Plan an Unforgettable Beach Wedding

The key to planning a memorable wedding is all in the details. The accents that you select are what will give your wedding special character and help to set a tone. For a beach wedding, take a look at these ideas for the little things that will make your wedding unforgettable.

Give your wedding guests a hint of what is to come with wedding invitations with an island flair. Look for stationery that features a tropical symbol embossed on the top, and then weave that motif into the rest of your wedding design. The style of the invitation can range from subtle (a pearlescent sand dollar on a white invitation) to the frankly festive (giant fuchsia hisbiscus blossoms printed on stock with a vellum overlay).

Certainly the wedding attire will help to set the tone for a beach wedding. Choose flowy chiffon dresses for the bride and bridesmaids. Accent them with beach theme wedding jewelry. There are many wonderful styles of beach wedding jewelry from which to choose. There are earrings and necklaces with sparkling Swarovski crystal starfish or seashells, silver palm tree necklaces, and much, much more. For extra special bridesmaid gifts, consider beach wedding jewelry that can be personalized, such as monogrammed shell pendants. They make an incredible keepsake from your wedding!

Your place cards are another detail that can be dressed up with a beach theme. One of the most elegant ideas is to use shells as place card holders (you can purchase ones which have little slots cut into them to hold the cards). They will look wonderful on the dinner table, and the shell place card holders will be a great thing to pull out for your dinner parties later on in your married life. Another fun idea is to put the place cards into small picture frames with seashells on them. The frames can double as the wedding favors, which is very handy. The beach theme favors will be the perfect way to thank your guests for being a part of your fantastic tropical wedding.

Selecting the Perfect Jewelry for Everyone in Your Wedding

In many cultures, the ceremonial wedding jewelry that a bride wears is passed down as a family heirloom through generations of brides. Even if your family does not have any special wedding jewelry customs, you will still want to find just the right pieces for your bridesmaids, your mothers, and even yourself! This is how to select the perfect jewelry for everyone in your wedding.

First of all, let’s begin with the bride, who is after all, the star of the wedding day. The bride’s jewelry needs to do a variety of things. It should complement her face and hairstyle, it must match the bridal gown, and it should tie in with the general theme or style of the wedding. Most bridal jewelry is created from pearls or crystals, which are fantastic because of their beauty and versatility. Many brides like the combination because the pearls are such a classic bridal look, but the crystals can add a touch of glamor and modern elegance.

When shopping for bridal jewelry sets, you will definitely want to pick one that features at least a necklace with a coordinating earrings. Even if you do not wear a bracelet every day, it can be nice to have a special one for your wedding, which is certainly not just like any other day. The pieces can be delicate, such as airy tin cup necklaces and bracelets, which are great for an outdoor or beach wedding. Or you can go for a designer inspired look, and layer strands of pearls over a streamlined gown, just like Coco Chanel would have done.

Bridesmaid jewelry is very popular for gifts. This is the first choice for most brides when they are looking for that little something to show their appreciation for their attendants. And yet, picking out jewelry for another person can be a bit more daunting than trying to choose something for yourself. A great place to start is by looking for bridesmaid jewelry sets that can be custom ordered to your specifications. Having pieces handcrafted with sparkling Swarovksi crystals in your wedding colors is a fabulous idea.

Sometimes overlooked are the mothers of the bride and groom. It is a very thoughtful gesture for the bride and groom to give a special piece of wedding jewelry to their moms before the wedding. Look for pieces that have a style and sophistication suitable for a more mature woman. Most mothers of the bride and groom will already have the staples of a jewelry wardrobe, so more exotic choices, like black pearls, will be much appreciated. The jewelry that you select for your wedding will make a wonderful reminder of your special day every time that it is worn.

Divine Accessories for Destination Weddings

Destination weddings have a fun and festive feeling unlike any other kind of wedding. The sun, the sand, and the ocean views just have a way of putting everyone into a happy frame of mind. The details of your wedding should reflect this laid-back attitude. These are some divine accessories for destination weddings.

