Ranked among Thailand's top beach hubs for destination weddings, Phuket is the perfect location to say "I do" for countless couples around the world. Whether you're planning to host a simple beach wedding or a grand ballroom affair, planning the nuptial ceremony of your fantasies can be challenging in a tourist hotspot such as Phuket. From securing vendors to limiting your guest list, here's a step-by-step guide to organising an unforgettable wedding in the beach Mecca.

Image via Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas

While Phuket is considered a year-round holiday hub, this cannot be taken for granted when planning the biggest day of your life. Although it may be possible to have a pleasant vacation in Phuket, irrespective of the local weather patterns, couples must choose the sunnier days of the year for their wedding in paradise. The monsoon months from July to October must be avoided at all costs as the wet and windy conditions that also impact the beach areas can spell disaster for any outdoor event, let alone a wedding. The dry season, which lasts from November to May, on the other hand, is the perfect time to tie the knot in Phuket as sunny skies are a given during this period.

Even if destination weddings are usually more scaled back than home-based wedding celebrations, the cost of hosting an event overseas will still be costly. This is why it is crucial to set a budget for the wedding from the outset so that the couple knows just how much money they can spend on various elements of the reception. Budgeting for any event, including a wedding, is easier once you prepare a checklist, which includes all the items one must pay for during the course of the planning. This includes wedding attire, vendors, catering, photographers and other expenses in addition to flight costs.

From high-end resorts such as the Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas and other luxury properties, there are so many popular locations and venues for Phuket weddings. Regardless of whether you wish to organise an outdoor wedding on the beach, a tropical garden or a heritage hotel, it is important to consider the type of support services the venue can lend besides being a picturesque backdrop. Hotels that also provide catering and decor for weddings should be considered over convention centres where one can only rent out a ballroom or auditorium for an evening.

Couples on a budget may also want to consider wedding packages that are on offer through various resorts and hotels in the beach capital as these are more affordable than bespoke weddings in Phuket. Most wedding packages will not only include the cost of wedding attire rentals and a reception for a limited number of guests but also throw in a honeymoon suite. Some hotels will even let the couple choose a theme for their big day and provide appropriate decor.

The next step in the planning process is curating a guest list. It is prudent to keep in mind that not all of your family members, relatives and friends will be able to be present at a destination wedding. This is not only due to budgetary reasons but also due to work schedules, school holidays of children and other inconveniences that may prevent them from flying overseas to take part in your nuptials.

When shopping for wedding attire to wear in Phuket, it is necessary to avoid silks and bridal wear that are made from synthetic materials. The heat and humidity of the dry season must always be considered when choosing wedding dresses and tailored suits for the wedding and any pre-wedding events you have lined up.