There’s something undeniably magical about saying “I do” somewhere far from home. Whether it’s a sun-drenched beach, a cobblestone villa in the Italian countryside, or a quiet mountaintop retreat, destination weddings are about romance, adventure, and making memories that feel just a little more cinematic.
But let’s be real: planning a destination wedding is its own kind of journey. There are flights to book, logistics to consider, legal requirements to decode, and so many decisions to make from afar. And of course, if you’re a flower girl (like we are), there’s the added question: how do you handle your wedding flowers, especially if you want to preserve your bouquet when the big day is over?
At Blossom & Rhyme, we’ve worked with so many brides who planned beautiful destination weddings, then shipped their flowers back to us for preservation once the celebration ended. So today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about how to plan a destination wedding with grace, style, and intention. From vendors and travel tips to the best ways to keep your bouquet safe (and ultimately turned into a keepsake), this guide will help you feel like a planning goddess, not a stressed-out bride.
Choosing the Perfect Destination
Before you start ordering linen samples or browsing local florists, your first big decision is location. And this isn’t just about where looks prettiest on Pinterest—it’s about what feels meaningful, what makes sense logistically, and what fits your budget and guest count.
Some couples choose a place that means something to their story: a family vacation spot, the city where they got engaged, or the beach they’ve dreamed about for years. Others are looking for a totally new experience to kick off a new chapter. There’s no wrong choice, but do think about things like:
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Travel accessibility (are there direct flights?)
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Lodging options for guests
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Local wedding laws and marriage license rules
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Seasonal weather
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Language and cultural norms
Once you’ve chosen your location, everything else will start to fall into place. Your venue, your vendors, even your wedding flower selection will all be shaped by the setting.
Booking a Planner (Trust Us on This One)
We’re huge fans of Type-A energy. If you love spreadsheets and timelines, this next part might feel optional, but hear us out. Even the most organized bride needs help when she’s planning a wedding from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
A local wedding planner or coordinator is an absolute game-changer for destination weddings. They’ll know the best vendors, understand the area’s quirks (hello, tropical rain showers or ferry schedules), and help you stay calm when time zones or translation issues pop up.
Bonus: they’ll also know the best local florists and can help make sure your floral vision is both realistic and stunning in your chosen setting.
Finding the Right Florist (and the Right Flowers)
Wedding flowers are so much more than decoration—they bring softness, symbolism, and scent to your day. But with destination weddings, you’ll want to take a slightly different approach to floral planning.
First, start by choosing flowers that are in season and available locally. Not only is this more sustainable and budget-friendly, but it also reduces the chance of travel delays or wilted blooms. Tropical weddings often feature orchids, anthurium, and protea; European weddings lean into garden roses, lavender, or peonies (if you time it right).
Talk to your florist about your preservation plans early. Let them know you’re working with a floral preservation studio like Blossom & Rhyme and that you’ll be saving your bouquet for shipping post-wedding. This might influence how they condition and package your flowers on-site, or they may even help you prep it for the journey home.
Travel & Timeline Tips That Keep You Sane
Destination weddings usually mean a longer timeline. You’re not just coordinating a ceremony—you’re often planning a weekend (or week) of travel, events, and downtime. The key is to build in buffer time and focus on the experience, not perfection.
Plan to arrive a few days early to acclimate, meet with vendors, and finalize details. And encourage guests to do the same if possible. You don’t want to be worried about travel delays the night before your rehearsal dinner.
And yes, bring a wedding day emergency kit (check out our full guide on that). Things like stain remover, mini sewing kits, and extra bobby pins are even more important when you’re not close to home.
Packing for a Wedding, Not a Vacation
This isn’t just another beach trip. Packing for your wedding day deserves extra attention. Your gown might need a special garment bag or carry-on situation. You’ll want to hand-carry your wedding jewelry, vow books, and sentimental details like your perfume or hair accessories.
But let’s talk about flowers again for a second. If you’re planning to preserve your bouquet, consider bringing along a flat, ventilated container or even paper towel and parchment paper. After your wedding, your bouquet will need to be dried or safely packed before shipping it back to the U.S.
We offer full shipping instructions at Blossom & Rhyme (and a shipping label for purchase through our FedEx partnership), but it helps to plan for this step ahead of time so nothing gets left behind or damaged in the shuffle.
Creating a Guest Experience to Remember
One of the best parts of a destination wedding is the shared experience. Your guests are investing time and travel to be there, and creating an environment that feels welcoming and meaningful is such a gift in return.
Think about curated welcome bags, fun pre-wedding excursions (like wine tastings, boat rides, or cooking classes), and quiet time for guests to explore. The goal is balance—enough structure that it feels like a celebration, but enough freedom that no one feels overbooked.
Florals can be a huge part of the ambiance. From welcome table garlands to poolside arrangements, flowers help set the tone for every touchpoint of your wedding weekend. And yes, we can preserve more than just bouquets. If you have a special centerpiece or arch bloom that means something to you, let us know.
After the "I Do": Preserving the Memory
Here’s where we come in. After the last song plays and your dress is packed up, your flowers will still be there—full of meaning, love, and beauty. Don’t let them fade into memory.
At Blossom & Rhyme, we specialize in destination wedding flower preservation, and we make it simple. Whether you want a resin floral block, pressed flower frame, or custom floral necklace, we’ll turn your blooms into something you can keep forever.
All you need to do is follow our packing guide and ship your bouquet to us as soon as possible after your wedding (within 2–3 days is ideal). We handle the rest with care, artistry, and love.
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
There’s no right way to plan a destination wedding, only the way that feels most like you. Whether it’s just the two of you eloping on a mountaintop or a 75-person party in a private villa, the magic is in the connection, the joy, and the thought you put into every detail.
So plan boldly, pack smart, choose your flowers with heart, and don’t forget that the day goes by fast, but your memories don’t have to fade. With a little intention and a whole lot of beauty, your destination wedding can be everything you dreamed of—and your flowers can be the timeless reminder you treasure long after the tan lines fade.
At Blossom & Rhyme, we specialize in custom preserved wedding bouquets using both resin and pressed flower techniques. Our female-owned and operated studio serves clients nationwide, transforming wedding day blooms into heirloom-quality art. Contact us for consultation services to discuss preserving your wedding flowers into treasured keepsakes that last a lifetime.