Flowers
Keep it real. Always use fresh flowers to complement the natural beauty of your surroundings, says Tiffany Lanier of SunHorse Weddings in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Use big blossoms. “I find fuller blooms more romantic,” says Linda Pittelli of Eventful Designing in Los Angeles. “Garden roses, peonies, parrot tulips, magnolias and gardenias are a few good options.”
Choose a single bloom. “Simple cream calla lily bouquets look great and are romantic without breaking the bank,” says Lanier. Another option: all-rose arrangements in a pop of color.
Setup
Use small square tables. “Smaller tables give you an opportunity to have inspired conversations rather than just make small talk because you’re surrounded by so many other people,” says San Francisco planner Alison Hotchkiss.
Or try one long table. For groups of 20 to 30 guests, setting everyone up at one big table feels intimate, says Susan Southerland of Just Marry! in Orlando, Florida.
Avoid round tables. “Rounds are too traditional and feel corporate,” says JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions in New York City.
Curl up at a sweetheart table. “Your wedding day flies by so fast you rarely get the opportunity to take a breath and absorb the excitement and beauty around you,” says Pittelli. “Setting a table for two for you and your new spouse allows you a moment of alone time to appreciate the experience — and actually eat!”
Other Decor
Use draping. “Draping a room creates an almost heavenly feel in any space,” says Gregoli. “It helps the room flow and feel warm and soft.” Draping is also a nice touch for outdoor areas, where the fabric will float gently in the breeze.
Consider aromatic florals. Los Angeles-based planner Beth Helmstetter recommends putting a single gardenia bloom at each place setting.
Use textured linens. “Anything that has texture, from silk and organza to satin and velvet, evokes an emotion,” says Gregoli. Lanier also recommends using local textured elements such as palm leaves, shells, grapevines or sand to add dimension to a tablescape.
Add a lounge space. “You can create intimacy by bringing in sitting areas with overstuffed chaises,” says Hotchkiss.
Related Content
Whether your heart is set on something classic or unconventional, the flower options for bouquets can be overwhelming. We’re here to help, offering nine inspiring themes for various locales, from classic roses and fragrant herbs to bright tropical blooms.
by Jenny Andrews
You don’t need a huge budget or a creative arts degree to mastermind an uber-romantic destination wedding. We turned to our trusty DWH A-List Planners for 40-plus of their best ideas on how to pull off a dreamy do.
With tips from the pros, building your ideal confection is a piece of cake.
Top-notch photographers weigh in on the do’s and don’ts of scoring amazing images.
The New Etiquette: Five experts answer your tough etiquette questions on everything from rehearsal dinner invites to adult-only events.
Whether you're a beach bride or any other type of blushing beauty, we're sure you'll want to look your best. These fitness tips from trainer Nicole Glor will help get you on the right track.
