Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with your destination wedding? Before you dive into the beautiful chaos of planning, let’s talk about how you can add those personal touches that scream “you.”

Say more with the decor.

Infuse elements that speak to your shared interests, hobbies, and adventures into the decor. For instance, if you’re both avid travelers, consider incorporating elements from your favorite destinations. You may consider displaying vintage postcards or photos from your journeys to various destinations as table “numbers”.

Photography & Videography: Chelsey Black Photography & Videography // Florist: Little Lady Floral // Pavillion Tent: Kirti Tents

Perhaps you bonded over a mutual love for a particular book or movie. You can use quotes or images from that story to adorn your wedding venue in personal touches. This couple used their adoration for Lord of the Rings as a cornerstone for the vibe of their decor and details.

Photographer: Jessie Casey // Venue: Seven Ponds Farm // Florist: Allora Farm & Flowers

Extra, extra read all about US!

The Ceremony Club, co-founded by Leore Oren, is revolutionizing the wedding industry by offering a unique array of customizable products that add an extra layer of personalization to any couple’s special day.

Images courtesy of The Ceremony Club

From their chic wedding newspapers to their vintage postcard save-the-dates and personalized wedding pizza boxes, The Ceremony Club’s creations blend tradition with innovation, appealing to the modern aesthetic bride seeking timeless elegance. “Our brides rave about our unprecedented products, emphasizing the joy of having something truly one-of-a-kind, as well as a wedding keepsake that both the couple and their guests will continue to cherish for years to come,” Oren says.

Experience activities you love with your group.

Destination weddings are not just about the ceremony and reception; they’re about creating unforgettable experiences for you and your guests. Think about what you love to do together as a couple and how you can incorporate those activities into your wedding festivities.

Planner, Designer, Floral Designer: Mango Muse Events // Photographer: Jerry Yoon Photographers // ATV: Epic Adventures // Antelope Canyon Tour: Taadidiin Tours

Love adventure? Plan a group hike, ATV excursion, or a catamaran ride. Yogies? Set up a sunrise/sunset yoga class on the beach. Foodies? Organize a local food tour or cooking class for your guests.

Planner, Designer, Floral Designer: Mango Muse Events // Photographer: Jerry Yoon Photographers // ATV: Epic Adventures // Antelope Canyon Tour: Taadidiin Tours

Say it with food.

Speaking of foodies—we had the pleasure of chatting with Chef Meg Walker of Made by Meg Catering, one of SoCal’s most beloved gourmet catering companies, to get the inside scoop on ways couples can infuse personal touches and their love stories into the wedding menu.

Chef Meg believes in the power of food to tell a couple’s love story. “We start building a menu around a couple’s favorite foods and cuisine, connect on important allergies and food preferences, and then dive in on how to make the menu truly reflect their love story,” she says. “We love recreating special dishes they enjoyed on first dates, places they’ve lived together and unforgettable trips.”

 

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One of Chef Meg’s favorite weddings involved a couple who wanted to pay homage to their time living in Chicago. “We had Signature Chicago-style Hot Dogs for a late-night snack, complete with bright green pickle relish flown in specially,” she recalls.

When it comes to infusing cultural or regional preferences into the menu, Chef Meg is all about getting creative. “By the time a couple is ready to head down the aisle, they’ve experienced so much together. Finding ways to give a culinary nod to their families, hometowns, and cultures is so much fun,” she says. “We love miniature versions of classic dishes for cocktail hour, or offering an entree featuring signature flavors from their cultural backgrounds.”

Photography: Catherine Ann Photography // Event Designer: Pure Luxe Bride // Catering: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group 

Whether it’s through a beloved family recipe, a nod to your shared adventures, or a signature cocktail, your menu should reflect who you are as a couple!

Shake up the timeline.

Now, let’s talk about the new trend that’s shaking up the traditional wedding schedule: having the cocktail hour before the ceremony. This may sound unconventional, but it’s a great way to set the tone for the rest of the day and get your guests in the mood to celebrate. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to mingle and relax before the main event. You can even turn it into a full-blown welcome party with live music, signature cocktails, and local cuisine.

Photographer: Foolishly Rushing In // Wedding Planner: Oliva Willow // Florist: Cristina Gonzalez // Coconuts: Black Palm Cabo

By adding personal touches to every aspect of your destination wedding, you’re not just creating a beautiful event; you’re creating an experience that’s uniquely yours. So, go ahead, think outside the box, and make your wedding day a true reflection of the love you share.

(Featured image by Alexis Lunsford Photography)