The siren song of our postcard-perfect white sands and azure waters beckons the soon-to-wed, reuniting families and corporate retreaters as a destination for tony seaside soirees. But, for those of us who lovingly call the region home, coastal-themed events can feel a touch passé—been there, done that. That’s why locals are leaning on the wanderlust of global travel to inspire celebrations with unexpected decor, menus and entertainment. Plus, revelers with ancestral or other deep ties to foreign locales can recreate dear traditions and backdrops without transporting their entire party. Here, local planners weigh in on ways to bring international (and some domestic) flavor to your next fete.
When in Rome
If social media is any indication, everyone spent this summer in Italy. Capture the dolce vita with details that nod to authentic places and times from the Bel Paese. Jana Tobey, of Tobey Events, sourced traditional Sicilian ceramics for a recent party and paired them with lemons for a visual pop and aromatic allure in the tablescape. “We also featured [Sicilian] dishes like arancini and cannoli,” she says. Margaret Events, in Naples, tapped into the Mediterranean island’s allure, emphasizing Sicily’s orchards and artistry via lemon topiary centerpieces and a cake with a majolica tile motif by Naples’ Sweetified.
Photography by Anna Nguyen, event design by Tobey Events
Tablescape with charcuterie in the center and elaborate place settings
Tobey Events leaned on Sicilian ceramics and fragrant tablescapes for a transportive Estero event.
Regional flora goes a long way—but think beyond olive trees, says CocoLuna Events’ Courtney Armen. For a recent Marco Island gathering, her team built a trellis filled with feathery Italian ruscus and vibrant bougainvillea. “It fully immersed the space and set the tone,” she says. Don’t sleep on the architecture, either, says Tom Trovato of Naples’ Tom Trovato Event Floral & Design. “In Italy, you have all these old churches and cathedrals that are marked by age, crumbling into surrounding gardens. That could inspire a beautiful statement piece with Old World architecture and lush gardens,” Tom says.
Eastern Promises
For a fully luxurious affair, consider taking cues from one of the grandest weddings of our time—the $600 million Ambani wedding in Mumbai. The nuptials included a red carpet lined with lanterns and lush arrangements, as well as ceremonial practices, like the exchange of floral garlands and a ritual fire.
You could also go east—far east—with destinations like Marrakesh, Petra and Hanoi, which offer a bounty of local color, rich cultural history and delicious cuisine. Jana looks to Kyoto, Japan, as the ultimate muse for capturing serenity and romance: “I would incorporate a traditional tea ceremony and a cherry blossom-inspired garden setting with authentic Japanese lanterns and floral arrangements.” When drawing on traditions, respectfully appreciating (not appropriating) the culture is key. Generally, it’s acceptable to incorporate global elements that are not sacred in nature and are already widespread (think: Chinese paper lanterns). Still, the most impactful details will have personal meaning to you—whether it’s tied to the place you met, your ancestral heritage, or a person or culture that has been pivotal in your life.
Courtesy Naples Children & Education Foundation
Taj mahal inspired pool setting
A lantern-lit pool served as the anchor to recreate a mini Taj Mahal scene at a 2016 Naples Winter Wine Festival Vintner Dinner.
Stateside Inspiration
The United States, with its vast and varied regions and cultures, offers spirited influences. Tom recently designed a Chicago-inspired cityscape backdrop—with a visual shoutout to Wrigley Field—as an escort wall-turned-step-and-repeat. The Windy City skyline got another nod from Jana, who recommends deep-dish pizza cutters as playful party favors. When it comes to domestic themes, Courtney prefers to transport guests to a different period for extra stylistic oomph. “I love retro Palm Springs—something that’s tropical with bright colors and clean lines and a desert vibe,” she says, adding that bringing in influences from mountainous and red-sanded landscapes can set your function apart from the bounty of beach soirees.
Stay Grounded
Start with a destination that’s meaningful for you, and, no matter where you land, your decor should be elegant, not hokey. “Aim to evoke the essence of a place through carefully chosen elements rather than overwhelming guests with clichés,” Jana advises. Instead of Eiffel Tower replicas for a Parisian function, go for vintage French lace, bistro tables, and refined French cuisine and wines. Create an authentic ambience without crossing into caricature territory. The key is subtlety and sophistication, each element adding up to an immersive celebration.
Courtesy Margaret Events/Christina Marie Photography
Elaborate cake design with euro-inspired elements
Cake by Sweetified, tablescape by 50Fifty Creative