Destination Wedding Idea: Europe

What could be more sophisticated and exciting than getting married in an historic European city or town? Picture yourself exchanging your vows in a magnificent Renaissance cathedral or entertaining your guests in a centuries old stone castle – how romantic! Europe offers many incredible options for a destination wedding, from the vineyards of Tuscany to the green glory of Ireland to the romance and thrill of the City of Lights. In fact, the hardest part might be narrowing it down to one location!

When planning a wedding far from home, a wedding coordinator on site is an absolute must. This goes double if you will be getting married in a non-English speaking country, if you are not fluent in the local language. Besides, working with vendors from afar is hard enough; dealing with different time zones makes it very challenging. Luckily, it is quite easy to coordinate with your wedding planner via email. Send lots and lots of detailed pictures of the flowers and other decorations that you want to ensure that everything is as you expect on your wedding day.

Definitely indulge in local cuisine and wedding customs for a European wedding. There is no point in going all the way to Italy to get married if you are going to insist on serving the standard American “beef or chicken”! Give your guests a real taste of what makes your host country so special, whether it is the finest French wines, Irish music, or Spanish tapas for the cocktail hour.

While you need not follow the local wedding attire traditions to the letter, definitely make sure that your bridal gown and sets of jewelry suit your location. If you are being married in a breathtaking cathedral, wear a gown with a cathedral length train. For a celebration in the English countryside, look at romantic yet low-key wedding gowns and bridal jewelry sets. And of course if you intend to be a Parisian bride, nothing but the latest and most chic gown will do – ooh la la!

Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Let these destination wedding planning tips help you to plan the long-distance wedding of your dreams…

Find a resort with an on-site event coordinator. Planning any wedding can be challenging for a first time bride. Making arrangements across many miles can be nearly impossible without someone local on the scene. Many popular resorts have their own in-house coordinators who can do all the legwork for you in sourcing caterers, florists, and musicians – take advantage of the service!

Choose attire which suits your destination. For a tropical wedding, bridal gowns in lighter fabrics like chiffon or organza are popular. Add some beach wedding jewelry to complete the look. Bridesmaid dresses in a similar fabric and a sunny color like mango will look wonderful; give your attendants beach theme jewelry as your wedding gifts to them. Black tie is too formal for a ceremony on the sand, so consider khaki suits or a jacket and trousers for the groom and groomsmen. Remember that many islands can be windy; choose a wedding hairstyle which will keep your hair out of your face, and consider a veil which is weighted with crystals or pearls to keep it from flying around too much on a breezy day.

Double check paperwork. You now need a passport for virtually any trip outside of the U.S., and it can take months for a passport to arrive, so get one right away. Find out if you need any additional paperwork to travel to your wedding location, such as a visa. You can check online to see if the government recommends any special vaccinations, which can be completed well in advance of your trip. One critical bit of planning is the marriage license. Each country will have its own particular requirements and may require the bride and groom to bring certain documents. Don’t forget about what you need to do once you get home to make your marriage official in your home state.

Get the Aloha Vibe for Your Wedding

How does a destination wedding to Hawaii sound? Pretty great after the long winter, if you ask me! Of course, when we think of Hawaii, pictures come to mind of leis, lush tropical flowers, and hula dancers. Those are all fantastic, but don’t overlook the appeal of an ultra-laid-back beachy vibe: embroidery, ruffly bikinis for the honeymoon, and washed out peachy colors. This fun post on 100 Layer Cake is just the inspiration you need to grab that Aloha vibe.

Gorgeous Beach Wedding Dresses

The beach is one of the most wonderful places to hold a wedding ceremony. There is nothing quite like the sand under your feet, the ocean breezes, and the smell of the salt air. Such a special wedding calls for an equally special wedding gown. These are some tips on finding a gorgeous beach wedding dress to make you feel amazing on your big day.

Halter necklines are always fantastic by the water. They are not too formal, very flattering, and have a summery appeal which is great for any warm weather wedding ceremony. There are lots of different halter necklines available, from little wispy gowns which suit a fashion forward bride with very little cleavage, to more structured wedding dresses done in midweight fabrics such as silk gazar. Finish it off with beach theme wedding jewelry like crystal starfish dangle earrings.

Strapless gowns are always pretty for a bride, and they are lovely for a beach wedding. A lightweight organza wedding dress with an empire waistline and a slim A-line skirt would be comfortable and beachy. Choose a dress with special details, such as organza streamers in the back which will flutter in the ocean breeze. If the beach you have chosen for your ceremony site tends to be fairly windy, pull your hair back into a casual knot at the nape of your neck and accent it with a few pretty hairpins.

One shoulder bridal gowns are very popular this season, and would be a very stylish option for a beach wedding. Select one in a sheer fabric like organza or chiffon, which will gently float over a solid underlining. A cluster of organza flowers flowing over the shoulder or a large chiffon bow will give your one shoulder wedding dress the perfect amount of detail. When shipping for any style of beach wedding dress, it is a really good idea to try it on in bright sunlight to make sure that it will not be too see-through in the direct sun.

