Ideas & Decor | The Destination Wedding Blog

Destination Wedding Thank You Postcards

7 June 2013 by hannah · Leave a Comment

It’s wedding etiquette to send out thank you notes to all those that came to celebrate with you on your wedding day. So, why not send out postcards?! Wedding post cards are an amazing way to say thank you, especially if you’re having a destination wedding! You can take pictures with a polaroid camera, write a note on the back, and send them out to your guests. It’s a creative idea, and allows your guests to see the adventures you and your spouse are having post-wedding! You can also take polaroid pictures during the wedding with your guests and send those out as thank you notes. Another way to send a personalized thank you postcard is having a picture of you and your spouse as the postcard’s main image; or you can simply have an image of the beautiful wedding location on the front of your postcard. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to save one of the postcards for yourself as a wedding keepsake!

{Photos: Hello, from someplace beautiful: Etsy; Poolside postcard: Love vs. Design; Thank you postcard: Paper Mash; Polaroid Postcards: Paper Mash; At the Beach: Etsy}

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Vineyard Wedding Inspiration

31 May 2013 by Monica · Leave a Comment

I love a destination wedding on location in a vineyard! What could be better than the rolling hillside of Napa or even the Australian wine country for your wedding? Whether you’re a fan of fine wine or not, the beauty of these vineyards (and the creative wedding ideas that come along with the theme) make for magical domestic and international destination wedding ideas.

Vineyard Wedding Inspiration Vineyard Wedding Inspiration

{Photos- Couple in Vineyard: Style Unveiled, Cake: Wedding Wire, florals: United with Love, cork place card holder: Bridal Banter, table arrangement: Green Wedding Shoes, wine barrels: West Aussie Weddings, cork board seating chart: Confetti Daydream}

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Unique Destination Wedding Guest Books

28 May 2013 by hannah · Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a unique wedding guest book to accompany your destination wedding? These adorable weddings pictured below matched their guest book to the location or theme of their wedding, or to a common interest! If you’re having a beach wedding, why not grab a surfboard and have your guests sign it? If you’re having a lakeside wedding, you can use paddles! Maps and globes are also cute alternatives to the traditional wedding guestbook. You can have your guests circle on the map or globe where they are coming from! You and your future spouse can also choose your favorite LP records and have your guest sign those! Any of these guest books would be great reminders of the wedding to hang up on the walls of your home. What will you be using for your guest book?

{Photos: Paddle: Alea Lovely Photography; Surfboard: Toby Hoogs Photography; Globe: Orange Turtle Photography; Map: Josh Gruetzmacher Photography; Couple Holding LP records: Pinterest; LP record: Sarah E. Evans Photography}

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Creative Beach Wedding Photo Booth Ideas

21 May 2013 by hannah · Leave a Comment

Photo booths are all the rage these days with weddings, and why wouldn’t they be? Photo booths are a fun, creative way to capture moments with the ones you love! Photo booths give you and your guests the chance to be completely candid and silly (which will be a great addition to your wedding album, don’t you think?).

Photo booths are great because you can choose the backdrop and props that you desire! Many people use frames and glasses as their props, but there are so many different routes you can go when designing your own photo booth! If you’re planning on having a beach destination wedding, these ideas are perfect! You can match the theme of your destination wedding by setting up a cutout car and having you and your spouse pose behind it! You’ll have the beauty of the ocean as your natural backdrop! You can be playful and set up surfboards, vibrant balloons, or a beach background with beach chairs as your back drop! If you want to have a nautical theme for your beach wedding, choose the colors red, white, and blue. If you want a more subtle backdrop, having a cream or white backdrop never fails. Pastel colors like light blue and light pink also work well with the beach theme!

Glasses and mustaches are always a great addition to any photo booth, but why not try adding other props in? Try incorporating a miniature chalk board so guests can write messages! Umbrellas, anchors, a pirate hook or eye patch would be great additions to your beach wedding photo booth! Go ahead– get creative!

{Car Photo Booth: Amanda Wilcher via SMP; Balloon Photo Booth: Spearmint Baby; Nautical Photo Booth: We Love Pictures via Rock n Roll Bride; Tie the Knot Photo Booth: Michelle March via Ruffled Blog; Surfboard Photo Booth: True Photography; Beach Backdrop Photo Booth: Bright Bazaar; Langkawi Love Photo Booth: Ruby Yeo and Christine Lim via Bridal Musings; Pom Pom Photobooth: Etsy}

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Refreshing Coral and Turquoise Wedding Ideas

10 May 2013 by hannah · Leave a Comment

Summer is just around the corner, and we have the perfect color palette if you’re planning on having a summertime wedding! Take a look at these refreshing coral and turquoise wedding details! One look at these colors, and you’ll feel like you’re on an island sipping on a cool sangria. The awesome thing about coral and turquoise is that they are extremely versatile. Not only are they used in tropical weddings, but they can work with rustic and vintage weddings as well. You can use different shades of these two colors to match the tone you want to set for your wedding. You can use different accent colors like a a bright yellow, or a ivory or creamy shade to make your wedding a tropical fiesta, or a bright, sophisticated affair! How will you use coral and turquoise in your wedding?

