Real Couple Q&A: Why We Chose Mauritius for Our Wedding Week

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Real Couple Q&A: Why We Chose Mauritius for Our Wedding Week

Featuring: Emma & Daniel
Location: Grand Gaube, Mauritius
Guests: 40
From: London, UK
Wedding Theme: Coastal Luxe with a Tropical Twist

🧡 WHO are Emma & Daniel?

Emma’s a creative director from Surrey, Daniel’s a software engineer from Manchester. They met during a ski trip in Austria, bonded over a shared love of photography and food, and fell in love over long weekends spent exploring the English coast and dreaming of sunshine.

Their original wedding plan? A countryside barn in the UK. But after one too many weather complaints and family debates about table layouts, they asked themselves: “Why not make this a proper adventure?”

🏝️ WHAT made them choose a wedding week?

Emma: “We didn’t want a single-day blur. We wanted a whole experience — not just for us, but for everyone we love.”

They chose to host a 5-day wedding week in Mauritius — turning their celebration into a tropical escape filled with memory-making and connection.

🗓️ The Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome Party: Barefoot welcome drinks with live music, local canapés, and coconut cocktails

Day 2 – Catamaran Day: Snorkelling, rum tasting, and lunch on a private island

Day 3 – Relax & Rehearse: Spa morning for the girls, golf for the boys, and a casual dinner with speeches

Day 4 – Wedding Day: Sunset vows on the beach, followed by a barefoot reception under fairy lights

Day 5 – Recovery Brunch: Smoothies, fresh fruit, swimming, and a group paddleboard session

Daniel: “It felt like a holiday with purpose. Everyone bonded. No pressure, just joy.”

🌍 WHERE: Why Mauritius?

Mauritius ticked every box:

A relaxed, tropical vibe

Beautiful beach venues with excellent hospitality

Visa-free for UK guests

A mix of French, African and island culture

Emma: “We loved how it felt both exotic and familiar — it’s not over-commercial like some destinations. It felt soulful.”

They chose Grand Gaube for its balance of quiet and access — close enough to explore the island, but far enough to feel like a private getaway.

💡 WHY not the UK?

Before the Wedding:

Their original UK venue felt “too expected”

Planning felt like a long list of compromises

They realised they were spending all this money for one rushed day

During the Wedding:

They actually got to spend quality time with every guest

They felt present, not pulled in ten different directions

They experienced Mauritius — from its sunsets to its street food — together with loved ones

After the Wedding:

Daniel: “The best feedback we got? 'That was the most fun I’ve had at a wedding. Ever.' That’s all we needed.”

🧳 HOW did they plan it from the UK?

Emma: “We were nervous at first. But honestly? It was smoother than we expected.”

Using Plan My Wedding Africa, they found:

A local English-speaking planner who handled everything

A recommended list of florists, photographers, and entertainment

A clear legal process (their planner helped with the paperwork and the civil registration too)

They coordinated everything via email, Zoom, Pinterest boards, and a shared group WhatsApp chat with their vendors.

❓ Q&A: Every Question They Got Asked

“Isn’t a destination wedding too expensive for guests?”

“Not if you’re thoughtful. We gave 12 months’ notice, suggested group accommodations, and many of our guests made a full holiday out of it.”

“Didn’t you miss having everyone from back home there?”

“We kept it intimate by choice. Everyone who came wanted to be there — it made the experience so much more meaningful.”

“Was it legal? Do you still need a registry office ceremony?”

“Nope! It’s fully legal. Our planner walked us through the local marriage laws — and we even got our wedding certificate delivered before we left the island.”

“Didn’t you miss traditional elements?”