Destination weddings are a fantastic choice for couples who do not fancy traditional, cookie-cutter weddings. Weddings in far-flung, exotic locales are exciting and allow you to start your marriage in the most romantic way imaginable.
Nevertheless, planning a destination wedding presents a unique set of challenges, and one of them is decorating your venue as you please. You may have to settle for what is available at the venue, and this may not exactly match your vision.
Now, the good news is that you can always enhance your wedding décor with accessories from home, that are light-weight, compact, and easy-to-carry.
Here are some suggestions from the team at Best for Bride in Canada to help you choose wedding decorations that travel well.
Personalized buntings
Buntings are simple, but effective decorations that dress up even the simplest of spaces and add instant cheer. The options are endless; you can have strings of pom-poms for a Boho effect, shimmering polished golden flags for a glam look or rustic burlap flags strung together for a rustic, countryside theme. You can also create a massive impact with reams of bunting that occupy very little luggage space and are weightless.
Add delightful pops of color to your venue with assorted paper lanterns in various shades and shapes that match your wedding theme. Not only do these lanterns fold flat, but they are also light-weight and easy to install. Suspend them from the ceiling using twine and enhance the effect with flickering lights for a pleasant glow. Use them in large numbers to instantly elevate the ambiance and wow your guests. Here are some fantastic décor ideas with paper lanterns on My wedding.
Flickering Fairy lights
Soft, twinkling fairy lights will illuminate and add festive cheer to your wedding venue. These versatile decorations come in all colors and you can use them in many ways to create a magical effect. Add them to your centerpieces, wrap them around trees and bushes at an outdoor venue or hang them like a canopy from the ceiling and create a stunning starry overhead decor. There are more fantastic ideas in this post on Frugal2Fab that incorporate these budget-friendly decorations in many different ways.
You are one lucky lady if your nuptials are to be at a beach. Whether it is at a faraway exotic locale or a tropical beach closer to home, this is easily one of the best wedding venues there is. Romance permeates the air, as nature forms a beautiful canvas for your wedding. Your guests will enjoy the holiday experience, even as they frolic and have fun in the sand and sea.
Nonetheless, planning a beach wedding has its own set of challenges. You have to account for various factors that are not present in other venues. The warm and humid environment can cause a fair share of makeup, hair and dress issues for beach brides. Fortunately, you can look gorgeous and plan a successful wedding day with a few helpful tips.
Here is our list of Do’s and Don’ts for the different things you should keep in mind when you are a beach-bound bride.
DO consider the weather at the time of your wedding
The weather at a beach isn’t warm and humid all-year around. Beach weather can also be dry, windy, with showers at various times of the year. Depending on the destination you pick, it is a good idea to do some research on the weather that will be present at the time of your wedding. If the beach will be windy, adjust your outfit, makeup and hairstyle to suit the weather. Consider accessorizing with a stole, wrap or jacket if it gets too cold. Also pick a hairstyle that keeps hair away from your face, and the wind won’t be a problem.
DON’T forget to choose the right fabric
Traditional wedding dress fabrics like organza and silk aren’t the best choices for beach weddings. They can weigh you down, show sweat and become shabby in the sand at a beach. So, it is wise to stay away from these types of fabrics. Instead, choose light and airy fabrics like chiffon for your wedding dress. These blend in beautifully with the setting, are comfortable to wear and convenient to carry. Other fabrics to consider are voile, organza and tulle. For more information on wedding dress fabrics, take a look at this article on the Brides website. Also make sure that the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily. Your dress will be put through a lot of wear and tear. So, avoid fabrics like cotton and linen that wrinkle easily.
DO pick the right silhouette
The dress silhouette you choose has a huge impact on your overall bridal look. The right silhouette will flatter your best features and help you look gorgeous. When your wedding is at the beach, don’t let the location limit your choices. If you start your search early, you will have time to find a dress that looks great on you while being right for the beach. So, start by identifying the best silhouettes for your body type. Then find a dress that fits the bill. For help on identifying the best wedding dress silhouettes for your body type, visit this article on the Huff Post website.
