You can have a dreamy tropical wedding even if you don't live near the beach.
Whether you're planning a destination wedding or want to bring the tropics to you, there are many ways to transport your wedding reception to the islands. Whisk your guests away to a local beach reception or, if there isn't a beach near you, decorate and plan ahead to create a tropical feeling at your reception venue for everyone in attendance.
Hawaiian
If affordable, have Hawaiian dancers as entertainment at the reception.
Give guests leis and play Hawaiian music as they enter the reception. If indoors, have palm trees filled with white Christmas lights around the edges of the room. If outdoors, line the borders with lit tiki torches. Tables can contain seashells and candles for a romantic, beach-like feel. Centerpieces of colorful tropical flowers add just the right touch. Be sure you offer at least one Hawaiian drink, like a Hawaiian Sunset or Blue Hawaiian. Serve pineapple, poi and fresh fish. If the budget allows, you could even have Hawaiian dancers as entertainment.
Caribbean
A Caribbean theme means reggae music and spicy jerk foods.
Like any tropical wedding reception, be sure to include plenty of palm trees, lush tropical greenery, and seashells. For a Caribbean theme, reggae music is a must. Offer rum drinks mixed with sweet tropical fruits in coconuts or pineapples. For food, serve Jamaican jerk chicken, along with fried plantains, dumplings, rice and peas, and other Caribbean cuisine. Entertainment can include steel drum music or a live reggae band.
Beach
A beach reception can be formal or informal.
Planning a beach wedding with a tropical theme? Keep it simple. You can make a beach reception as formal or informal as you like. Pick an accent color, like aqua for the ocean waters or pink for the insides of seashells, and a few symbols, like a sand castle, seashell, palm tree or hibiscus flower. Decorate using beige, for the sand at the beach, along with your accent color. Seafood is a natural at a beach wedding. Place a seashell-shaped chocolate in the center of each guest's plate. Centerpieces can include candles, tropical flowers and lots of seashells.
Unusual Tropical Themes
You might also try something a little different, like a pirate theme, nautical theme or ocean theme. Pick one that you love, but keep it sophisticated; after all, it is your wedding and you want to have classy memories. But most of all, make it your own distinct wedding.
Tags: beach reception, accent color, along with, beach reception formal, beach wedding, Caribbean theme, dancers entertainment