Want to tie-the-knot tropical-style? You're not alone. Destination weddings are magical, delivering exotic vistas, heavenly temperatures and all-inclusive packages. Even though you're getting married on a beach or a boat, instead of a church, it doesn't mean your ceremony doesn't deserve all the pomp and splendour of a traditional wedding. And as every bride knows, how you feel on your big day is largely driven by your ability to achieve your perfect bridal look.
Dessy has your exclusive guide to head-to-toe destination wedding beauty, from choosing the ideal destination wedding dress to finding the perfect tropical blooms. With a drop-dead sexy destination wedding dress, gorgeous flowers and accessories, perfectly polished nails and a chic wrap, you're ready to go.
1: Choose your wedding dress
No doubt about it, by land or by sea, the wedding dress is the centerpiece, the show-stopper of the ceremony. Destination wedding dresses are no exception. Though often less extravagant than traditional wedding dresses, destination wedding dresses are nevertheless elegant and stunningly beautiful. Composed of soft fabrics, sleek designs and simple lines, a destination wedding dress complements the lush beauty of your surroundings rather than compete with it. Leaving the cumbersome petticoat and train behind in favor of a light and breezy wedding dress will ensure you feel utterly appropriate and at ease on your special day.
2: Pick the perfect bridal accessories
While finding your dream wedding dress is paramount, there are other important touches that make a huge difference on your destination wedding day. A simple bridal silhouette is elevated when embellished with just a hint of glimmer, such as a sophisticated wedding sash. Island-inspired jewelry like freshwater pearls, sea pearls, mother of pearl or flowers make gorgeous accents. Destination weddings are all about customization, so the choice is all yours.
3: Pamper yourself
Plan to arrive at your destination wedding location early and treat yourself to a relaxing manicure and pedicure. The versatility of cream, ivory or white destination wedding dresses allows you to get creative with your polish. Consider a pretty opalescent shade to enhance the ethereal feeling of your dress, or choose a fun tropical design like a bright flower. Beach wedding dresses demand breezy bare feet or strappy sandals, so make sure to park the heels at home and pay full attention to pampering below-the-ankle for your big day. Same goes for fingers, photographed clutching the bridal bouquet or cutting the wedding cake. If you are choosing ornate flowers, keep polish simple. If you are choosing simple flowers, go for classic red or sophisticated raspberry polish.
4: Select captivating florals
On that note, flowers have a significant impact on your destination wedding attire. Having your wedding in a tropical paradise allows you many unique options. If your ceremony site is particularly lush and floral already, there's no need to go wild with a huge bridal bouquet. A fragrant plumeria lei, a simple sea orchid tucked behind the ear, or a single bird of paradise clutched in the hand are all captivating possibilities. If you are getting married on the beach, don't be afraid to take advantage of local flora to create a gorgeous and fragrant medley like tuberose, jasmine and hibiscus.
5: Finish with a wrap
Although destination weddings are often in the tropics, revealing destination wedding dresses may require a lightweight wrap to deflect the sun's rays and brisk island breezes. We recommend a light and airy pashmina shawl.
