25 Quintessential Tips for Throwing a Striking Destination Wedding

“In New Orleans, we do something called a ‘Second Line,’ which is where a traditional New Orleans brass band leads the bride, groom and wedding guests in their own parade down the street,” says Sarah Worsley, Director of Operations at Race + Religious. “The bride and groom hold black and white parasols, respectively, and sometimes they'll even have a Mardi Gras as part of the celebration,” she adds. Immerse your guests in the music and dance traditions of your chosen location.

“If you're already at a beautiful destination venue, there's nothing more impactful than really leaning into the natural surroundings for your color palette and decor inspiration,” advises Marie Artale, Creative Projects Manager at Cedar Lakes Estate. “We love to use wood elements, such as barnwood and live-edge tables, and greenery organically cascading throughout the space to create a seamless transition between the outdoors and indoors,” Artale adds.

Highlight the iconic skyline of your chosen city on paper goods. “We love integrating a sketch of the skyline on things like menus, napkins, programs, and place cards,” says Kelly Cavanaugh, Owner & Senior Event Consultant at Clementine Custom Events.

Carefully consider how many guests you want and need to celebrate with, “is this a small, intimate occasion or as large an affair as it would be in your hometown?” says Melissa Paul, Marketing Director at Elena Damy. “Understanding each other’s expectations, as well as taking into consideration both families’ expectations, will give clear direction on budget and planning on all other decisions to follow,” Paul adds.

If hosting a tented wedding in a location that gives you the ability to customize every feature, make sure to do a site survey with a professional, experienced tent company to evaluate the feasibility of an elaborate wedding. “Important things to cover on your site survey survey: accurate measurements to inform to-scale floor plans, getting a sense of the ground level, evaluating roads into and out of the property for vendor trucks and guest shuttles, and assessing power & water needs for generators and restrooms,” says Laurie Arons, Founder of Laurie Arons Special Events.

“Differences in time zones, national holidays, and annual vacation days can drastically impact the amount of time it takes to plan an event,” says Tracy Taylor Ward, President & Principal Designer & Planner at Tracy Taylor Ward Design. “Plan ahead for delays in vendor communications too,” she adds. The more time spent planning for the unexpected before your big day, the more likely you can remain stress-free when it actually arrives.

"Be sure to capture all of your special moments on your wedding day with amazing garden settings surrounded by succulents and palm trees,” says Jennifer Rebello, Director of Catering at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills who encourages couples to embrace the California venue’s picturesque backdrop. Make sure to set up your ceremony, or schedule a photography session, around the most picturesque areas of your location.

Consider the season of your locale when setting your wedding date. “Certain islands have hurricane seasons that should be avoided, while they also have prime times for sunny, warm days with a cool breeze of the ocean,” says Diana Chouinard, Senior Event Planner & Designer at Jubilee Events.

“Avery & Sam’s destination mountain wedding incorporated all the elements essential to a mountain wedding while keeping things fresh with bright and colorful florals,” says Eatherley Schultz, Owner of Floressence Flowers. “Whimsical tree stumps adorned with vibrant florals embellished the ceremony while an unexpected suspended arrangement anchored the reception,” Schultz adds.

“When picking your destination wedding date, always research what is happening in the area to ensure that hotel rooms will be available for your guests,” says Ali Phillips, founder of Engaging Events by Ali. “For instance, picking a weekend when there is a marathon or a large event in the city you are getting married in may make it hard to get a block of hotel rooms and travel may be more difficult for guests,” she adds.

“It is nice to have a welcome reception or dinner to include all guests, as opposed to a rehearsal dinner with only certain members of the wedding party,” says Christina Gibson, Associate Director of Catering at Salamander Resort & Spa. “You want to make sure you have plenty of time to spend with your guests so that you can engage and create memories with each and every one of them,” Gibson adds.

Give your guests the scoop as soon as details begin to be set. “A wedding website with continually updated travel tips, accommodations, directions, attire and weather insight and more will drastically help with the number of questions and will help your guests make their travel plans as easily as possible,” says Brandi Reiland, Owner of Soiree Weddings & Events. “Also, make sure to send save the dates with plenty of advance notice,” Reiland adds.

“Find local event professionals who are familiar with the area where you'll be married, and then trust them to do their job,” advises Ashley Culicchia Cash, Owner of The Graceful Host. “It can feel very chaotic to plan a wedding from afar, so having a team that you can fully trust to execute your vision is a must,” she says.

“Most couples who chose to have a destination wedding on Cape Cod have an emotional attachment to the area, and they want to share this with their extended families and friends,” says Florence Kiernan, Director of Communications for Wequassett. Select a destination spot where you and your spouse have fond memories of summer vacations or where you have shared trips before.

Make sure to embrace your destination and explore all that it has to offer. “Go on the water, rent a speedboat, do things you can’t do in your wedding dress before the wedding,” says Shawn Connell, owner of Shawn Connell. “If your photographer is in town, have them come along to capture all of the fun throughout your welcome events, beach parties, etc.,” Connell says.