Whether you're hosting your wedding in your hometown, a new-to-you city, or embracing adventure with a destination wedding, leaning into the locale is a great way to immerse guests in the local culture.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Manda Weaver Photography
When it comes to décor and thematic touches, industry experts share their top tips for paying homage to your wedding location without going overboard.
"I love it when couples incorporate local plants and fruits. I had a wedding where they incorporated tons of mushrooms. They were also foragers, so it worked with the theme. They even made their own watercolor inks from their foraging. I also love it when couples use local fruits as part of the decor. I photographed a destination wedding where they used tons of lemons as pops of color!" —Nicole Chan, Nicole Chan Photography LLC
"Try finding a local company that provides an experience that's popular in or specific to the area of your wedding. Something that makes for a great option here in Texas is a hat bar, where guests can choose their hat, accessories, and branding for a completely customized experience. This gives guests something to do when they're taking a break from dancing or waiting around during cocktail hour, as well as provides them with a wonderful gift to take home." —Cayla Cummings, Carhart Photography
"Don't be afraid to lean into the locale-inspired pieces. Add as many as you can. I went to a special event recently and loved the cowboy hat-shaped tortilla chips and wooden cactus-topped hors d'oeuvres skewers. They were super fun, made for a more memorable experience, and became fun little ice-breaking conversation pieces for guests. No one was saying they were cliché or out of place. It worked great." —McKenzi Taylor, Gather After
"Subtlety and the use of nods and Easter eggs can be ways that you bring in the details without it appearing cliché. The selection of a venue with a history or from a period of time is one approach. Sourcing authentic period or cultural elements that you tell the photographers and videographers about (so that they capture it), but allow the guests to discover on their own, could be another option." —Elizabeth Goel, Bite Catering Couture
"I'd say start by connecting with local artisans. They're the ones who really capture the spirit of a place without feeling cheesy or overdone. Keep it simple. A few thoughtful pieces have way more impact than trying to theme every inch of your day." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
"Consider picking up a couple of larger statement pieces to set the mood for your celebration. These can be shipped home with you and added to your collection to remind you of your wedding day each time you look at them. Then fill out the location-based theme with smaller items. For instance, small paintings or statuettes might make for great table centerpieces and are easily packed in suitcases by you or your guests as souvenirs." —McKenzi Taylor, Gather After
"Try creating a guestbook that shows off your chosen city. This could be the city(s) you're from, where you met, or the location of your wedding. It could include artwork from that area, imagery of the city/place itself, maps, or interesting facts (you could even use a guidebook), or just photos you've taken yourself throughout the locale. What's great about this option is that it's subtle, and you have a keepsake after the wedding day." —Cayla Cummings, Carhart Photography
"If you want something immersive without completely overwhelming your wedding décor, having a themed welcome party or post-wedding brunch is a great touch. In California (famous for wine country), you can opt for an experiential wine tasting, brunch, or dinner in a local vineyard for your guests, where the existing backdrop serves as your décor." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
Giving guests a taste of your wedding destination is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the local scene, all while creating amazing memories for you and your partner. Opting for subtle or more significant, there are plenty of touchpoints that can make your locale feel more meaningful to you for years to come!
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She also leads the OFD Collective, a PR membership community for industry pros.
