epic elopement planning
Travel may be high on your list of priorities when it comes to your dream destination wedding. But whether COVID put your plans on hold or the price tag of such an endeavor is out of reach, you’re not alone. Many of us envision that spectacular ceremony overseas, in the Highland castles, or even on the shores of a Caribbean beach. It’s enough to make any moment memorable. Still, you don’t need a far-off destination to make your epic elopement planning a success. Sometimes, all you really need is a little creativity, some resourcefulness, and a little help from the Pop The Knot.
Choose a Local Destination with Unique Charm
Finding the perfect location for your wedding is the first step on your list to a travel-themed wedding at home. So where do you start? Research the types of venues in your area, particularly anything outdoors or sites with unique architectural structures. You’d be surprised by the difference taking your ceremony outdoors makes.
Stunning gardens have a special way of transporting you to another place and time. The statues and gorgeous pops of color make incredible backdrops while making you feel like you’ve stepped into a lush English garden. There’s no place where this is more prevalent than The Wellesly in Boston. This Pop the Knot Venue makes any happy couple look like they’ve just stepped off the pages of a Jane Austen novel. And it’s not the only place to find incredible gardens with a touch of whimsy.
Whether you need a New York microwedding planner or tips for where to elope in Dallas, we have some of the best venues already in our pop-up wedding packages. All of which offer the feeling of being out of the country without the extravagant price tag.
Try a Beach Ceremony for a Tropical Feel
Another great way to get the feeling of traveling to an exotic location is by hosting a beach pop-up wedding. It’s still considered a destination ceremony, though with less travel involved than a pricey trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii. There are many advantages to hosting an epic elopement at the beach. You get all the fresh air from being outdoors, the luxurious experience of a tropical escape, and fabulous views for photographs.
Pop the Knot works with several elopement venues that use the ocean as its principle setting. San Francisco boasts dramatic views of the coastal bluffs, Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge from its venue on The Outlook, as well as many other breathtaking locations. Los Angeles offers many of the same atmospheric conditions as the city to its north but with a little twist. The venue known as The Tropical gives off the same beachy vibe as the Outlook. But it adds all the allure of the boardwalk and a fancy hotel.
Dress Up the Décor with Exotic Flowers and Embellishments
Even if you can’t score a venue with all the fringes and florals of a distant country, adding a few enhancements to the décor makes a significant change. A bridal bouquet comprised of plumeria, lilies, or hibiscus makes an impressive statement piece that sets the scene right away. So imagine the entire venue complete with centerpieces and garland featuring the same types of floral enhancements.
Flowers aren’t the only way to drive home a travel theme. Maps make wonderful table décor, while globes are the perfect complement to any flowery centerpiece. There are several fantastic ways to showcase a travel theme at your wedding on a budget. So don’t be afraid to get creative with the options.
Incorporate Travel Themes in Your Elopement Planning
When running with a travel-themed wedding, here are a few ideas that might help. If you are planning a casual reception after the pop-up wedding, make every table a different destination. Doing this allows you to play with multiple styles and motifs while adding the novelty of safely “sending” your guests to a far-off location. Another great idea is to showcase the many places you’ve already been as a couple. Tell the story of your journeys from the past and how they shape your excitement for the future. Include fun collages, keepsakes, and mementos from previous trips to help guests feel like they’re part of the story, too.
Besides globes, there are other types of imagery to signify that vintage travel look. Decorating tables with stacks of leather-bound books and old cameras add a touch of good old-fashioned adventure. Dress up outdoor areas with novelty suitcases and steamer trunks wrapped in lovely flower displays. You can also incorporate other iconic travel symbols like lanterns and cages or employ ceremony traditions found in other parts of the world.
How Can Pop the Knot Help?
If you aren’t sure where to start with your elopement planning, we have all the tools here to help. Not only do we offer a ton of venues for both outdoor and indoor weddings, but many of these locations are also ideal for recreating a destination wedding in your hometown.
We also make planning your microweddings or meeting your elopement goals even easier by setting up a photographer, finding you the officiant, and more. For additional information on how we can help, contact Pop the Knot to get started.
