of a conventional ceremony. Couples have the option of getting married under the palm trees in an open air beach wedding or in an al fresco event that is complete with a wedding arena decorated with silks and sating draping. A Maldivian wedding day begins with the bride dressing in a flowing white satin gown and carrying red roses while the groom dresses in black and white suit. The couple is then escorted to the desired area of the beach by four people and are greeted with the soothing sounds of rhythmic drumbeats and traditional Bodu-beru dancers at the venue. The first ritual of the event is the sacred tree planting ceremony where the couple plants a coconut palm together in a special area of the beach as a symbolic representation of their ever-growing love. Next the priest who performs the official ceremony takes centre stage and the couple takes their vows with the cool breeze and the lulling rhythm of waves crashing against one another on the shore. Afterwards, the couple is offered a traditional island wedding beverage of coconut water before cutting the wedding cake. Champagne and cake are enjoyed by the couple before they head down to the richly decorated wedding arena which is decked with flowers, ribbons, balloons, wedding bells and the roar of cheering well wishers, family and friends.
A veritable feast of Chinese, Thai, Italian and Indian delicacies are laid out in a grand fashion at the reception where exotic cocktails and fine wines are also served to the guests. Music and dancing fill the air as the newlyweds take to the dance floor where they enjoy their first dance as husband and wife.
Other unique wedding options in the Maldives includes underwater ceremonies and weddings on board stilted champas over indigo waters while some of the more unconventional celebrations conclude with a sunset cruise topped off with a beach barbeque.
Those in search of a luxury Maldives beach villa will be spoilt for choice when they step in to the elegant resort par excellence that is the Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Ideally located on stunning Dhigu Island this conveniently located Maldives resort is also a mere 35 minutes away from the Malé International Airport.