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Dear Readers:

I believe that destination weddings are the perfect place to incorporate vibrant color. Don’t be afraid to use bold colors for your reception and lighter colors for your ceremony in order to provide contrast and have the best of both worlds! In addition, a bold centerpiece can make all the difference in the world. This is especially true if the outdoor area is sparse or if the room is very light.

Here are a few other ideas:

Cascading LED Tea Lights: LED tea lights are an easy and effective way to incorporate a bit of breezy elegance to your event, and the functionality alleviates concerns about winds blowing them out.

Votive Candle Holders: Using ornate votive holders will enhance the table motif while providing a romantic ambiance.

Fruits: Fruits serve as a fabulous way to embellish centerpieces depending on the wedding theme. It’s also another way to incorporate the character of the destination.

Local Flowers: Using local seasonal flowers are a wonderful way to honor the location itself (and it saves money!).

Turn-Down Gift: One Girl cookies (onegirlcookies.com) are a perfect turn-down surprise for your guests when they get back to the room, serving as a sweet thank you from the bride and groom.

Use Hearty Flowers: If the ceremony is outdoors, try to incorporate hardy flowers such as orchids and roses. These flowers hold up very nicely in warm weather.

Wedding Cakes: Destination weddings tend to be intimate  and the cakes tend to be on the smaller side. Most cakes will come from the in-house baker, but it’s always nice to enhance them with flowers when possible.

Favors: Giving guests upscale cupcakes in an unexpected design is a lovely way to add a sweet touch to your event.

Gold Accented Cutting Knives and Champagne Flutes: Another fabulous way to enhance your cake table is by using designer cake knives and flutes.

Napkin Treatments: If you are using the linens from the hotel, bring a splash of sophistication! Surprise guests with an unexpected napkin treatment. These can be done with flowers or other small décor elements such as gold or shimmering napkin rings.

Cocktail Hour Idea: Use a single rose to create a larger arrangement for the cocktail tables. This is a cost-effective way to incorporate a beautiful floral moment.

What are your best destination ideas? Share them in a comment below!

Kathy Romero is the Director of Wedding Planning For Preston Bailey Designs. She shares her thoughts and advice on Preston’s Blog every Thursday.

(Photo Courtesy of brides.prestonbailey.com)