Don’t Fight Your Site!
Overwhelmed by wedding design? With all of the incredible details that have surfaced in recent years on places such as Pinterest, Wedding Event Websites, Facebook, bridal magazines, television and more… it is a miracle that any couple can settle on one design for their special day!
In my many years of doing weddings and events in Hawaii, I have found that many couples select a site right away that may not match what they truly envision. They actually work against it…so…here are my tips that may lead you down the correct path.
Photo by Chelsea Abril
The first step to design is to determine where the celebration will be held and what setting we are working with. This is by far the most essential decision you will make. From here, you will begin to paint your portrait. The architecture, ambiance, landscape and structures that exist at your venue should be taken into account. They are your stage. This is your first step in focusing on a direction and eliminating some of the daunting options sure to cause chaos.
Your next step is to draw a design sketch of your setting and incorporate your desired elements. This will be most beneficial when working with your planner and all of the vendors who will be styling your event. It will also help you to clearly convey how it is you specifically visualize the setting to appear and to ensure others are aware as well. As you go along this sketch will become more specific and the key to execute and calculate your event needs.
The third is …the fun part! Your site is selected and a blueprint is drawn. Now it is time to start painting! Let’s say you have selected a lovely oceanfront garden enhanced with natural elements such as; coconut trees, papaya, palms, bright floral gardens and a brilliant crystal blue backdrop, go with it! Feel the setting and work with the organic aesthetics. Perhaps, you may create a tropical oasis; including a floral enhanced bamboo altar as well as dining cabanas with bamboo chairs. An ukulele strumming will set the tone and add to the ambiance.
Photo by Chelsea Abril
Do not be afraid of color! Add texture to your linens and play with citrus colors such as tangelo, papaya, kiwi and lime. Always add a grounding earth color such as grass, sand or espresso when outside. Highlight your setting with comfortable island style lounge furnishings, a tiki bar, and perhaps and of course a citrus tropical signature cocktail toast to celebrate the occasion. Include your culinary selections as an art form. Serve seared fish with tropical salsa on banana leaves, fresh caught shrimp coconut skewers presented on a bed of red sea salt, poisson cru in hallowed out coconuts and so on. Island locally sourced florals infused with river rocks or lava would be perfect as well as adding exotic orchids and fern shoots.
Needless the say the sky is the limit but it is very easy to lose focus on what it is all about. So enjoy the process, follow the steps and always remember that the site you chose must be incredibly special to the two of you in some way. What better way to celebrate your day than to enhance this setting in which you have chosen to be wed in a style that is custom only to the two of you!
Don’t Fight Your Site!
Aloha,
-Carolee Higashino, White Orchid Wedding, CEO