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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.

A whole week in sun-kissed, sea breeze blessed, Phuket sounds heavenly. You can spend hours on the beach – swimming, soaking up the sun and chasing thrills with watersports. Phuket is also home to an ethical elephant sanctuary, and it is a UNESCO creative city for gastronomy. Hence, you can enjoy good food, visit gentle giants and a great nightlife.

Once you get to your Phuket luxury hotel from the airport, take some time to wind down from jet lag, and get into holiday mode. Hotels like the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort offer spa facilities. You can book a spa session to allow yourself to relax. Take some time to linger over meals, use the pool and simply come into your own holiday vibe. You can go to a nearby beach in the evening to catch a sunset with cocktails and a platter of seafood.

After a lavish hotel breakfast, make your way to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (PSE). It is an ethical sanctuary for elephants in the last years of their lives – a sort of retirement home for elephants. The sanctuary rescues older elephants from the logging industry or similar places. The elephants roam free in this 30 acres space, and they are well looked after. You can watch them roam free from a safe distance from the canopy walkway. After lunch, take some time to rest and then go to Kata Beach or Patong Beach.

The Old Phuket Town received the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status. You can get to know Phuket through its street food. Spend the day in the town, strolling along the enchanting streets, observing Sino-Portuguese architecture, and quirky boutique stores. You can go to the local markets to feast on bowls of Thai noodles in broth, grilled meat dishes, crispy vegetables, spicy rice and sides and butterfly pea sticky rice with custard. The Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha are popular historical sites in the town.

Choose your islands wisely. You can either go to the gorgeous and popular Phi Islands or Coral Island with a pit stop at the famous James Bond Island. Alternatively, you can go to Ko Racha Yai to spend an entire day of island hopping. You can rent a private catamaran along with the crew for your adventure. If you join with a few friends or fellow travellers, the trip won’t be too expensive. Make sure that the catamaran is equipped with all you need for a day in the sea. Here is a brief checklist:

The Bong Bong village is a 200-year-old rural community, enveloped by a mangrove forest. You can visit the village to catch a glimpse of a traditional Thai village and learn all about growing food and catching fish for a living. You can ease into the slow pace of life as they work the land or fish in close harmony with nature. If this is not really your kettle of fish, sign up for an organic cooking lesson at a farm. You can cook Thai dishes using ingredients sourced from the farm, and of course, relish your own food.

You can gear up to go trekking in the tropical jungle, and try zip-lining and ATV riding. If watersports are more your thing, try your hand at paddleboarding or go on a kayak ride in the salty waters. You can even scuba dive to meet and greet creatures deep beneath the turquoise waters. In the evening, find a nice spot by a lovely beach and forget the world or go for a dip in the salty waves.

Reserve your last day to seek bliss at the spa. Go for an invigorating Thai massage or choose an Ayurvedic spa session to completely let go of the mundane world. On your last day, drink in the beauty of Phuket’s beaches, breathe the sea breeze and catch a sunset to take back that soothing glow from the holidays back home.

Tipped to be Thailand's most popular honeymoon hotspot and beach holiday destination, Phuket is the country's most visited seaside paradise to date. Whether one is heading to the stunning isle for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are certain essentials holidaymakers cannot do without during a trip to Phuket. Here's a list of must-pack items every tourist should have for an unforgettable holiday on the island.

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When it comes to packing clothes for a beach holiday in Phuket, it is crucial to remember that less is more. As an island that enjoys tropical weather for most of the year, the warm and humid conditions on the ground mean that a few cotton tops and shorts will be more than enough for the duration of the vacation. Don't forget your bathing suit and swimming accessories, while a pair of lightweight pants and a summer dress may also come in handy if you wish to wine and dine in town. Jeans may prove impractical considering the local climate, so ensure your pants and skirts are made from breezy materials.

Unless you are visiting Phuket during the off-season from May to November when heavy rains are prevalent, there's no need to pack for any other kind of weather than a sultry summer. Budget travellers who are heading to Phuket during these cloudy months, however, must bring a raincoat or umbrella for outdoor use, although their clothing options can remain the same as that of a summer holiday. The temperature in Phuket does not fluctuate or become "cold" at any time of the year, so jackets and other warm clothes are unnecessary. Sneakers and flip-flops will suffice as far as shoes go unless you wish to go hiking and dining in fine restaurants that require formal wear and heels.

Those who are travelling with children may be surprised to find that Phuket is home to high-end malls and convenience shops that retail every kind of baby item one may require. If your child has preferences or special needs in terms of diet, diapers and other essentials, however, it is best to buy these from home as the types of brands in stock are subject to change on the holiday isle.

For the safe keeping of your medical supplies, it is crucial to pack your toiletries in a separate bag. Although the Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas and most luxury Phuket beach resorts provide toiletries and replenish the supplies daily, it is prudent to pack some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash if you are sharing a room or intend to spend more than a weekend on the island. Although pharmacies in Phuket are well-stocked, it is wiser to fill your prescriptions at home and only rely on local pharmacies for emergencies. Your medicine bag should also include a few antacids, allergy medications and Band-Aids for emergencies. In addition to medical needs, Phuket visitors should also make sure they have enough sunscreen and mosquito spray to last the holiday. Those who intend to go scuba diving should make sure their sunscreen is eco-friendly, as chemicals used in generic sunscreen can harm marine species and coral reefs.

Electronic adapters are an essential item to pack for most getaways, but especially those heading to Phuket, as Thailand uses double-round plugs. If you are carrying electronic devices such as power banks, tablet PCs and even your mobile phone, it is necessary to have adapters that work for each of the devices to keep them fully charged and functional. Adapters are also available in local shops, but those who have special tech gear should not rely on this option.