Personal Touches

By Krista Henrich

Destination weddings are seldom a “one ceremony” type of event, so there are many opportunities to customize your experience. Here are a few ideas on how to make your wedding feel more like you.

Romantic Elegance in Europe

If your preference is to style your wedding in a traditional romantic way, consider destinations like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. Many Italian locations offer picturesque backdrops (think rolling hills, vineyards and olive tree groves), ideal for romantic wedding photos. Depending on the type of wedding you’re planning, there is an appropriate city and scene for every style. Rolling hillsides, delicious wine, an idyllic place to dance the night away – vineyard weddings are as rustic and romantic as they sound. However, if it’s a fairy-tale wedding that you’re after, Europe’s historic and dreamy castles are perfect; consider a royal-style wedding in a grand castle in England or in a chateau tucked into the Loire Valley of France. If it is indeed a European chateau wedding that you have in mind, expect every luxury that comes along with it – gourmet dining, an exquisite local wine selection, and sometimes even a dramatic firework display to mark the occasion.

Beach Chic

A destination wedding by the beach also provides a fantastic opportunity to show your unique personal style or to switch up any traditional bride and groom style expectations. The bride may consider a lightweight sleeveless dress at a sun destination wedding or skip the gown altogether and wear a cocktail-length dress. The groom may opt for a shortssuit to match his bride’s cocktail-length dress. Another idea is to ask your wedding guests to match a theme – maybe Hawaiian attire, so the bride and groom can match guests while sporting leis down the aisle.

Put Your Own Twist to It

You’ve chosen your wedding destination for a reason! This is your opportunity to share your love and passion for this particular destination with your guests. To set an exciting tone with your wedding guests, start with your invitations. For example, you could make your wedding invite look like a passport, with many clever and customizable components and a title such as “passport to paradise” or “travel the world in the name of love.”

Once you have all arrived at your destination, themed parties, dinners or soirees can be a great way of incorporating unique influences from your destination into your event. For example, if you’re in the Caribbean, consider adding something like a signature cocktail, such as a Bahama Mama, to the menu for your Bahamian cocktail reception. In a destination like Cuba, you might include a cigar bar. In Mexico, ask your destination wedding specialist to help you arrange something fun like a tequila tasting. You can decorate your tasting station with an array of Mexicaninspired decorations like mini sombreros, traditional vibrant colours in geometric patterned designs for a linen to cover the table, or a backdrop that says “Viva el Amor” meaning “Live love” in Spanish.

#WeddingHashtags

Come up with a clever hashtag that will reflect your personality and give you the added benefit of being able to view your guests’ photos the next day. You can even carry your hashtag from bachelorette and bridal shower to the big day if you get clever enough. It can be tricky, but just remember social media is at your fingertips. Search through common hashtags on social media sites like Instagram to get inspired. Here are a few beach-themed hashtags for inspiration: #OceanBreezeWeddingPlease, #BuoyMeetsGirl

Including Family

For many couples, family is one of the most important parts of your wedding day – you’re essentially merging your families. Find ways to include your nearest and dearest in your big day and look into the traditions or symbolisms in the country you’ve chosen for your vows for inspiration. For example, if you’re having a Dominican Republic beach wedding, and if you have a musical family or some of your guests are talented singers, consider including the local tradition of “ceremonia cantada,” in which every piece of music is sung, rather than played by a band or over speakers, during the ceremony. This tradition will give your special day a very personal touch.