To create that perfect Caribbean destination wedding without blowing your budget, try doing your own shopping for favors and tokens instead of having your decorator do it for you. In fact, most of the fun in planning a wedding is getting the cake boxes you always imagined! Use a wedding coordinator who has experience in planning destination weddings, or who knows the Caribbean well, to help you put your ideas together, but make sure that you get most of your own ideas in, so that your big day is just as you imagined it would be. There are many ways that you can bring jewel tones into your wedding decor.

Invitations: Your invitation is the first glimpse into your wedding, so choose carefully! Color combinations such as different reds, oranges, and blues with rich accents create a stunning effect. One way to do this is to select a main color for the invitation pocket. For an elegant touch, try a metallic hue. Add the accent color on the inside of the invitation and use the actual invitation paper outside. To finish up with flair, seal the invitation with a jewel or elegant ribbon. An alternative to this is Indian-styled scroll invitations that reach your guests in, not an ordinary envelope, but a box!

Setting: If you’re planning a beach wedding or an indoor one, be sure to include some natural aspects of the lush and tropical surroundings by bringing more green into your wedding bouquets and tables. If you’re having an indoor wedding, use ficus plants and cover the pots with your theme color. Add some romance by decorating the plants with fairy lights. If you’re having your an outdoor wedding, create an amazing ‘enchanted’ garden by hanging colored Chinese lanterns that match with your theme colour. Hang white lanterns and colored light bulbs for softness and intimacy.

Cuisine: An exciting aspect of having a Caribbean destination wedding is being able to use food from a culture that’s not your own! You can use a colorful blend of Chinese, Indian, and Creole dishes, or even some Mediterranean cuisine for a nice addition to your menu. Some simply irresistible and eye-catching finger foods include samosas, seafood kebabs, spring rolls, jerk pork, and prawns.

Dress: The Caribbean’s tropical climate gives you an opportunity to choose colors and experiment with unique combinations without being limited by seasons. Chocolate brown as an accent color is a hot favorite, and fresh, bright colors such as lemon, tangerine, and green are also becoming very popular. Borrow from the Caribbean’s diverse cultural heritage by using bold colours and heavy beading wherever you can on your gown and other wedding attire. For instance, Eastern-inspired looks such as sari-style dresses with intricate beading will surely give exotic allure to your bridal gown. And, if your bridal party is made up of different ethnicities, it’s a great idea to use color combinations that will enhance each member’s skin tone and complexion. Remember to take inspiration from your favorite jewels, choose colors that you love, and be daring! Your wedding is the day where you can go all out with your ideas.

Destination brides, make sure to use the free tools like the budget calculator and free wedding website that can help you to bring your wedding planning to life and keep you on track.

About the Author:
Mala Webber is a Caribbean wedding planner and the owner of IsleDo.com – Caribbean Wedding Resource.