For most couples, their wedding day is a dream come true—one magical moment after months of planning. But for us at Irie Matrimony, it’s a well-orchestrated production that begins long before the guests arrive. Today, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to pull off a stunning sunset wedding in St. Thomas—one where the ceremony begins at 6:00 PM, but the work starts long before.
9:00 AM – Final Checks & Vendor Coordination
Our day starts early with final confirmations. We check in with the vendors: florists, caterers, photographers, and musicians to ensure everyone is set. Since we specialize in all-inclusive weddings, we oversee everything from venue logistics to floral design, making sure no detail is overlooked.
1:00 PM – Site Visit & Setup Begins
We arrive at the wedding venue—a breathtaking villa overlooking the Caribbean, where golden-hour views will set the perfect backdrop. We bring in the chairs, while our floral team begins installing the ceremony arch, centerpieces, and aisle arrangements. Every detail matters, and we ensure the setup aligns with our couple’s vision.
2:00 PM – Styling & Décor Details
Now comes the magic touch. Our team arranges the tropical floral arrangements, ensuring lush greenery and terracotta accents complement the white linens. Candles are placed strategically to enhance the sunset glow, and disco balls—our signature fun touch—are incorporated into the design for a textured, elegant feel. We do a walkthrough to adjust seating angles so that guests will have the perfect view of the ceremony and sunset.
4:00 PM – Bridal Suite Check-In
The bride and her bridal party are getting ready, so we pop in to make sure they have everything they need. Champagne? Chilled. Hair & makeup on schedule? Check. We also deliver the bridal bouquet and ensure it’s picture-perfect before the photographer arrives for detail shots.
5:00 PM – Final Run-Through & Guest Experience
With just one hour until the ceremony, we check in with the officiant and cue the musician for pre-ceremony music. The seating arrangements are double-checked, ensuring elderly guests have easy access, and welcome drinks are ready to be served. For destination weddings, guest comfort is key, so we make sure shaded areas and fans are available before the sun begins to set.
5:30 PM – Groom & Bridal Party Line-Up
The excitement builds. We coordinate the first look (if scheduled) or ensure the groom and his party are where they need to be. The bride is tucked away, making final touch-ups while the guests take their seats. The sun starts to dip, casting a golden glow across the venue—exactly as planned.
6:00 PM – Ceremony Begins
This is the moment we’ve all been working toward. With a deep breath, we cue the music, signal the bridal party, and watch as the couple exchanges vows with the Caribbean sunset as their backdrop. Every second has been meticulously planned, and we’re behind the scenes making sure everything unfolds flawlessly.
7:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Dinner Setup
While guests enjoy cocktails, our team transitions prepare for the reception. Tables are set with candlelit ambiance, the DJ preps the first dance music, and the cake is positioned for its grand reveal. As the couple sneaks away for golden-hour photos, we’re already ensuring their dinner experience will be just as breathtaking.
9:00 PM – Party Begins & Smooth Execution Continues
The night is in full swing, but our job isn’t over. We oversee the timeline, ensuring speeches, the first dance, and cake cutting happen smoothly. We keep an eye on the bar and dining service, stepping in to assist wherever needed.
11:00 PM – Breakdown & Closing the Night
As the couple enjoys their last dance, we discreetly begin the breakdown process. Vendors retrieve rentals, florals are packed up for guests to take home, and our team ensures nothing is left behind. When the final guest departs, we exhale—a perfect wedding day, beautifully executed.
Why We Love It
Behind the scenes, it’s hours of meticulous planning, coordination, and hard work, but seeing the couple’s joy makes it all worth it. Every sunset wedding is unique, but at Irie Matrimony, we make sure they all have one thing in common—seamless execution, breathtaking beauty, and unforgettable moments.
Thinking of a destination wedding in St. Thomas or St. John? Let us handle the details while you soak in the magic. Contact us today to start planning your dream day!