DON’T overlook the importance of picking the right white
One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor venue is that your photographer can make the most of natural lighting. This is a wonderful thing. However, it also means that your dress may look different in this light from how you would expect it to look in artificial lighting. Consider this aspect when choosing the shade of white. Eliminate any likely issues by simply ensuring that the dress looks good in natural light, prior to the purchase. Make sure that you pick the right white for your complexion, so it flatters your skin tone. Here is some information on this subject at the Knot website, that may come in handy.
DO keep the skirt simple
Trust me when I say that it is no fun walking around in a dress that drags in the sand. Intricate details in the hemline and train can easily attract dirt and have sand stuck to it. This can be difficult to clean afterwards. So, keep the skirt of your dress simple and avoid such problems. It will be easier to move around in a light, airy skirt. Additionally, it will also look fresh and clean throughout the day, when the skirt of your dress is simple. If you must have an embellished wedding gown, choose a dress with details in the bodice and waistline for best results.
DON’T forget to look out for the sun
Since your wedding is in the outdoors, it is natural that you will spend hours in the sun. So don’t forget to protect yourself well. Use adequate amount of a broad spectrum sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body, to stay sun-safe. Pick makeup with sun protection for best results. Also account for the effect of the sun when you choose the colors of your makeup. The natural light will emphasize pinks and corals. So, pick them judiciously to sport a natural look. It is best to keep the makeup light, and just emphasize your features for the best result.
DON’T forget about issues associated with transporting your dress
Unless your venue is near to where you stay, you will have to travel with your wedding dress. It isn’t easy to transport a gown that is heavy, has intricate embellishments or is prone to wrinkling. Such factors can damage your dress. So, pick a dress that travels well and you can eliminate likely issues. We suggest that you choose from collections that are specifically tailored for destination weddings. Such gowns will be easy to pack, transport and restore to original condition with minimum effort once you reach the destination.
DON’T overlook the importance of your accessories
Most beach brides opt for simple wedding dresses for their beach weddings. However, this doesn’t mean they have to compromise on their bridal look because of the simplicity of the dress. The right choice of accessories will help you look gorgeous. Pick colored gemstone jewelry for a pop of color. Or indulge in extra bling to sparkle on your special day. The best part of choosing jewelry with sparkling stones is that they reflect the natural light and look stunning in the venue you chose. You can also go with pearl, coral or rustic natural stones for an earthy vibe.
DO use waterproof makeup
Waterproof makeup is an absolute must for your beach wedding. It will stay on despite the heat and keep your look fresh. Although you will have to touch-up your makeup at regular intervals throughout the day, waterproof makeup reduces the frequency of this task. It is very important to use waterproof eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow. This will help your eye makeup stay on, even if you shed copious tears of joy. Choose colors like brown, navy and olive instead of black in your eye colors, for a sun-kissed effect.
DO remember that humidity will affect your locks
Hair and humidity don’t always go together. Beaches have high humidity levels, and this can affect how frizzy your hair becomes. Keep this factor in mind when you plan your wedding day hairstyle. If your hair tends to frizz up when the air is moist, keep your hairstyle simple and collected. This will help you look fresh throughout the day. If your tresses aren’t affected by humid environments, feel free to choose any hairstyle that you desire. Avoid too many styling products that will weigh your hair down, as these can ruin your look. A sleek and polished hairstyle may also look out of place in the cool, relaxed environment of a beach. Consider these factors when choosing your hairdo for the day.
DON’T pick the wrong footwear
The uneven nature of the sand and turf at a beach make heels totally unsuitable for the occasion. Even if you have a wooden or cemented walkway for the ceremony, you will be walking in the sand at some time of the day. So, ditch the heels and go barefoot. Adorn your feet with the choicest accessories, like anklets, to dress your feet in style. Or step up your style with bridal flip flops or stylish sandals customized for the occasion.