Formal Resort Weddings

If you are planning a destination wedding to a tropical resort, the chances are that almost all of the advice you come across will be geared towards casual beachy weddings. But tropical does not always have to mean barefoot on the sand, and it is possible to plan a wedding which is elegant in an island setting. At long last, here are some tips on how to plan a gorgeous formal resort wedding.

The ideal gown for a formal resort wedding will be one which is light enough to feel comfortable in a warm climate, but with the special details that will make it feel glamorous. Metallic gold accents will make any bridal gown look opulent and regal. Layers of a lightweight silk such as organza or tissue taffeta will be fresh and breezy, and gold metallic embroidery or a gold sash will increase the elegance factor. Strappy metallic gold sandals, a veil with a beaded edge, and elegant beach wedding jewelry will complete the effect. Especially lovely is beach wedding jewelry with Swarovski crystals which will twinkle in the sunlight.

A tropical wedding certainly calls for tropical flowers. As beautiful as the classic round bouquet of roses is, it in no way relates to the spirit of the tropics. A better option would be a more splashy bouquet featuring wildly glamorous exotic orchids in a bright color. Hot pink, sunshine yellow, or lime green are all gorgeous resort wedding flower colors. Make your bouquet more regal with an ornate bouquet wrap in a metallic ribbon. You can also think about scattering some sprays of Swarovski crystals in among the flowers to coordinate with your bridal jewelry and to catch the sun.

Any fine resort should have elegant menu options available to serve for your wedding reception. Fresh fish, simply prepared, is always a nice choice for the main course at dinner. It can be dressed with a fresh fruit salsa and elegantly displayed on the plate with several side dishes. Keep in mind that a grand presentation will make any type of food appear more elegant. Try to treat your guests to the local specialties of the tropical destination which you have selected for your wedding. Your guests will no doubt have the time of their lives.

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.

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.

Casual Bridesmaid Attire

Not every wedding calls for the attendants to be dressed in formal attire. For a wedding on the beach, in a park, or in your own backyard, you might want to consider choosing something informal for your bridesmaids. These are some of the best looks for casual bridesmaid attire for any type of wedding.

For a beach or waterside wedding, a great informal look for bridesmaid dresses is a dress with a festive pattern. Tropical Hawaiian prints are wonderful for a beach wedding. For a preppy beach wedding, Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses worn with pearl tin cup necklaces will make your bridesmaids picture perfect. New England weddings by the water are the perfect excuse for your bridesmaids to get cute dresses from Vineyard Vines. The classic Nantucket style of their patterns will look great with tin cup necklaces (the perfect bridesmaid jewelry gifts) and the guys in Nantucket red pants.

Another idea for a relaxed bridesmaid look is to have each one wear a top and a skirt instead of a dress. If executed well, this can be a wonderful look, although if it is not properly coordinated, you will lose the cohesiveness that a bridal party should have. Choose one pretty skirt that each attendant will wear, and pair it with a simple top. An example would be a patterned skirt worn with very nice crisp white blouses. An appealing variation on this is to put a simple white blouse with a ball skirt for a relaxed holiday evening wedding. Just resist the urge to have each skirt be a different color of the rainbow; I have seen this done, and frankly it is impossible to pull off well. A better idea would be to put each bridesmaid in a version of the same color, such as shades of pink.

When you have only one or two attendants, your options for informal bridesmaid attire will open up even more. You could just allow each bridesmaid to select a strappy sundress that she really loves. The nice thing about this is that you will know that your friends will love their dresses enough to wear them again. When you have two or fewer attendants, it is not so important that they coordinate with one another or the rest of the wedding party. Your attendants will be ready to go and have a great time at your fun and casual wedding.

Winter Destination Weddings

It may be hard to think about it during the hot summer months, but before you know it, the cold air will return, the snow will be falling, and everyone will be wishing that they could escape to someplace warm. Enter the destination wedding! This is what you need to keep in mind to plan a successful winter destination wedding.

Location, location, location. It is as true in weddings as it is in real estate. When you are planning a winter tropical destination wedding, it is important to choose an island that is warm all year long. Many people may not realize that a place like the Bermuda does get fairly cool in the winter; the average high temperature is in the upper 60s to around 70 in December and January. A far cry from the average high of 22 degrees in Minneapolis in January, to be sure, but it is not the best choice if you want to swim in the ocean. On the other hand, islands like Aruba and Jamaica tend to have temperatures in the mid 80s, making the weather ideal for a destination wedding.

After you have done your due diligence on the best winter weather in the tropics, you can get on to the fun part, which is choosing your wedding details. The bride will want to find an appropriately breezy and light wedding gown and set of jewelry for a tropical wedding. The good news is that unlike in regular fashion, you can find summery bridal gowns in shops at any time of the year. The same is likely to be true of beach wedding jewelry, although you may find a wider selection in the warmer months.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about planning a winter destination wedding to the tropics is to enjoy it! Let the resort’s staff worry about the details while you relax and enjoy the time with your loved ones in a tropical paradise. This is the perfect way to start a happy new marriage.

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.