{Top Left: ; Top Right: Volatile Photo via SMP ; Second Row: Jose Villa Photography; Third Row Left: Beaux Arts Photography ; Third Row Right: Jessica Claire Photography ; Fourth Row Left: Jillian Mitchell via SMP ; Fourth Row Right: Elizabeth Messina}

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Retro Hawaiian Themed Weddings

8 May 2013 by Monica · Leave a Comment

Aloha! Hawaii is on my brain today… And when I think of this awesome Island, I think of those vintage postcards back from the 1940′s and 50′s with surfers, beaches, and hula girls. For those of you who’ve been to Hawaii and it’s neighboring islands, I’m sure you are well aware of its natural beauty and perfect climate. It’s so beautiful, that thousands of couples go there to get married each year! So, today’s post will be perfect for those of you who are planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, or those who can’t make it out there but still want the theme!

First thing’s first, you need leis. You can’t have a Hawaiian wedding without the most traditional Hawaiian decoration! But please, make sure they are real flowers… the fake ones just don’t look as amazing! Next, if you want to keep in mind the vintage postcard idea, you can incorporate that into your save the dates, the invitations, and any other paper details you’d like. It can both keep the theme cohesive as well as give your guests a heads up on what to expect at your wedding! Also, you could never go wrong with native Hawaiian flowers, and they will add so much color to your ceremony and reception. With that said, brighter colors, such as teal, orange, yellow, and ocean blue would make for a lovely retro Hawaii wedding palette! You should try finding a postcard that really grabs your attention and pull your colors from that (if it’s on the dark side, you can always opt for lighter shades… or not!) Finally, you can use different elements found in Hawaii to use in your decor without going overboard: Speaking of boards, a creative way to incorporate the surf board (a popular Hawaiian symbol and sport) could be as a menu or seating arrangement sign, or you could use tiny ones as place cards. Or if you’d rather use pineapples, then you could always go for a traditional Hawaiian wedding cake, which of course, has pineapple!

You can do so much with this theme and have so much fun at the same time (not that you wouldn’t have fun otherwise!) so keep these few planning tips in mind. Mahalo!

vintage hawaii wedding Retro Hawaiian Themed Weddings

{Photos- Couple: Fire Bird Photography via Modern Weddings Hawaii, “Please join us in Hawaii”: Etsy, Save the Date postcard: Etsy, Surf board cake: My Sweet and Saucy, Leis: Found Rentals, Chalk board surf board menu: Event Jubilee}

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Beach Sand Wedding Inspiration

7 May 2013 by Monica · Leave a Comment

There’s nothing like going to the beach and feeling the warm sand between your toes, and then having it washed off by the refreshingly cool ocean! With this in mind, we’ve come up with a creative decor detail perfect for beach weddings or even those who wish they were at the beach: Sand. Sure sometimes sand can be annoying after a long day under the sun when it just doesn’t want to wash off your feet, swimsuit, hair, you name it! But despite the negatives, its just such a nice and calming natural element.

At your reception, sand can be a great symbol of relaxation; the vows and rings have been exchanged, the knot’s been tied, it’s time to kick off your shoes and celebrate! Maybe you you take your save the dates while at a beach you’re both fond of, and write the date and stuff in the sand (take a look at the first pic below). It can be because you’ve decided on a tropical destination wedding, or just because you wanted pictures on the beach! Try using sand in a wooden box to place the place cards for your guests. Or you can use that box of sand again and fill it with other items such as candles, various flowers, the table number? You can get creative with this decor detail because it is fairly broad, so whatever objects you want to include along with it doesn’t always have to be the same across the board! One wonderful idea concerning sand is the concept of a “Unity Sand jar”. It is the same as a unity candle, but you each pour different colored sand into one larger jar. In my opinion though, the sand jar has more meaning because the flames of a candle can be blown out, but you can’t separate your grains of sand from your spouse (I mean you can try but it would take forever!)

Rachel Carson, a marine biologist and author said, “In every grain of sand there is a story of the earth”. So with such meaningful words said about a tiny grain of sand you can take it to heart and relate it to your own history of love as a couple. The sand you walk on or use as decor will forever represent the history of your own nuptials! Have fun!

beach wedding ideas Beach Sand Wedding Inspiration

{Photos- Save the date: Project Wedding, Rings: Gig Masters, starfish place cards: True Photography via Alchemy Fine Events, lantern & sand centerpiece: Love Wed Bliss, lounge area in sand: Polka Dot Bride}

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Cinco De Mayo Inspired Weddings

2 May 2013 by Monica · Leave a Comment

Aye Ya Yay! (Cue mariachi band) It’s almost Cinco de Mayo, and you know what that means: Mexican themed weddings! So generally this is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the Mexican revolution, but here in the states its all about the margaritas and tequila shots… Sorry Mexico. But today, we are sharing some fun and colorful inspiration for a Cinco de Mayo themed wedding that would make them proud!

