Planning a wedding—whether at home or abroad—is a long, complex, and exciting journey. But many couples fall into the same traps. Planning a Destination Wedding is more stressful. They spend countless hours scrolling through Pinterest, reading wedding trend articles in glossy magazines, and building what’s often called a “visual library.” So what’s the problem?
The issue is that, somewhere along the way, couples often lose their personal vision. Brides begin to feel overwhelmed, unsure of which dress style or color they truly like. While hair and makeup artists can guide the beauty look, choices like the wedding dress, venue décor, or special accessories typically fall on the couple. Even if the groom has a strong sense of style or color preferences, all of that can easily get lost in the pre-wedding chaos. The result? You end up with a wedding that follows trends, but not your heart. The “perfect” suit might feel stiff and uncomfortable. The designer dress may look stunning, but impossible to dance in or sit comfortably.
Planning a Destination Wedding. Self-Planned Doesn’t Mean Stress-Free
“We can handle everything ourselves”—that’s a common mindset couples adopt. Many soon-to-be newlyweds take on a huge number of tasks they’ve never done before. Even couples with a natural eye for fashion often feel confused and overwhelmed when it comes to styling an entire wedding. Inspired by Pinterest boards and styled shoots, they try to recreate everything they see—even if it doesn’t suit them.
Being inspired is wonderful. Browsing wedding photos and reading helpful articles is useful and encouraged. But to preserve your individuality, you need an outside perspective. Bring someone you trust—your sister, friend, or mom—to your wedding dress appointment. Even if you’re trying on a dress in a totally new style, a second pair of eyes can help you see whether the look truly reflects who you are—and if you feel confident and free in it.
Even if you’ve planned parties before, your wedding is a different experience. Even intimate weddings benefit from delegation. Don’t do it all alone.
Planning a Destination Wedding. Your Authenticity Is the Soul of Your Wedding
To stay true to yourselves, you and your partner should keep asking: “Do I feel calm and comfortable in this setting?” Just because your friends got married in grand ballrooms doesn’t mean you need to follow suit. If your soul craves open skies, a tented celebration near a lake or a quiet terrace in the countryside might be perfect for you.
At LaLaWed, we’ve helped organize weddings everywhere—from yacht clubs and luxurious villas to forest tents and private estates. The most unforgettable weddings always happen when couples feel free to express who they are. Planning a destination wedding in Europe isn’t about following trends. It’s about opening up, not fitting into someone else’s mold. That’s why we created five rules to help couples stay true to themselves—no matter the size or style of the celebration.
Rule 1: “I Don’t Want That” Is a Great Place to Start
Maybe you’re not sure what you do want. But every couple knows what they don’t want. Make a list of things that annoy you at weddings—this helps eliminate distractions right from the beginning. Whether it’s cheesy traditions like bouquet throwing or formalwear that feels too stiff—write it down and cross it off.
Rule 2: Ignore the Pressure
In addition to Pinterest and Instagram trends, every friend and family member has an opinion. Listening is fine—but if you don’t feel like wearing a veil, skip it. It’s your day, not theirs.
Rule 3: Planning a Destination Wedding. Break the Rules
Most brides look at more white dresses during wedding planning than in their entire lives. But what if you want something bold? Go for a green sequin mini, a soft-blue jumpsuit with wide legs, or a silky slip dress with a leather jacket. A sweater over your wedding gown? Why not—if it fits your vibe.
Rule 4: Ditch the Classic
You don’t have to follow the white-and-pink or gold color palettes. Use disco balls instead of flowers. Dress your bridesmaids in sleek black satin. Wear red if that’s what makes you feel unstoppable. There are no limits—it’s your celebration.
Rule 5: Prioritize Ease
You’ll be nervous—that’s natural. But you can reduce stress by choosing what makes you feel good. Serve food you actually enjoy. Decorate the space in a way that feels warm and familiar. Wear clothes that allow you to dance, laugh, and move freely. Games and contests should entertain, not overwhelm. The only “must” for your wedding is consistency: whatever your theme, colors, music, and outfits are, let them flow together naturally.
Preserving your individuality is the key to making your destination wedding in Europe truly yours. At LaLaWed, we’re here to guide and inspire, not to dictate. Whether you’re planning an elegant event in Italy, a relaxed seaside gathering in Spain, or a bohemian vineyard celebration in France, we believe your wedding should be a reflection of your love, not just a collection of trends.