Let’s start with the bridal jewelry. Anything too heavy or formal will look out of place at the ocean. Look for sets of wedding jewelry with a beach motif or natural flair, such as kehsi pearl necklaces or silver seashell bracelets. A monogrammed shell necklace is a wonderful choice for the bride; it also makes a great idea for the bridesmaid jewelry. Other styles that are pretty for the beach are open and airy tin cup necklaces, very delicate crystal earrings, and bridal jewelry with a pop of color.

The best wedding hairstyles for the beach have a soft and natural effect. Gentle waves cascading down the shoulders, softly tousled buns, and loose modern braids are the types of hairdos most suited to a destination wedding. To accent your wedding hair, choose a headpiece that is also relaxed and uncontrived. Remember that the kind of ornate tiara that is perfect for a ballroom reception will seem out of place in a natural setting. Nice choices include a scattering of hairpins, a double row headband, or a large silk or fresh flower.

Next comes the veil. When you are being wed outside, it is wise to select a veil that will not drag on the ground. You don’t want to get to the altar only to find that your cathedral length veil has accumulated all sorts of debris on the trip down the aisle! Twigs and tulle do not mix. A crystal beaded border on the veil not only looks gorgeous twinkling in the sunlight, but helps to weigh it down and keep it from blowing around too much.

The accessories for destination weddings really are not the same as those that work for a traditional wedding. You will find that you have a lot more freedom to choose pieces that are fun and whimsical. Beach wedding accessories really give you the chance to express your personal style on your wedding day.

Beachy Wedding Favors

Beach weddings are as fun and lighthearted as summer itself. When you are choosing favors for your beach wedding, be sure that they capture that sunny spirit. These are some great ideas for beachy wedding favors.

Edible favors are always a hit at a wedding. There are a couple of great options for tasty favors with a seaside theme. Cookies can be made in the shape of sailboats and fish and presented in a glassine bag. To take it up a notch, put the bag of cookies in a mini canvas tote with a nautical motif like an anchor or a beach umbrella. If you grew up on the East Coast, then you probably know that one of summer’s sweetest treats is fresh saltwater taffy. This is the perfect sort of nostalgic thing that guests love to receive as favors.

It is always fantastic to combine your escort or place cards with your favors. After all, who doesn’t love to kill two birds with one stone? One beachy wedding favor that is sure to wow your guests is a small brass compass with their name inscribed on it. It has the perfect nautical feel and it also makes a really cool and unusual keepsake from your wedding.

Candles are popular favors, and there are some great ways to make your candles tie in with a beach theme. Specialty stores have beautiful little seashells with candles in them, which is a very elegant beachy favor. Crafty brides can also make their own beach theme candle favors. Small tin pails can be filled with candle wax and a wick to make an easy gift. Use a piece of raffia to tie a starfish to the handle of the pail. Another idea is to make your candles in medium sized clear glass containers and embed shells in the wax along the outside.

The right wedding favors will make the perfect send off for your guests. They are a great way to thank your guests for coming as well as to give them a parting gift that they can enjoy. When you are having a beach wedding, your favors can be just as much fun as the wedding itself, so have a good time selecting your personal favorites.

Cruise Ship Weddings

If you love the adventure of traveling by ship, a wedding aboard a cruise ship might be just perfect for you. It is a fun take on the basic destination wedding, as you and your guests will get to enjoy a variety of destinations as part of the wedding weekend (or however long you choose). These are some of the things that you will want to keep in mind while planning a cruise ship wedding.

First of all, it is a myth that any ship’s captain has the authority to perform a marriage ceremony. The truth is that most do not, unless they are also a justice of the peace or a judge. If you have your heart set on being wed by a ship’s captain, there are at least one or two cruise lines who do offer this service, having made sure that their captains are legally authorized to do so.

Most cruise ships will have all-inclusive wedding packages in place. These usually cover all of your basic elements, such as the chapel, flowers, food, music, and photographer. Each ship will have its own style, so do a lot of research before settling on one for your wedding. Be sure to get plenty of pictures and recommendations from weddings they have previously arranged. As with any destination or long distance wedding, it is also important that you feel comfortable with their coordinator, as you will be putting a lot of faith in them.

