California Desert Wedding Essentials

Wedding couples today are looking to create unique experiences for their guests. Greater Palm Springs is the ideal wedding destination where couples can create unique experiences while tying in a desert flare. Carly McGarry, Catering Sales Manager and wedding planning pro at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, has compiled four desert wedding essentials inspired by trends she’s seeing. 

1. Signature Desert Photos

It is no surprise that the signature picturesque windmills are an iconic and breathtaking place to photograph and stage a portion of your wedding video and imagery. The windmills are unique to Greater Palms Springs, have been featured in a list of Hollywood movies & photoshoots and are now the ideal backdrop for desert couples. Destination photos in the desert have become such a trend in recent years, couples want signature desert scape with mountains, palm trees and cacti.

2. Desert Florals

Succulents are a signature staple when it comes to desert wedding trends. Whether it’s a pop of green or purple succulents in your invitations or in your bouquet, succulent accents are a trend we will continue to see going into 2020. The bougainvillea plant is also a popular accent color in wedding arches and centerpieces. Bougainvillea grows native in the desert and can be easily incorporated into desert-themed weddings with little to no maintenance – perfect for our unique climate any time of the year.

3. Unique Desert Venues

Desert destination couples are looking for full-service outdoor venues with desert views that offer an array of weekend activities for not only themselves but for their guests. It begins with the venue. For Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Starlight Terrace is the only private rooftop in the desert. It doesn’t get any more unique than having your special evening stargazing atop a private terrace nestled between stunning desert views and your favorite people.

4. Culinary Experiences

Culinary experiences create innovative and unique menus with a flare of their own favorite food items local or native to the desert. Customized menus, food stations, taco trucks and cocktail bars have been significantly growing and will continue to trend upwards going into 2020. With Greater Palm Springs being one of the largest date distributors in the world, couples are looking to tie-in local food trends with Palm Springs inspired appetizers and drinks.

Incorporating local breweries and beer activation stations are highly on the rise. Couples choosing a destination location often add local beverage ties to their food and beverage experience for their guests to enjoy. Adding local brews offers a unique and mouthwatering culinary experience.

Regardless of where you decide to host your desert destination wedding, keep these we suggest four trends in mind when planning for unique nuptials.