From pineapples to a bouquet of summer brights, you can easily transport your guests to sunnier climes with a tropical-luxe theme. Exotic decor combined with a stunning array of colors works well for a destination wedding also. For the color palette, work in eye-catching shades and keep things interesting with a variety of textures.

When it comes to centerpieces, include some fruits and leaves in with your floral arrangements.

If you’re going for a multicolored palette, then simple bridesmaid bouquets in one or two colors is a lovely idea.

Your wedding cake can be a focal point with an abundance of gorgeous cascading tropical flowers.

Use exotic looking flowers for your floral crown, to transform it from bohemian to tropical.

A tower of macarons and complementary flowers is a perfect alternative to a wedding cake.

A lush green and floral table runner will elevate the look of wooden tables. Your guests will expect a tropical feast once they set eyes on your decor.

Use the menu to your advantage with some delicious food that looks fantastic.

The humble pineapple is a must-have for a tropical wedding. Use them as vases for floral arrangements for a unique and cost-effective centerpiece.

Gold accents work well with a backdrop of vivid tropical shades of green, orange and pink.

Toronto’s elmspa is the ideal location to say your vows in an intimate, unique space. A calming atmosphere filled with natural wood, recessed water features, smooth pebbles and stunning light makes for a zen-like oasis that brings harmony and beauty to your wedding day.

The garden terrace at elmspa is the perfect spot for a small wedding ceremony. The hidden haven has seven treatment rooms – making it the perfect getaway for some pre-wedding relaxation or a bridal shower. Candles, linens, tables, chairs and printed menus are included and audio-visual equipment is also available.

Just a short walk away from elmspa is  the gorgeous Bangkok Gardens, which can accommodate up to 120 guests for a wedding reception.  The award winning Thai restaurant is a multi-level space with authentic decor that your guests will fall in love with. You can customize the menu and style of the event, with options including food stations, passed hors-d’oeuvres and a seated or buffet dinner.

If you’d like more information about having an intimate wedding at this fabulous venue, visiting their venue listing on Intimate Weddings.

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These DIY table numbers look a lot like doilies, but they are actually made from fused beads (aka Perler or Hama beads.) They are simple to make and add a charming handmade touch to your wedding decor.

Adorable, don’t you think?

For these DIY table numbers you will need:

• Perler Beads (white and assorted colors)
• Iron
• Ironing Paper
• Perler Beads Square Pegboard

We found a lovely heart shaped Perler ornament on Pinterest (we could not find the source) that we used as inspiration for the border of the table number.

This is how it looks when the flower border is complete.

We then filled it in with white Perler beads and added a number in a different color.

Here’s how it looks after it has been ironed:

That’s it! Why not make some of your own fused bead table numbers? Once you are done, make some fused bead coasters to go with them.

Wanting a unique and stress-free wedding experience, Jonathan and Katie opted for a Paris elopement over a traditional wedding. They considered bringing their friends along, but ultimately decided to keep things as private as possible, inviting only immediate family members to join them. Despite the cold temperatures and drizzling rain, the couple could not have asked for a more magical and memorable wedding day.

A huge thank you to Tala Nicole Photography for capturing their beautiful day in Paris and sharing it with us!

Jonathan & Katie

Paris, France

Wedding Date: November 21, 2014

Number of Guests: 6 (family only)

Wedding Cost: $3,000

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted our wedding to be different and meaningful. Unlike a traditional wedding, an intimate wedding is stress-free and easy, and the planning involved is minimal.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The culture difference, language barrier, transportation, and hotel accommodation were all challenging. I had a hard time choosing the bride’s bouquet from the local florist due to the language barrier, but I was lucky enough to meet some friendly people in the city who helped translate my request to the local florist.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Indeed it was. Some of our friends wanted to be part of our wedding ceremony, but we decided to keep it as simple and private as possible.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Not that I can recall. There really were no major issues at all.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

The moment when I knelt down in front of the Eiffel Tower. It was under 3 degrees celcius and drizzling rain, but we were so excited that we could barely feel the cold. It was an unforgettable experience!

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

I would say the best thing was that it was totally stress-free. We are glad that we didn’t have to go through all the hassles and troubles like many couples do. We enjoyed our day and had so many memorable moments with our families.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Set your budget wisely and plan well.

Vendors:

Make-up: Bonnie Chou 

Photography: Tala Nicole Photography

Dorothee and Matthias had a simple, 20-guest wedding in Germany in September 2014- complete with a motorcycle and a surprise from the brother of the groom! Thanks to videographer Sascha Lautersack from Loud Cinematography for sending this along.