Almost 25% of weddings planned by US citizens are now destination weddings. In the past 10 years, the dream of flying to a remote location to be wed has gone mainstream, with 350,000 of them enjoyed by happy US couples each year. If that describes you, congratulations and read on!
The top destinations for weddings are found in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. But Las Vegas continues to be a mecca for lovebirds looking to tie the knot, with 100,000 (or about 1/3rd) of US-originating destination weddings taking place in Sin City.
So, choosing the right attire for your wedding depends on your destination and the level of formality you envision. But depending on where you’re going, you can weave local culture into your look in ways that keep your party comfortably dressed for the weather. Let’s look at some of the possibilities in this post to fire your imagination while choosing the right attire for your destination wedding, wherever you’re off.
Las Vegas
When you think of Vegas, last-minute weddings come immediately to mind. Elopements, bad decision-making, and the sudden “urge to merge” can all be at the heart of a Las Vegas wedding. But that’s not the whole story. Las Vegas has a rich and fascinating history of which “chapels of love” is just one chapter in a page-turning story.
Many Americans have compelling reasons for choosing Vegas as their wedding destination and Vegas accommodates a range of exciting venues and ideas that can make your wedding unique. That uniqueness needn’t be expressed in a thousand parachuting Elvis impersonators, either!
What could be more unique than a Rat Pack wedding? Think skinny ties and custom suits, tailored within an inch of their lives. Pay homage to the 5 guys who transformed Vegas into a slick, sophisticated entertainment hub with the sleek style of the 1950s and 60s.
For the bride’s party, pay homage to Ava Gardner (the first of Frank Sinatra’s 3 wives) in a full, tea-length skirt dress with a halter bodice topped with a sheer shrug. Or update Ava’s look with a shrug in feathers. Add a vintage evening hat or fascinator for the perfect Rat Pack wedding look. Or shift gears and bling it up with Las Vegas extreme glamor for everyone at the wedding party!
Jamaica
The land of Reggae music, sunshine, and rum, Jamaica’s vibe is ultra-chill. And with temperatures usually in the 80s, the chill is what you’ll need if you’re planning a destination wedding there. From May through October, the island nation’s rain and hurricane season is in full swing, so try to avoid those months, unless you’re someone who loves crazy weather!
Dressing for a Jamaican destination wedding calls for casual smart interpretations of classic resort wear, so forget about the tux. Choose lightweight, well-cut pieces in soft fabrics that add to the chill vibe. Pants or board shorts that caress you with tactile, body-loving comfort and shirts in youthful cuts and evocative prints style you at your very best. Dress casually for a Jamaican destination wedding. But add coastal chic for both the island vibe and the climate.
The bride’s party supports the groom in breezy cotton, linen, and blends of the two, made in striking colors that speak to the tropical setting. Choose a quiet beach, then select some of Jamaica’s abundant flowers to bring your wedding made-in-Jamaica natural splendor. Vibrant hibiscus is ideal for the bride’s bouquet and heliconia brings any head table tropical elegance. As the waves lap at the shore and you gaze into each other’s eyes, Jamaica’s chill blesses your union.
Mexico
From Tulum to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is graced with an embarrassment of destination wedding riches. Stunning beaches and world-class resorts compel thousands of people to choose Mexico for their destination weddings and not just for the natural beauty and pleasing climate. Mexico is also home to some of the most elegant and completely unique wedding venues in the world.
On the central West Coast of Mexico, you’ll find the jewel-like, high-end Punta Mita. But just a little further south is one of Mexico’s most popular destinations for weddings and vacations, Puerto Vallarta. This bustling, mid-sized city was a humble fishing village until star-crossed lovers Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton came to town.
Loose-fitting, white cotton trousers and guayaberas (men’s embroidered, pin-tucked, collarless dress shirts) are the ideal uniforms for all the men at the groom’s party. Round up some mariachis and wallow in Mexican romance, as you take in the world-famous setting. With sun-drenched beaches at your feet, the vine-tangled Sierra Madre mountains stand in silent witness to your love.
Dress the bride’s party in colorful, embroidered huipiles (women’s traditional blouses) and long, tiered skirts. Finish the look with flower crowns, a la Frida Kahlo.
Hawaii
Among tropical destinations, Hawaii looms large. A US state, being in Hawaii almost feels like being on the other side of the world. Lush jungles, churning azure sea, and a gorgeous, internationally acclaimed climate make Hawaii an otherworldly setting for a destination wedding. Just add Hula dancers, an open fire, and a luau and you’re on the planet Aloha!
Dress the men in Aloha shirts, the traditional choice of Hawaiian grooms. These special occasion men’s shirts are often printed or embroidered with native flowers. Lightweight pants in cotton or linen or board shorts are perfectly appropriate. But for the bold, try the traditional Hawaiian men’s wrap-around sarong. Festoon the groom’s party with leafy green Maile leis, symbolizing respect and love.
The bride’s party can opt for lightweight cotton dresses or join the men in wearing the traditional sarong with gauzy, flowing tops and Maile crowns on their heads to complete the aloha vibe, as strumming ukuleles serenade you over the rainbow of wedded bliss.
No matter where you marry, choosing the right attire is what’s going to keep you comfortable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the glories of your wedding day. And don’t forget that retaining a local wedding planner is going to make the experience of a destination wedding so much more enjoyable, well-organized, and above all, stress-free. Bon voyage, lovebirds!
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Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and sharing insight on the latest trends.