What I love about the Mexican culture is definitely the colors, unique materials, and hand painted pottery they use in decorations. They also have lovely exotic flowers! To start off your Cinco de Mayo wedding, incorporate lots of colors. One decorative element that is signature to Mexico and perfect for showing off your colors are fiesta garlands! They are those strings of cool flags made of paper or even thin fabric, if you want to get real authentic. These usually have some sort of ornate pattern stenciled/cut out of the square’s area (take a look below!) As for entertainment, you can’t forget the Mariachi bands; they will provide such a true Mexican atmosphere at the reception you’ll feel like you’re actually in Mexico, with all the decorations in place! Finally, the flowers. There are plenty of beautiful and colorful flowers native to the country (perfect if you’re plan to have a destination wedding in Mexico!) Place full and luscious arrangements throughout the reception along with adorable hand painted figurines and other traditional Mexican goods, and you’ll have a perfect Cinco de Mayo inspired wedding celebration!

Have fun planning this one and “Felicidades!”

cinco de mayo weddings Cinco De Mayo Inspired Weddings

{Photos- Rings on painted box + invitation: Ruffled Blog, ceremony: The Bride’s Tree, table arrangement: Canvas and Canopy, Fiesta garland: Oh Happy Day Blog, Bride’s chair: Style Me Pretty, flag garland cake: Sutherland Kovach via Style Me Pretty}

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Whimsical Inspiration for a Paris Destination Wedding

1 May 2013 by hannah · Leave a Comment

Paris brings to mind many splendid things: the Eiffel tower, delicious crepes and macarons, the Louvre. These just touch the surface of what Paris is all about. There’s nothing quite like walking down a street, and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the night from miles away. There’ s nothing like biting into a freshly made, nutella-filled crepe on a cold Parisian day with good friends. The history that you’re surrounded by; the architectural beauty that follows you everywhere you walk–that is the beauty of Paris. Wouldn’t it be the absolute perfect place to have your destination wedding?

The romance, the glamour, and timeless quality that Paris evokes can be captured in your Paris destination wedding with a couple of details we’re about to share with you! Make your Parisian celebration a whimsical and classy occasion by adding a touch of gold in your table setting, or maybe in your bridal heels. Wear your hair in an effortless bun or chignon, or wear it in loose, wavy curls–either are classic wedding hairstyles. Don’t forget to include your Parisian treats! Macarons are an absolute must. These little desserts will add the pop of color that is sure to delight your guests! Form them into the shape of a cake for a creative twist on the traditional wedding cake, or serve them as cute little favors for your guests!

Emulate Parisian glamour and sophistication in your destination wedding with these whimsical inspirations!

france destination weddings1 Whimsical Inspiration for a Paris Destination Wedding

Top left: Etsy, Top right: Ciara Richardson Photography via SMP; Second row left: Ever Whim Photographs ; Second row right: SMP; Third row: SMP ; Fourth row left: One Love Photo; Fourth row right: Wedding Chicks; Fifth row: Four Seasons Magazine

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Interview with Michelle Rago, Destination Wedding Planner – Part Two

30 April 2013 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

gold wedding details Interview with Michelle Rago, Destination Wedding Planner Part Two gold and white weddings Interview with Michelle Rago, Destination Wedding Planner Part Two

{Photos: Jose Villa}

We’re back with more great ideas and insights from our friend, destination wedding planning guru, Michelle Rago! To see part one of our chat from yesterday, check it out here.

JF: When looking for a location, what should couples keep in mind to make the most out of their time during a destination wedding weekend?

MR: Couples should always be considering what will the guest experience be… How will they get around… are there options in price points for hotels and meals… Are there lots of fun places for casual hangs throughout the week? And remember… By the wedding ceremony and reception… People need to feel comfortable as they are finally in heels and suits!

JF: Any creative ideas to get the guests really excited about the event ahead of time or en route?

MR: As you know I am a very visual person… So I like lots of visuals to support a story. Save the dates, wedding websites and of course the invite are your main source of creating excitement. Between all three they should paint the picture of what guests will experience. If you have the time and resources… Mailing a final “pre-arrival” package is also lots of fun for guests.

destination bridal bouquets Interview with Michelle Rago, Destination Wedding Planner Part Two destination wedding europe Interview with Michelle Rago, Destination Wedding Planner Part Two

{Photos: Abby Ross}

JF: Do guest gifts shift for a destination wedding? What do you recommend couples give?

MR: I try and guide couples to choose gift bags and the contents that reflect the location and/or to enhance the experiences they will have during their stay. For example, if we are having a road rally event in collectible cars…why not give driving gloves and scarves or if they are spending the day on a boat we put together a “yachting survival kit.” In any case…the gifts should not be bulky to lug home and enhance each day!

JF: What about gifts the guests will be giving to the newlyweds?

MR: The trickiest part is that you can’t lug crazy oversized gifts to far flung places. And, conversely, how do they get all that stuff home?! I encourage friends and family to have gifts shipped to couples from their registry verses involving them in the actual trip. As to whether those gifts reflect the actual location… I suppose it’s possible but I haven’t noticed a major trend.

Michelle thank you so much for joining us this week on Jet Fete!! We can’t wait to see where in the world you land next! xo