I will be TRAVELING to St. Thomas for a wedding in early February. It is being held on a catamaran. The bride and maid and matron of honor are wearing long gowns, the co-best men will wear Hermes ties with white shirt and trousers. No jackets. I need advice..other than a wide brimmed hat..what does one wear to a wedding on a catamaran? Anyone done this? Any help will be appreciated.

Hmmm, I've spent a lot of time on catamarans - large and small - and it would not be my choice for a wedding. THAT ought to be in-ter-est-ing.

Firstly, don't pick anything that the wind will catch and blow off, up, or around. That includes hats, loose, flowing dresses, and scarves to flail about and get caught up in your lipstick, the rigging, your hair, other guests, etc.

You don't mention the time of day, so it could be cool, so bring a light wrap or sweater, or it could be 100 - especially if the catamaran is not going to be moving - so choose your clothing in light natural fabrics - like silks or cottons.

Wear relatively flat footwear that does not have slippery soles - or better - take your shoes off once you get aboard and go barefoot. It can be very slippery on deck, and the boat can roll - making finding your footing difficult.

Make sure you have GOOD sunglasses if during the day - the sun off the water can be blinding.

I wouldn't spend much time on my hair> If you are moving, it will just blow all over the place, and if you aren't, it's likely to go flat or frizz due to the heat. I normally wear mine up, and for an event like that, maybe tuck a flower in it.

I'd probably go for a silk or linen sundress no longer than just below the knee in a fitted shape to keep the skirt from blowing up and creating a diversion from the wedding.

Have fun and hope the weather cooperates. (The wedding party might want to select an alternate venue planned just in case.)

PLEASE do post when you get back to let us know how it went.

Diana, you mentioned all the things I fear lol! Thanks for the input. It's very helpful. The hat is a must even if I have to tie it on...very fair skin. It should be interesting. Any one else??

I am wondering if you are reffering to the catamaran at the Ritz Carlton - is it the Lady Lindsay??
When we stayed at the Ritz, I saw 2 different weddings/parties preparing for and going out on the boat. It's a beautiful vessel. Folks were wearing all sorts of clothes - some formal and some sort of upscale beach wear. Most of the women had on cocktail dresses

Emily, yes, that's it! I didn't have the name with me. So I guess it's the same as one would wear to a land based wedding... keeping in mind Diana's comments. Thanks for the info.

On the 2 occassions that I saw ceremonies with the boat, they pull it right up almost on shore for easy access by the invited guests. One had a ceremony on the beach and then everyone went on the boat. The other wedding was to take place on the boat and they carried the bride into the boat so her gown would stay dry. Both were in late afternoon, so it wasn't too breezy.
Make no mistake, this is not your basic run of the mill catamaran...there is a lot of history to this gorgeous boat. It was used in a famous movie but I have now forgotten which one. This will be a classy affair!! Skip the hat and have a ball!

Emily, why skip the hat?

IMHO, I think the hat will be a pain in the *&&*** once you are underway - you'll be holding on to it the entire time....

Emily, I do understand that problem. However my skin is very fair, burns in minutes (even w/strong sunblock). I guess I'll play it by ear. Thank you for the input.

The bride just discovered today that everyone must wade out to the launch in "calf deep" water. As Emily said, I'm sure the bride will be carried. And the maid and matron I hope. I have a mental image of someone slinging me over their shoulder and hauling me out there. Think I'll be looking for another outfit.

gomiki,

Please, please, please come back with a trip report

LOL!! Sounds like the hat will be the least of your problems!! Reading your last post, I do remember some of the staff carrying what appeared to be garment bags into the boat - perhaps you can have someone bring your outfit on board and change inside the boat cabin - it's a big boat..
I'm sure that this is going to be a terrific celebration...just need to get the kinks worked out!!What time of day is the ceremony? The ones that I saw were in the late afternoon to early evening when the sun shouldn't be much of an issue