DON’T overdo the tan
Sun-kissed brides look wonderful. Nonetheless, tan with caution. It is easy to go overboard and this can ruin all your makeup plans. Fake tanning lotions and spray-on tans are a big mistake when your wedding is at the beach. These take on a garish orange hue in pictures, and can make you look funny. So, if you must tan, do it in the safe and recommended way. Build up the faux glow by using the right products and obtaining the color gradually. For a detailed account of the ideal options to consider when your wedding is around the corner, visit this article on the Knot website.
DO remember to stay hydrated
The salty air in the beach environment can affect your skin texture. So moisturize well before you set out for the beach. It is equally important to stay hydrated on the inside too. Refresh yourself by sipping on water and other liquids throughout your stay at the venue. This will keep your skin looking fresh and compensate for the loss of moisture in the salty environment. If you have oily skin, it is likely that you will find it excessively oily in the natural environment. Make use of the blotting paper in your emergency kit to avoid this. More on what you should pack into this day-of emergency kit is available in this previous post.
DO choose the right flowers
If flowers are a priority in your décor, make sure you pick the right blooms. Unlike other venues, the beach environment doesn’t favor all flowers. You will have to consider the heat and direct sunlight that will affect their life span. Discard the idea of any thin, fragile flowers that wilt quickly. You need hardy blossoms that hold their shape and last fresh for longer. Good choices are orchids and chrysanthemums. Incorporate flowers that can tolerate the environmental condition into your décor and accessories. The other option is to go for artificial flowers made from fabric or paper.
DON’T skip a beautiful head accessory
Your hairstyle and headpiece are the crowning glory of your bridal look. In your attempt to look cool and casual, don’t overlook the importance of picking the right hair accessories to complete your look. Whether it is a nature inspired floral crown, a glittering tiara or a simple head band, make sure you explore your options and pick the one that is right for your setting. And if you love veils, don’t hesitate to wear one for your wedding day. The ideal veil for this setting is one with with a lace trim. The trim will add weight to the veil and help it stay in place, even when the weather is windy.
Although planning a wedding on the beach can seem like a lot of work, it is beautiful when you do it right. Just think of how apt the symbolism of nature is to your marriage. As the sun and the ocean join each other in blissful harmony at your beautiful venue, so do you and your partner come together to celebrate life as husband and wife.
Best for Bride is the perfect place to find your dream dress for a romantic beach wedding. From lightweight chiffon gowns to airy voile dresses and sexy mermaid gowns, we have a vast array of options for you to choose from. Visit us in-store or head over to our online gallery today to see what you love. And book your appointment today, so we can help you choose the dress of your dreams.
No matter where you celebrate your wedding, the guests who come to watch your nuptials in person will be delighted to witness such a display of love. Still, there’s something even more special about a destination wedding — maybe it’s the fact that it blends the adventure of traveling with the joy of experiencing that everlasting love we already mentioned.
And that’s precisely why you’ve decided to take your “I dos” somewhere other than your hometown or the city in which you reside. Now, all you have left to do is figure out how to put together a wedding from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s your guide to throwing the destination wedding of your dreams.
Select the Perfect Spot
Chances are, if you’re thinking about having a destination wedding, you already have a spot in mind. Maybe it’s a particular city or a gorgeous resort or somewhere off the beaten path that holds a special place in your heart. Regardless of where it is, start by pinpointing your location.
In your research, make sure there’s a lot for your wedding guests to do. Most destination weddings will require them to stick around in your chosen city for a few days, so the more activities available, the better. Post a list of suggested activities on your wedding website, too — that way, everyone will be even more hyped about the chance to travel and attend your nuptials at the same time.
Provide Trip Prep Tips
Your wedding website is a powerful tool in preparing your guests for your big day, especially when everyone’s traveling to experience it. Not only will it create anticipation for a far-flung getaway, but it will also help them to ensure they have everything they need to travel to your chosen locale.
So, provide guests with a packing list tailored to your destination. If there’s a beach, and the resort charges for towels, suggest that your guests bring their own. Or, if there are hiking trails near the mountain lodge you’ve selected, remind everyone to bring boots or sneakers so they can take a few picturesque walks.
