Wedding specialists, Brides, report that one of the top five trends in the industry this year is Destination Weddings, with loosened travel restrictions and vaccines making couples more willing to once again head to a paradisiacal setting for their big day. Many couples are opting to go international instead of local and their friends and loved ones are also excited about getting into a plane after two years of being “grounded.” If you have an upcoming celebration and you are thinking of hosting it abroad, the following trends may inspire you.
Trending Locations
If you are dreaming of a scenic wedding, one in which every corner you contemplate is Instagram-worthy, then check out destinations like Italy, Greece, and Croatia — they’re currently topping the lists of couples with an eye for adventure. Mexico, the Maldives, and Indonesia are also popular, owing in no small part to the scenic beauty that the sea and shore can add to any romantic celebration. Many trending locations offer luxury yacht charters, which make for an ideal honeymoon after a sophisticated celebration on the beach. Imagine a five- or seven-day charter itinerary that encompasses glorious islands like Corfu, Nidri, Meganisi, and Ithaca in Greece, or Ischia, Capri, Ravello, and Amalfi in Italy.
Celebrating Outside, Boho-Chic Style
Wedding celebrations are still prioritizing safety, which is just one reason why outdoor weddings are all the rage. It’s all about embracing the boho-chic craze, placing long wooden tables on the seashore and adorning them with warm, golden lights, dried flower and wild grass arrangements, and delicate chandeliers hanging from overhead wooden light supports. To complement the boho trend, couples are opting for unique wedding ring styles that include floral, vintage, or sea-inspired elements such as blue-hued gemstones surrounded by delicate diamond details. Of course, many brides and grooms are still choosing traditional rings styles like emerald and princess cut solitaires, adding azure colors to their styling in other wedding jewelry (including watches, pendant necklaces, or hair adornments).
Renting a Beach House or Mountain Villa
Because destination weddings involve family and friends traveling from overseas, couples are bonding more closely with loved ones by renting large villas by the beach or in the midst of lush mountain landscapes. The idea is to savor time with loved ones after a long period of separation. Thus, guests in immediate family and friend groups are arriving around a week prior to the ‘big day’, with extended family renting hotels and resorts closer to the date.
Sentimental Touches
This year, brides and grooms who are able to say “I do” in the presence of loved ones are more grateful than ever, and they are keen on expressing this emotion in palpable ways. They are focusing more on the guest experience, writing personalized notes to each guest, offering them disposable cameras for the event, and creating DIY wedding favors that say something personal about the couple. They are also creating dedicated websites where guests can enter, choose their favorite photos, and print them out in high resolution.
This year, destination weddings are back. It’s all about enjoying the wonder of a new location in the presence of the people you love. Togetherness is also high up on the priority list, so make sure to find ways to enjoy the company of friends and family in the days leading up to your ceremony and reception.
