destination wedding planning

UNIQUE WEDDING IDEAS

Let’s take a look at ways you can make your destination wedding special and unique. In other words, the little twists that make any wedding something to remember, whether it is with the décor, a certain tradition during the ceremony, or a specific song or dance that means something special to you or your fiancé. There are many ways couples can say “I do” in a destination wedding that make not only the location unique, but the ceremony itself.

A traditional destination wedding may have the ceremony on a beach, with the bride barefoot in white and the groom in a linen white shirt. You may have a few witnesses, or may have invited friends and family to attend. The officiant weds you and your fiancé as the sun sets and the entire group retires to the reception location, whether it be at a hotel or restaurant or hotel ballroom. Cake is served, champagne toasted, the garter tossed, and wedding favors given. A beautiful destination wedding has occurred and gone off without a hitch, but there are ways to make the event even more unique and memorable.

Non-traditional weddings incorporate unique ideas and themes to make the occasion a little more personal and unforgettable. You can do anything your hearts desire in this aspect; you can make the ceremony and reception as different and unusual as you would like. It is often the unique weddings that guests will remember most. They should have no problem remembering that you married at a beautiful chateau in Canada, but even beyond that there are special ways you and your fiancé can make their big day even more extraordinary.

Below are some ideas, as quoted by Lisa Costantino, the Amazon.com Wedding Expert, on different styles of weddings and the ways couples can make their big day special. Setting the Style, written by Lisa Costantino, Amazon.com Wedding Expert

Traditional: For lovers of ceremony and spectacle, this is the ultimate walk down the aisle. A multitude of attendants, formal vows, a hushed audience, and a flowing bridal train.

Formal: Sophisticated and serene in tone, a formal wedding reflects the couple’s exquisite tastes. The setting can be an elegant restaurant or ballroom; the atmosphere, the classical sounds of a string quartet.

Casual: A backyard bring-together, a favorite public garden, your grandmother’s living room: this is the stuff of cozy, casual weddings. A relaxed affair is generally the easiest on the budget--and the nerves.

Fun: Swap Mendelssohn for Elvis and have a clambake reception, make it a Roaring ‘20s or vintage rock & roll costume party, or get medieval on marriage and host your own Renaissance Fair.

Ethnic: Frame your wedding in traditional customs and broaden the moment into a celebration of your families’ heritage, à la My Big Fat Greek Wedding or Monsoon Wedding.

Natural: Wear wildflowers in your hair and lapel as you exchange vows under the summer sky; follow with an organic, vegetarian-friendly dinner. Plant a tree as a symbol of your steadfast love.

Way out: As seen on your local news show: swapping rings while skydiving or bungee jumping, atop your favorite roller-coaster ride, or underwater at a dive park. Not for the faint of heart.