Book Services for Guests in Advance
Your destination wedding is at a resort with an incredible pool. However, in order to get a seat a said pool, your guests would have to wake up at 7 a.m. every single day or pay a hefty sum to rent a cabana.
You don’t want to force them into either one of these scenarios, so plan in advance to make these types of activities simple and fun for everyone. Speak to the hotel and see if they will rope off a corner of the pool for your event. Chances are, they’ll save you some seats because you’ve reserved a good chunk of the place for your nuptials.
On top of that, think ahead to the other services your guests might need while they’re there and reserve those, too. This is especially true for your attendees who are bringing their kids — scheduling babysitters will take a huge weight off of their shoulders. Think about anyone else with a unique need and plan accordingly for them, too.
Connect Your Guests
You know everyone coming to your wedding, but they might not all know each other. So, make a point to bring attendees together. You can have hotel staff block off rooms, so all of your friends and family stay near each other and socialize that way. Or, you can have a welcome party, which will allow everyone to break the ice and spend the next few days hanging out before, during and after your nuptials.
Give Them a Ride
Your guests have traveled around the world to attend your wedding, so make the rest of their journeys easy. Start by scooping everyone up from the airport and transporting them to the hotel. You could make this ride even more memorable by hiring a local guide to point out some of the sights on the way in.
Have cars lined up for your wedding day, too, if it’s not taking place at the hotel. Weigh the merits of different types of hirable transportation. For example, a limo is a bit more of an intimate ride, since fewer guests fit inside of the stretched-out vehicles. On the other hand, a party bus can carry more people, which, as the name implies, gets everyone in a festive mood for the reception.
Gift Them with a Welcome Bag
Another grand gesture when welcoming your wedding guests is to have a gift bag waiting for them when they arrive. The hotel staff can hand them out at check-in, or you can have them on-hand at the break-the-ice party we already mentioned.
The gift bags don’t have to be fancy. You might fill them with a few bottles of water and some snacks to get your loved ones through the weekend. You can make them even more special, though, if you add local treats, maps or even a souvenir representative of the trip they’ve taken. You can make these goodies useful by slipping a copy of the weekend itinerary inside, as well as any additional gifts that could come in handy — bug spray or sunscreen, anyone?
Keep Décor Simple
You’ve chosen to take your wedding across the world, so let the backdrop shine through. There’s no need to lug heavy décor from your home all the way to your destination. Instead, pack light and simple pieces that will play up the otherworldly feel of the location — too much will take away from the spot you’ve picked.
This should be your game plan for all the wedding’s events. Choose a theme color and stick with that, whether you’re throwing a welcome mixer, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Always rely on the local backdrop for its beauty, as well as its flavor — the more inspiration you can draw from your location, the better.
Give Them a To-Go Gift, Too
As your guests gear up to go home, arm them with one last “thank you” — a goody bag to take on the plane, train or in the car. Again, think about the types of sweets and snacks that’ll get them through that long journey. This is your last chance to express your gratitude for their long trek, so choose munchies that are a cut above what they can buy at an airport shop or road stop.
Planning a destination wedding takes work, but the payoff is huge — you’ll put together the idyllic nuptials of your dreams. And, even better, everyone who comes to witness your “I dos” will love every minute of it, thanks to your careful planning. All there’s left to do is to get started.
After hectic months of planning and bringing together a wedding, a honeymoon is a massive relief for most couples. This is the time when you and your new husband can finally find the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company and eventually settle into being newlyweds.
While a honeymoon is more about the experience than the place you go, you may find that specific destination more enjoyable than others. So, the place where your best friends enjoyed their honeymoons may not always be the best place for you. The ideal place to honeymoon depends on your personality, budget, and many more factors. And this is why you need some help to choose the location you should go to.
Here are ten top tips to help you plan and enjoy your honeymoon after considering all possible factor
Most beach brides opt for simple wedding dresses for their beach weddings. However, this doesn’t mean they have to compromise on their bridal look because of the simplicity of the dress. The 
