Who hasn’t dreamed of jetting off into the sunset and getting married on a tropical beach? Warm weather, beautiful scenery and a beautiful backdrop for your nuptials. It’s the thing that fairytales are made of. But in practical terms, it may not be possible to ship the entire wedding party off to foreign climes. As with most weddings, compromises have to be made. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t have your dream tropical wedding. On the contrary, with a little creativity and inspiration, you can experience the tropics without leaving the country.
Establishing Your Tropical Theme
It’s important to establish a theme right from the start. This will allow for consistency and provide enough time to ensure all elements are in line with your main theme. This includes everything from invitations, photography and venue, to the dress and reception. Get organized and start planning as soon as possible.
The Venue
One of the trickiest aspects to get right will be the wedding and reception venue. How can you plan a tropical wedding without going to the tropics? There are several options to consider. The most obvious is the beach. Are there any local beaches you could hire for the day? If so, is a permit needed? The climate is also a huge consideration, and you may need a contingency plan for inclement weather.
If the beach is not an option, there are plenty of other venues to fit your theme. Look for stately homes and large hotels that fit your requirements. Or better still, large glass houses or orangeries with tropical plants and flowers. This particular trend has been popular in 2016 and looks set to continue.
Colors
With a tropical wedding, you can really go to town on the colors. But experts suggest keeping it simple. Stick to a simple palette. Opt for a main color and a few complimentary hues. This will avoid clashing. Avoid too many bright colors fighting for attention by pairing them with neutrals and lighter shades.
Flowers
For a tropical wedding, nothing short of spectacular floral displays will do. Florists like Alii Flowers will advise on creating dazzling displays and arrangements. We’re talking real show stoppers. Think orchids, anthuriums, birds of paradise and lush greenery. If your wedding is based on a specific destination, look for flowers that are native to that area. This will add authenticity. Or, mix and match and if that’s more your style. If your vibe is simple and elegant, your arrangements and bouquet can be tailored accordingly. Striking single blooms can be dotted around to add color and warmth. Or you could pair tropical florals with more traditional flowers.
The Dress
Even if you’re not getting married on a beach, your wedding attire can suggest sunnier climates. The options are endless. Some brides opt for a low-key bohemian theme with simple shapes and floral crowns. Others prefer floaty, romantic silhouettes. The trick is to match your beach theme to your wedding venue. The weather and time of year are also a consideration. Short sleeves and bare feet may not match a drafty church in the middle of winter. But this doesn’t mean you have to abandon your dream wedding plans. You just need to compromise and make a few concessions.
Alert Your Guests
Remember to alert your guests to the wedding’s theme. Let them know you’ll be bringing the tropics to the proceedings and ask them to dress accordingly. Everyone can then join in and get into the spirit of the day. And the wedding photos will be spectacular.
You don’t have to go to a tropical paradise to create your perfect wedding. With a little planning and creativity, you can bring the tropics to you.
