Planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica and don't know where to start? The gorgeous Central American nation caters to nature enthusiasts with 800 miles of rich biodiversity and protected reserves. Whether it be relaxing in a natural hot spring, hiking through miles of lush rain forests, or experiencing an active volcano first hand, you will not run short of ideas to make your wedding in Costa Rica a memorable experience for your wedding group. Here are 7 ideas to fully embrace the local culture and incorporate the destination of Costa Rica into your wedding.
1. Coffee in Costa Rica
Coffee is a huge part of the culture in Costa Rica, and a majority of the labor force works in the coffee industry. Ticos, a colloquial term for natives of Costa Rica, are know to have 6+ cups of coffee a day. Personalize wedding gifts for guests, the bridal party, or parents with a bag of Costa Rican coffee grounds. According to Francis with CATours, "Coffee is the perfect wedding gift, but the Costa Rican coffee maker is better! It's a traditional way of making coffee." Supporting the local community always feels good!
2. Signature Costa Rican Cocktails
Unique cocktails mixed with the best liquor in the region for any destination wedding is a must. In Costa Rica, cacique guaro is the go-to liquor to spice up any cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, or reception. Wedding Concierge Karmen recommends turning the best drinks in Costa Rica into a signature cocktail (or shot). Here are her favorites:
Pura Vida
A popular specialty cocktail that mixes cacique liquor with orange juice and pineapple juice and adds a shot of grenadine for color and flavor. (Recipe via Foodie Anonymous)
Guaro Sour
Looking for something to please all the fellas? Guaro sour is Costa Rica's tropical take on a whiskey sour. Need we say more? (Recipe via Monkey Tours Costa Rica)
Chili Guaro
Warning: this drink is only for those that hold down a palette that handles spicy well. Made with Guaro, limes, and tabasco, it's also a notorious spicy shot. (Recipe via Monkey Tours Costa Rica)
3. Local Cuisine in Costa Rica
The fresh flavor in Costa Rican food is to die for. A favored dish Chifrijo, mixed with black beans, twice-fried pork bits, pico de gallo layered over rice and served with tortilla chips, makes for a perfect starter to any meal or passed hors d'oeuvre. Sweet lovers can get creative by substituting a wedding cake or dessert bar with Trits. Affordable and tasty, trits are the best spin on ice cream sandwiches with vanilla ice cream and fudge swirls between cookies that teeter between sugar cookies and graham crackers. Delicioso!
4. The Unofficial Anthem of Costa Rica
Add the unofficial anthem, Pura Vida, on welcome bags, favors, signage, or save-the-dates, meaning the "pure life" or "simple life" in Spanish. Ticos use this saying to say hello, goodbye, or everything's cool, and the phrase represents the relaxed way of life in Costa Rica. Named one of the happiest countries in the world, natives are not about stressing and dwelling on unexpected negative situations that arise in life, and are simply thankful for what they have.
5. Save-the-Dates with Costa Rican Flare
We can't resist mentioning the adorable save-the-dates that can be found to excite your guests for the wedding. With a variety of ways to highlight the breathtaking destination that Costa Rica is, we love the vintage map post card design by BeyondDesign on Etsy.
6. Natural Wonders & Excursions in Costa Rica
Take advantage of all of the fun activities to do in Costa Rica, and plan a group excursion or tour as a welcome or farewell to your guests. Weddings by Funjet makes it easy for guests to add excursions to their individual travel reservations by working directly with CATours. This company offers the best of the best in Costa Rica, and provides tours in Guanacasta, Arenal, Central Pacific, Monteverde, Tortugero and San Jose. Knock two things off your travel bucket list and coordinate a trip to Tabacón Hot Springs where you can sooth your muscles in the natural hot springs while overlooking the Arenal Volcano.
7. Three Words: Pacifico Beach Club
Located on the pacific side of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region, Playas del Coco is a one of the more popular beach towns for locals and travelers. Looking for an offsite venue for a private wedding event? Recommended by locals, Pacifico Beach Club is a gorgeous venue with a beachfront lawn and unforgettable sunsets.
Personalized destination wedding planning services in Costa Rica are available through a Wedding Concierge at www.weddingsbyfunjet.com/contact/.
