Photography By: Belathee Photography

Summary

A destination wedding is a great concept; however, when you plan a wedding half-way across the continent – you can’t just make a phone call to put out any fires that might occur. The art of the destination wedding is pre-planning.

When we (Team AK) arrived in Mexico, it was important that we partner with local vendors while still having the ability to carry out our own design elements. The venue choice is a huge factor for a destination wedding. You must do your homework, making sure the venue is comfortable with your expectations and has experience with your type of wedding. On-site food and beverage service are a must. Be sure to note the area’s aesthetic offerings so you can emphasize the existing structures and ambiance, instead of trying to layer on more accents – at a higher cost. The goal should be to take the initial offering and bump it up a notch – design-wise.

For this particular wedding, the venue decor relied heavily on a seaside theme, utilizing varying hues of navy and white. We embraced this base and added hints of fuchsia to add the necessary “Pop.” Over 1,000 yards of crisp satin ribbon were used to capture the sea breeze and introduce movement. This treatment is simple and inexpensive yet stunning – and works perfectly for any venue that has a breeze. The facility provided white linen chair covers. They were the perfect complement to the vivid blue ocean and sandy beach without overwhelming the natural beauty.

A poolside reception followed the gorgeous wedding ceremony. The crisp white linen on the tables, the swaying palm trees, and the profusion of tropical flowers were all romantic elements, reminiscent of a scene from a Hemingway novel. The resort was overflowing with blooming bougainvillea plants in a perfect shade of fuchsia. With permission, we picked a bushel-full and covered the tables with their fragrant petals. On top the colorful vines, we used raspberry colored phalaris and tropical greenery – creating a warm tropical feel but keeping the flower budget to a minimum. As the sun was setting, you could see the flickering candlelight from over 1,000 crisp white luminaries that surrounded the entire property.

When planning a destination wedding, consider your guests’ comfort and wishes. Your guests’ presence was a sizable investment so take extra care of each one of them. The details here are crucial – starting with impressive invitations and collateral which gets them excited about attending your destination wedding. At the airport, have coaches waiting to take them to the resort along with complimentary beverages. Don’t leave them to their own devices. At check-in, greet them with complimentary baskets which include itineraries, local treats, games, and indulgent necessities they may have forgotten. Eliminating pressure is the key. Don’t over-schedule their time. Make your guests feel welcome to participate in every aspect of the multiple day celebration; however, if they just want to kick back and relax instead, let them.