A wedding on a cruise ship is a great excuse to dress up, both for the bridal party and the guests. A long train might be cumbersome, but you can still choose a very elegant and sophisticated bridal gown accented with dazzling crystal jewelry. When you are shopping for your wedding dress and crystal bridal jewelry, think of the debonair style of an old movie. Of course, if you are being married on the beach instead of the ship, you might go with a more simple windswept style of gown. Don’t forget to pack your white bikini for the honeymoon portion of the cruise!

Florida Destination Weddings

Brides and grooms have always loved warm weather destination weddings. Many couples today, though, are not interested in the expense or hassle of getting married in a far-flung exotic island. For a warm and sunny wedding destination that is close to home, why not think about Florida, the Sunshine State?

Couples who are looking for a beach town that is all about having a good time can consider Key West. This little paradise on the Southern tip of Florida is known for its laid back vibe, tolerant attitude, and fascinating locals. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the key lime pie – yum! For a Key West wedding, a simple chiffon or organza wedding gown with unique handcrafted bridal jewelry would be ideal. Plan your wedding to take place during one of the legendary Key West sunsets.

If an urban beat is more your style, then you will love the chic flavor of a Miami wedding. This is the perfect spot for couples who love the nightlife. Serve up local Cuban-inspired food at your wedding and hire a great dance band with a Latin flair to give your guests the full Miami experience. For your honeymoon, stay at one of the renowned Art Deco or modern boutique style hotels. You can spend your days sunning yourself on South Beach, and your nights dancing at fabulous clubs.

And finally, no discussion about Florida wedding destinations would be complete without mentioning Disneyworld. This is a popular wedding destination for brides and grooms from around the world. If it has always been your fantasy to feel like a princess on your wedding day, then Disney is for you. Choose a Cinderella-inspired ballgown and top it off with fabulous handmade crystal bridal jewelry for a fantasy look as you marry your Prince Charming. A Disneyworld wedding is sure to be a dream come true.

Affordable Destination Weddings

The most important thing to decide when you are having a destination wedding is the location. This is where a lot of couples can run into budget problems. However, if you keep an open mind, you can find alternatives that will have some of the features you like about a pricier destination, while remaining more affordable. For instance, let’s say that you love the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas, but live on the East Coast. Instead of incurring the expense of flying out to Vegas (not only for the bride and groom, but for everyone attending the wedding), look into booking a fabulous resort in Atlantic City instead.

Another way to keep your destination wedding affordable is to look for an area that has a range of hotel prices. In some regions, all of the resorts are incredibly expensive, but in similarly beautiful places, you can find resorts that are nice but not outrageous. You can even plan to have your wedding and honeymoon suite at the more exclusive resort, and then move to a less pricey hotel for the rest of your honeymoon. Your guests will also appreciate having a few options for hotel rooms.

When you are getting married at the beach, nature is so beautiful that you do not need to go crazy with a fancy gown or over-the-top decorations. Stick with locally grown flowers for the best prices. Rather than choosing a bridal gown that is heavy with fancy adornments, select one that is pretty, but simple. It will not only save you money, it will suit your location better. You can also cut costs on your accessories for an outdoor wedding. Instead of splurging on diamonds, look into custom bridal Swarovski necklaces.

There are plenty of ways to have the destination wedding of your dreams while working within a budget. All it takes is a little creativity and flexibility. Before you know it, you will be saying your vows in a beautiful location, just as you have always imagined.

Hawaiian Themed Weddings

A great idea for a summer wedding is to capture the spirit and fun of the Hawaiian islands. If you are lucky enough to be able to have a destination wedding in Hawaii, that would be fabulous. But even couples who prefer to get married closer to home can throw a fantastic wedding reception with a luau theme.

