While you’re browsing The Knot and Style Me Pretty for wedding inspiration, nuptials outside a charming French château or in a Tuscan villa’s vineyard start to look pretty tempting… but for most couples (read: almost all couples!), an exotic destination wedding is a bit out of their budget, to say the least. You might not be able to jet off to the Caribbean or book a venue in Paris, but you can definitely bring elements of your favorite getaway destination to a local venue.
Our white walls and open concept allow plenty of versatility for creative vision. So how do you make your barn wedding venue feel like a destination getaway? Check out our tips.
- Gather inspiration. Start a Pinterest board for your favorite destination inspirations. Whether you pin romantic Parisian fashion or dreamy countryside tablescapes, start collecting wedding ideas that inspire you. Take note of the details: is it her delicate lace dress that makes you swoon? Or is it the colorful tropical florals? You may not be able to exactly replicate the location, but you can certainly mimic some of the details that evoke a destination wedding feel.
- Décor will be the easiest way to turn your barn wedding venue into the picture of European-inspired sophistication, breezy beach elegance, or countryside charm. Choose a few details from your inspiration board that can be replicated locally. Perhaps you fell in love with the wooden table decked by Tuscan wine glasses and brass candlesticks… or maybe the stunning decorative rugs from a Bali wedding captured your eye. Choose three “big impact” pieces like tables, archways, cakes, rugs, or invitation suites. Then select various smaller details to complement your statement pieces (like candles, place cards, table runners, or plates).
- The dress is another important item for setting the tone of your wedding. Since it will be in the majority of your wedding photos, the dress style is a benchmark for the overall feel of the celebration. Intricate lace beadwork tells a different story than a loosely flowing gown. Consider how your dress plays into your destination theme, and then select a style that complements the overall feel you’re seeking.
- Finally, florals will be a huge factor in setting the scene for your destination-inspired wedding venue. Floral design is an integral part of your creative vision; changing just this one detail will completely overhaul your setting’s look and feel. Again, go back to your inspiration board—were you fawning over loosely gathered wildflowers, carefully composed arrangements, natural greenery, or bold blooms? Be sure to tell your florist about your vision, and share inspiration images with her to capture the right feel.
With just these four factors – inspiration, décor, dress, and florals – you can evoke the feel of any destination you choose. Turn your barn wedding venue into the “destination” of your dreams, without the exotic budget. Need assistance? We’re happy to help! We’d love to dream up your destination-inspired vision, and we can connect you with vendors who will make it all happen seamlessly. What kind of inspiration will you bring to our barn wedding venue? We can’t wait to find out! Visit us soon.
