Paradise Awaits: 10 Tropical Wedding Ideas

Nothing says paradise like palm trees swaying in the breeze. Whether you exchange vows with your toes dipped in the sand, or head indoors for a ballroom celebration, keep the palm trees in sight. 

Host your celebration at one of our favorite beach wedding venues for a setting that organically incorporates palm trees into the backdrop of your celebration. You can also work with a talented wedding planner and florist to create your own paradise — with or without the beach.

Create anticipation for your celebration before it even begins with tropical wedding invitations. Laser-cut invitations bring a modern vibe while custom artwork offers the opportunity to incorporate your wedding colors (and even your wedding venue) into the design. You can find your invitations and print company with PartySlate’s curated vendor directory. Make sure to use the filters to narrow your search.

It might be hard to imagine such a thing as too much sun, especially if you live in the Midwest like many of us at PartySlate. However, guests at your tropical ceremony will appreciate the comfort of a shaded canopy. Work with a talented rental company to create protective shading that doubles as stunning décor. Trust us, your guests will thank you.

Paradise is in the details. Perfect your tropical wedding bouquet, boutonnière, or leis with bright blooms. Some of our favorite tropical flowers include protea, anthurium, birds of paradise, and ginger lily. We also love how more traditional blooms like calla lilies can create a beautiful contrast with brighter florals.

Pro tip: Make sure to ask your wedding florist which blooms are in season for your wedding date.

Don’t underestimate the beauty of natural greenery. We love how palm fronds and monstera leaves can transform any event space into a tropical paradise. Lush foliage beautifies everything from your wedding arch to centerpieces. For heightened elegance, consider adding orchids or softer floral details to the surrounding greenery.

There’s a good chance that guests will spend at least half of the wedding reception at their table. Make sure to create a beautiful and curated space where they can wine, dine, and converse. Wicker place settings bring a tropical vibe to your wedding reception table. We especially love how the neutral fibers allow brighter napkins and florals to pop.

Show guests a look they haven’t seen before with custom seating. We love how rattan seating brings an instant tropical vibe to your wedding ceremony or reception. Consider rattan thrones for you and your beloved and rattan dining chairs for your guests. We also love how rattan chairs can be combined with other seating styles for an innovative look. Make sure to use PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find an available rental company near you.

Think beyond floral and foliage with bright and colorful tropical décor. Use citrus and other tropical fruits to embellish everything from your wedding tablescape to wedding cake. We especially love how fruit can elevate any wedding style — be it rustic, modern, or boho.

Is it really a tropical setting without a tropical cocktail? Keep palettes refreshed with colorful cocktails and mocktails. Capture a tropical vibe with the addition of fruity garnishes and bright hues. Make sure to hire a professional bar service to keep the drinks flowing seamlessly — and with Instagram-worthy results.

Make wedding lighting a top priority. We love how lighting can transform any event space into a tropical destination. Go with bright, citrus-color hues to illuminate everything from tablescapes to the dance floor. Moreover, you can find an experienced lighting company with the help of PartySlate’s curated directory.