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      Inspirational ways to add local flair to your destination wedding in Europe

      Destination weddings offer the unique opportunity to showcase the beauty, charm, and traditions of the region. Today, I’d like to share some ways you can add that local flair to your destination wedding in Europe and create a truly memorable experience for your guests.

      When you’re planning a destination wedding, you are welcoming that destination into your love story, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to incorporate local flair into the overall theme and elements of your day. 

      As a photographer who loves capturing the whole picture of the story, all these little details are so important when it comes to telling the overall story of your destination wedding experience. 

      So here are a few ways you can add local flair to your destination wedding:

      Planning a destination wedding in Europe and looking for a fine art photographer? Get in touch today to reserve your date!

      local flair to your destination wedding | destination wedding planning tips
      Pictured: Château d’Estoublon, Provence, France

      01. Serve regional cuisine 

      Do a little research or ask your local caterer to suggest a dish that’s celebrated in the region. Whether it’s hors d’oeuvres, a main dish, dessert, or even a particular wine, serving local cuisine is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the region you’re in. Serving local cuisine also also gives you and your guests a unique, immersive experience, as you’ll enjoy that cuisine in the very landscape from which it’s from. 

      Ideas for specific regions in Europe:

      England: Serve tea and scones as a late-night treat for guests 

      Ireland and Scotland: Have a whiskey bar where guests can taste regional Irish whiskey or Scotch. 

      Paris: Forgo a traditional cake and offer a selection of Parisian pastries—macarons, madeleines, croissants, éclairs, or mini opera cakes. Serve with coffee or a Parisian tea such as Mariage Fréres. 

      Provence: As a first course, considering serving soupe au pistou, a traditional Provençal soup of summer vegetables. And don’t forget to serve regional wines including a crisp Rosé! 

      French Riviera: Think fresh seafood and a crisp salade niçoise

      Italy: Must I even suggest anything? There are endless options here! Work with a local caterer to source wines from the region that will perfectly complement your choice in cuisine. 

      Greece: The culinary culture in Greece is one of my favorites. There are so many fresh seafood dishes, olive-based appetizers, and incredible wines to enjoy as well. 

      02. Flowers & Herbs

      This is perhaps the most obvious on this list here, but I wanted to mention it anyway. When we think of different destinations in Europe, specific florals and scents come to mind. Work with your floral designer and stylist to discuss unique ways of adding these local flowers, herbs, or produce into the design of your destination wedding. They’ll have some really creative ideas of how you can do this tastefully without being cliché or cheesy. When done well, it’s a seamless way to tie in local flair. 

      Some ideas based on specific regions in Europe:

      England: English gardens are world-renowned, so I don’t need to say much here. But some classic favorites are garden roses and sweet peas. During the summer months, English fields are also filled with beautiful wildflowers, and many local florists love to forage for wildflowers to include in arrangements. 

      The Mediterranean—South of France, Italy, and Greece: The Mediterranean has so many elegant local flowers, herbs, and produce: lavender, rosemary, olive branches, olives, lemons, and more. 

      03. Colors, Textures, and Architectural Details 

      Every region throughout Europe has their own iconic color palette, textures, patterns, and architectural details. There’s so much inspiration to be found in these elements and endless ways of incorporating them into your wedding design—whether that’s in the stationary, florals, color scheme, etc. 

      If you’ll be making a site visit prior to the wedding, take photos of anything you see that inspires you. Or another good way to get inspiration is to pick up some coffee table photography books of the region. They’ll have beautiful images to pull ideas from. Take these ideas to your planner or stylist and brainstorm ways of bringing the spirit of the place to your wedding day design.

      Ideas for specific regions in Europe:

      United Kingdom: Stone work, castle-like architecture, soft, rolling landscape 

      Paris: Belle Époque architecture, Neo-Classicism, gold accents, black and white, chic design

      Provence: Lavender and soft pastel colors, hints of Romanesque architecture, sand-colored stone

      French Riviera: Bright pastels and the iconic blue of the Cote d’Azure, wrought iron detailing 

      Tuscany: Soft olive green, terra cotta, sand-colored stone buildings 

      04. Locally-sourced favors

      Giving a favor to your guests is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to all your guests who have potentially flown overseas to attend your destination wedding and celebrate you. But it’s also a great opportunity to support local artisans and give back to the local community. 

      There are many wedding-specific small businesses throughout Europe that provide lovely favors. You can also buy small gifts from local artisans or businesses. Get creative and think about what the specific region is known for. These favors for your guests will not only feel intentional and thoughtful, but they’re a perfect way to give your guests a piece of the place to take home with them. 

      It will act as a reminder of their incredible destination experience with you. 

      Ideas for specific regions in Europe:

      England: Fine English teas 

      Ireland: Mini Irish whisky bottles 

      Paris: Macaron gift boxes, tea from Mariage Frères.

      Provence: Une Pincée de Provence offers beautiful little favors including honey jars, olive oil, herbs de provence, and lavender sachets 

      French Riviera: Savon de Marseille

      Tuscany: Mini bottles of Tuscan wine or jars of olive oil

      05. Create an Immersive Experience 

      Destination weddings are unique in that they allow for a truly immersive, unforgettable experience. Guests are coming to celebrate you, but they’re also getting a once-in-a-lifetime trip out of it. 

      For many of your guests, it may be the first time they’re visiting your destination location. Brainstorm ways to allow your guests to get the most of their time abroad. Include location traditions in your wedding day, provide recommendations for things to do and see in the area, or even consider extending your celebration to be an all-weekend event. Intentionally planning an immersive experience for your guests will make your wedding celebration all that more memorable!

      Ideas for specific regions in Europe:

      England: Consider booking a wedding venue that also offers accommodations for you and some of your guests. Tour two of my favorite English countryside estates: St Giles House and Came House.

      France: Chateaux throughout France are also available to rent for both your wedding and accommodations. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a French chateau for a weekend? 

      Provence: Consider planning a welcome dinner the evening before your wedding. Host it en plein air at an outdoor restaurant so your guests can enjoy a more casual summer evening in Provence.

      Tuscany: Host a welcome dinner al fresco in an olive tree grove

      Lake Como or the French Riviera: Book a sailing or boating excursion

      Check out these other resources for planning your dream destination wedding in Europe: 

      Tips for Planning Your Destination Wedding in England

      How to Find Your Dream Destination Wedding Venue

      Tips for Planning Your Destination Wedding in Provence

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