A FLORIDA DESTINATION WEDDING

Hey Florida Brides! Thinking about a destination wedding? Well...you won’t have to look further than your own backyard. Set against South Florida’s natural beauty, the beautiful Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida offers a stunning wedding-day location perfect for romantic ceremonies, formal functions, and everything in between.

LMP spent our Labor Day weekend exploring this fabulous luxury resort and fell in love with its captivating location and state-of-the-art features. And, since the resort is located near shopping, attractions and pari-mutuels – it’s perfect for the weekend getaway wedding.

Couples can tie the knot on a picturesque stretch of beach, or gaze at the serene ocean views from one of the hotels elegant, ocean-facing ballrooms. The Westin also offers smaller ballrooms and function spaces -- all available for festive rehearsal dinners, intimate ceremonies, and more. We guarantee, you too, will fall in love with this resort!



And for the bride who's looking to blow off a little steam before the big day, the resort and spa are perfect for a girls-only weekend getaway, bridal shower or bachelorette party. Check out these beautiful poolside pics. You’ll want to book your reservation a.s.a.p!

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, is a recipient of WeddingWire's prestigious annual Bride's Choice Awards, 2011.

Charming Summer DIY Wedding

Style Me Pretty Florida hosts tons of gorgeous ideas for Florida brides -- it’s one of our favorite sites to visit when gathering ideas for weddings and bridal showers. Recently, we came across a beautiful DIY wedding...and since LMP is a huge fan of DIY projects – seriously, we LOVE them...we wanted to show our readers that they don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a beautiful wedding.

Literally down the street from our home office, in Valrico (FL.), this beautiful DIY sunset colored, southern style wedding is as charming and elegant as they come. If you’ve been searching for ways to cut the costs, but not the class on your wedding day, check out the pictures from our latest feature. From the boutonnieres to the reception décor, this couples DIY ideas will surely inspire your creative side!

Vendors:

Wedding Photography/ Jessica Charles Photography
Caterer/Chick-fil-A Valrico Florida
Venue/ Twenty-Eight Twelve Event
Guest Book: Inspired by design from Bleu de Toi
Wedding Cake: SunBaked LLC

Make sure you check out Style Me Pretty Florida for more wedding inspiration.

the {Modern} Bride: Planning a Beach Wedding

Recently we were asked how we 'feel' about beach weddings – our response, we love them! If done the right way, beach weddings offer couples a sensible, yet elegant solution to the expense and headache normally associated with a traditional wedding. Typically, a beach wedding is easier to plan, cheaper to pay for and a lot more fun - for everyone. And while a beach wedding isn't for every couple, (most notably the bride who wants to dress up like a princess), the idea is something to consider. A beautiful sunset, a flawless shoreline and beautiful weather, what’s not to love?

Think a wedding by the water is the route you want to take? There are a few important elements you must consider when planning a wedding on the beach:

Consider the time of day. Many brides dream of having a beach wedding just as the sun sets. Sunset is an excellent time for the ceremony, most beachgoers have already gone home, giving you more privacy and your photos will be stunning! Morning ceremonies are wonderful as well.

Consider renting a large beach house. The bride and groom as well as the wedding party can stay in the house during the week/weekend of the wedding. This will allow you to save money on hotel rentals which could add up to the amount that it costs to rent the beach house. And, as an additional money saver, you can have the ceremony and reception in one location.

The weather can be either an asset or a hindrance for any beach wedding. It may be windy - or it could be rain. Consider renting a canopy (if it isn't too windy) or providing beach umbrellas, at least for elderly guests.

Consider where guests will have to park, and how far they'll have to walk. Walking on sand may be difficult for the elderly or those with health or mobility issues. Consider renting a golf cart to transport guests if they'll be walking a far distance.

Every wedding needs music. However, music at the beach can be a challenge. There may not be access to electricity so plan on using live music for the ceremony. If you plan to have the reception on the beach, you may need to use live music as well.

Many couples who opt for a beach ceremony still opt for an indoor reception - but it is possible to have an outdoor wedding reception too. Don't think so? Check out these beautiful beach ceremonies and outdoor receptions - we're sure you'll change your mind.















Visit the Beach Bride Wedding Guide for more helpful planning information. And did we fail to mention that LMP loves the beach? Let us help you celebrate your big day by the sea.

See you at the beach!