Wedding planner shares top tips for destination weddings

Outfits

During weddings in warmer climates, the humidity can be harder to deal with than the sunshine itself. Megan advises couples to embrace the destination wedding vibes.

‘Avoid unnecessary layers or anything overly tight that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe and stops you moving freely,’ the wedding planner explains.

‘Remember, you swell in the heat, so a perfectly altered dress or suit may be a bit snug once you’re there.

‘For brides, a trick is to go for a lighter flowing skirt over a structured hoop gown. These can be altered to create side splits that can be hidden in the fabric, or that look like part of the design. A floating skirt will create ripples in the breeze and add movement to wedding pictures.

‘Or, go for a design with a bare skin element to it. Wear a backless or a strapless or thin-strapped dress. For those who want something less traditional, an elegant strapless jumpsuit with bead work will pop against an ocean backdrop.

‘Ask your designer or seamstress about having a discrete loop sewn into your skirt to slip over your wrist and make it easier to pick up. To avoid the need to wear tight-fitting lingerie, see if anything can be built into your dress around the bust.’

Megan adds that men can skip the formal jacket and go for the linen shirt look.

‘With that being said, we always want couples to wear their dream outfits,’ she says. ‘People can make the most of any air conditioning, the natural breeze, shade, and you can always add ice-lolly carts to your cocktail hour set-up to cool things down.’

Wedding footwear

In terms of footwear, Megan says this is your chance to get creative.

‘When it comes to footwear, I’ve seen it all,’ she notes. ‘There are more choices to be made with beach weddings because of the sand. Some choose a barefoot walk down the aisle with anklets and toe rings, I’ve seen other people wear customised flip flops and loafers are a good shout too.

‘Bear in mind with flip flops, they kick up the sand behind you. If you want to wear heels, put a long-feathered rug down on your aisle to support them, or get a platform put in so you can all walk easily without getting sand in your shoes or falling over. If you’re a guest, find out what kind of terrain you’ll be walking on so you can prepare.

‘For non-beach weddings traditional choices work well, but be careful because a lot of venues, like those on hilltops, have a bumpier terrain.’

Makeup

If you are using a local makeup artist, Megan says to go to them with notes on your skin.

‘Think about whether or not you’re dry or oily, or if you suit pink or olive undertones,’ she advises.

‘Use a good foundation and eyeshadow primer that’s right for your skin type to help your makeup hold longer on your face. Use waterproof mascara to avoid smudging in the heat. A setting spray will also help to keep everything in place.

‘My main tip is to look into Airbrush Makeup. It’s silicone-based which means it lasts longer and is more water resistant than regular makeup.’