9/04/24

Unconventional Destination Wedding Decor Ideas: Beyond Florals

Bride & groom standing in front of a wall covered in greenery

Hey, hey! Wanting unconventional decor is a fun way to personalize your destination wedding even if it’s difficult to even imagine a wedding without florals. Fresh flowers are a large part of nearly all wedding decor—it’s a gorgeous, fragrant way to incorporate your wedding colors and beautify your venue.

If you’re new here, I’m Dana! Known for feeling all the feels, being bougie on a budget, and skipping the small talk, because I love getting to really know folks. I’m also known for helping make magical destination weddings for clients who deserve nothing but the best. In fact, my team and I have helped travelers embark on their dream destination weddings since 2015.

But they’re certainly not the only way to decorate your ceremony and reception. As you’re planning out your wedding decor, from your centerpieces to your entryway, consider these unconventional decor ideas as a way to make your wedding really stand out.

Unconventional Wedding Decor: Candles

Candles add romance and beautiful soft light to any wedding reception or dinner. Feature ornate candelabras to give your wedding a vintage feel, or go with classic tapers for a simply elegant look. Consider skipping centerpieces at the reception, and opt for an abundance of candles on the tables. It will not only make a bold statement, but cut costs on florals.

Unconventional Wedding Decor: Candles along aisle of wedding

Statement Floral Wall

If you want plenty of wedding florals without it seeming boring or predictable, have your florist take things up a notch. Give him or her the creative liberty to create an artistic floral wall.  It’ll make for some stunning photos.

Unconventional Wedding Decor: bride and groom standing in front of a statement floral wall

Unconventional Wedding Decor: Greenery Garlands

Greenery is so trendy right now. Incorporate simple greenery garlands into your wedding, whether you hang them on the walls or use them as table runners. Bonus: greenery is way more affordable than flowers.

Unconventional Wedding Decor: greenery garland with candles as centerpiece

Wax Paper Backdrop

Feature an amazing yet simple DIY wax paper backdrop. This is a creative and affordable way to add a unique texture to your wedding decor. This unconventional option brings a soft, delicate touch with its semi-translucent layers that catch light beautifully, creating an ethereal, almost dreamy atmosphere. Whether used as a ceremony backdrop or as a photo booth feature, wax paper can be shaped and arranged in endless designs—from cascading waves to geometric patterns. It’s an eco-friendly option that adds a handcrafted, artistic flair to your big day! Check out this post from Style Me Pretty for inspo!

Basket Florals

Have your florist use baskets rather than vases. It will give your florals a unique look, and give you the opportunity to utilize them more throughout both the ceremony and reception since they can be easily moved. One of our recent weddings opted for this look, and it turned out beautifully! The rattan baskets fit their look, and looked stunning with the soft colored flowers.

Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Real Wedding Shot Glass Seating Chart with Talavera Pottery

Remember, the best wedding decor to choose is what you love most. Don’t worry too much about how wedding decor is supposed to look — pick wedding decor that’s beautiful to you. Because in the end, your special day is all about celebrating you and your love.

Want help planning your destination wedding? Discover more about what I do as a professional destination wedding & travel designer—or skip to the good part and book your complimentary consultation call with me now. 

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