Destination weddings are a dream come true, but they can’t exist without tons of planning. As you think about your big day, you may worry about how to take care of the smaller details. You’re limited to what you can load in your car or bring on a plane, so the decor is sometimes the most stressful thing for brides to think about.

If you’re worried about how you’ll decorate your venue, this is the guide for you. These are the decoration rentals for your destination wedding that will pull everything together when it’s finally time to walk down the aisle. Use these tips and your planning process will feel like a breeze.

Photo courtesy of James & Jess

1. Find New Inspiration

No wedding would feel complete without the decor creating the vibe, but first, you have to decide what you like. Spend your free time daydreaming and looking up pictures from previous destination weddings. You’ll find images you love and maybe a few you don’t. As you pin the pictures or save your notes to your planning journal, you’ll get a better idea of what kind of decor you’ll need at your ceremony and reception.

Photo courtesy of Jillian Rose Photography

2. Decide on a Theme

Next, you’ll have to decide on a theme, which is simple if you already picked your venue. Mountain getaway venues aren’t the best place for seashells and beach decor. You’ll also want to reflect on your preferred vibe that you want everyone to experience.

A ceremony archway covered in flowers would pair perfectly with a heavily romantic theme. Laid-back weddings are the best place for rental ice cream stands or doughnut boards. After you know what theme you want for your big day, you can narrow down your supplies list.

Photo courtesy of Jacqui Cole Photography

3. Consider Ceremony or Reception Tents

Many brides want to take advantage of their gorgeous venue by hosting their wedding outdoors, but you can’t always count on the weather. It’s safer to decide on tents a year out from your big day so you have a backup plan ready to go. Even if it doesn’t rain, you can use the tents as shaded areas for guests to chat during cocktail hour or as a designated play area for any kids who attend.

Photo courtesy of Koman Photography

4. Include Chargers or China

Tableware is a big part of any reception decor because it sets the tone for every table. Renting fancy china carries the elegant theme of a formal wedding. Chargers with bold designs can slide under white plates to add a pop of color. You won’t need to use so many dishes after your wedding, so find a local rental place with dishware that would look perfect at your reception.

Photo courtesy of Ken Tan Photo

5. Look for Light Fixtures

Good lighting is essential at weddings because it’s the focal point of every room and it determines the quality of your pictures. It’s crucial to invest in high-quality lighting, which is why brides often rent light fixtures. 

You could order custom signage for the wall behind your sweetheart table or buffet dinner. Floor lights will make your dancefloor shine with different colors. You could even rent string lights to hang inside your outdoor tents. It all depends on how you find wedding light inspiration and what’s available around your destination.

Photo courtesy of Jillian Rose Photography

6. Explore Furniture Options

Furniture can be another way you use unique decor at your wedding. You could rent antique chairs for your ceremony and cover them in flowers. Beanbags would look perfect at a casual beachfront dinner with low tables. Brides sometimes rent background furniture specifically for the photographer to work with while you get ready with loved ones or pose during cocktail hour.

Keep an Open Mind

There are so many kinds of decoration rentals for your destination wedding that you have to keep an open mind. You might not have imagined renting a tent, light fixtures or even furniture, but it could make all the difference in pulling off your big day.