The decorations are really the cornerstone of a Hawaiian themed wedding. Think about all of the natural beauty that can be found in a tropical wonderland, such as swaying palm trees, vibrant flowers, and beautiful seashells. This is the type of décor that you will want to create your own version of paradise. Larger items like potted palm trees can be rented to add that authentic island flavor to an indoor setting or a backyard, and don’t forget the tiki torches.

The bridal party will definitely want to set the tone for the party with relaxed attire perfect for a tropical island. The bride would look stunning in a flowing chiffon bridal gown with beach wedding jewelry. For the bridesmaids, think about strapless dresses in a bright floral print or a pretty fuchsia colored chiffon. As your bridesmaid gift, you can give them sets of beach inspired jewelry to wear to your wedding, such as monogrammed shell necklaces.

Help your guests get into the Hawaiian vibe by greeting them with beautiful floral leis to wear. You can also provide beach essentials like woven palm fans and cute flip flops. If you would like for your guests to wear festive attire like Hawaiian shirts and colorful dresses, you can make a note on the bottom of the invitation stating “Festive island dress requested”.

The right entertainment will go a long way towards creating your luau reception. Start with Hawaiian music, and mix in a few surf favorites to get the crowd dancing. Then dazzle your guests with live entertainment like hula dancers and those amazing fire dancers. If you want, you could even have a brief hula lesson to get the party going.Finish your wedding reception by thanking your guests with a favor that hints of Hawaii for the perfect ending to a fantastic wedding.

Elegant Seaside Weddings

Every great wedding starts with an inspiration. For an elegant wedding by the sea or ocean, imagine the Gilded Age when the glamorous set flocked to places like Newport, Rhode Island. The idea was to enjoy all of the beauty of the ocean, sand, and blue skies, while still maintaining a gracious lifestyle. This can be a terrific starting point for your wedding design.

If you want to be really authentic, you can have a destination wedding in one of the elegant mansions that grace the waterfront in a place like Newport. The homes are grand and richly appointed, making them a stunning background for a wedding celebration. Many of these breathtaking mansions are available for weddings of any size.

You could begin by having the ceremony and cocktails outdoors on a magnificent rolling green lawn with the ocean waves lapping at the nearby beach. The bride should aim for a look that is both elegant, yet appropriate for an outdoor ceremony (in other words, no cathedral length trains).

Give a nod to the historic nature of the setting by adding a hint of a vintage style to your wedding ensemble. A beautiful idea would be a heavily beaded chiffon gown with a sweep train accented by pearl bridal jewelry. Consider spicing up your bridal jewelry by doing a combination of pearl with a deep purple crystal, in honor of the amethysts that are so popular in vintage jewelry.

The theme of seaside elegance can be further explored in your décor and favors. A very pretty idea would be to incorporate seashells, sand dollars, and starfish into the bride’s bouquet and the centerpieces. Tasty little chocolates in the shape of shells would be a perfect wedding favor for your guests to take home.

Big Apple Brides

New York City is a true American landmark. It is beloved not only by its millions of residents, but also by the millions of people who visit the Big Apple each year. New York is a fun and exciting spot to have a destination wedding.

There are many iconic New York locations from which to choose, and just as many others that are unique and lesser-known. If famous and fabulous is your dream New York City wedding, then plan to pull out all the stops.Weather permitting, the bride and groom could arrive at the reception in one of New York’s famous horse-drawn carriages.

And of course, since New York is one of the greatest fashion centers in the world, you will want to be dressed to the nines. Picture a chic and sophisticated silk gown accented by an elegant long veil and spectacular custom bridal jewelry.

Of course, there are as many approaches to take in planning a New York wedding as there are skyscrapers in the city. If big and glitzy is not your style, take an insider’s approach to designing your wedding. Hire a top notch planner to help guide you to the offbeat spots where the locals have their ceremonies and receptions. Private clubs, cool lofts, and harbor cruises would all be intriguing possibilities.

The great thing about having a destination wedding in a world-class city like New York is that you won’t even need to travel for your honeymoon. Spend a week or so taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of New York. A New York honeymoon would be the perfect ending to the wedding for a Big Apple bride and groom.