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Florida is one of the most popular places in the United States for destination weddings. With its tropical climate, gorgeous beaches, luxurious resorts, and variety of beautiful wedding venues, it’s easy to see why. Planning a destination wedding in Florida can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Following some key steps will help you pull off the Florida wedding of your dreams.
Choosing the Perfect Florida Wedding Location
One of the first and most exciting steps is deciding on your Florida wedding location. The state offers endless options, from the gorgeous shores of the Gulf Coast to the lively vibes of Miami.
Beach Weddings
For many brides and grooms, a beach wedding in Florida is the ultimate dream. Some top options include:
Gulf Coast Beaches – With powdery white sands and calm turquoise waters, spots like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Naples offer breathtaking backdrops.
Atlantic Coast Beaches – Vero Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach also offer beautiful shoreline wedding settings.
Florida Keys – Imagine saying “I do” along the beaches of Key West, Islamorada, or Marathon with ocean views.
Resort Weddings
Luxurious Florida resorts offer convenience and amenities for destination weddings. Popular locations include:
Orlando Resorts – Near Disney World and other attractions, Orlando resorts like the Waldorf Astoria combine convenience with luxury.
Miami Resorts – For nightlife lover, venues like the Fontainebleau Miami Beach add a lively vibe.
Florida Keys Resorts – Island resorts like Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada exude tropical romance.
Other Wedding Venues
Don’t limit yourself to just the beach and resorts. Florida offers amazing gardens, historic buildings, and unique venues like:
Gardens and Parks – From Jacksonville’s Gardens to Naples Botanical Garden, outdoor options abound.
Historic Buildings – Get married in locations like the Addison Mizner architectural gem The Boca Raton.
Rooftops – Try a chic urban rooftop venue in Tampa, Miami, or Ft. Lauderdale.
Building a Realistic Florida Destination Wedding Budget
Once you’ve selected a location, building a budget is essential. Factors that impact cost include:
Number of guests - Smaller weddings are less expensive.
Location – High-demand areas raise prices.
Time of year – Peak seasons cost more.
Rentals and decor – Simple decor saves money.
Photographer and videographer – Seek quality packages.
Florist – Go for seasonal flowers.
Transportation – Rental cars or group shuttles for guests.
Accommodations – Negotiate group rates.
Food/beverages – Limit choices to save.
Ways to save money include having an off-peak season or weekday wedding, limiting your guest list, choosing simple decor, and bundling vendor services. Hiring a Florida wedding planner can also help trim costs.
Booking the Best Florida Wedding Vendors
You’ll need to assemble a team of experienced Florida wedding pros. Some key vendors to book include:
Photographer
View online portfolios to find an experienced Florida wedding photographer whose style you love. Ask if they are familiar with your wedding location and have shot there before.
Florist
Look for tropical floral arrangements in their portfolio. Inquire about incorporating local, in-season blooms for savings and beauty. A florist familiar with Florida’s climate is key.
Wedding Planner
Hiring a wedding planner is highly recommended for destination weddings. They'll handle details and arrangements as well as offer day-of coordination. Local Florida planners have invaluable insight and connections.
Transportation
You will need to arrange transportation for out-of-town guests. Options include trolley, limo, charter bus, or shuttle service. Allow plenty of time for travel between hotels, activities, and the wedding.
Caterer
Find a caterer experienced with Florida seafood, produce, and other local ingredients. Be sure to schedule a tasting to sample menu options first.
Entertainment
Live music adds ambiance and energy to receptions. A DJ can also keep the party going. Ask about setup requirements at your venue.
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Conclusion
Planning a destination wedding in Florida can feel overwhelming but breaking it down into finding the perfect location, building a realistic budget, and booking experienced local vendors makes it more manageable. The end result will be the Florida destination wedding of your dreams! With proper planning and some flexibility, you can pull off a beautiful, meaningful, and memorable tropical wedding that you and your guests will cherish forever.