Two Hearts, One Globe: Host the Ultimate Travel-Themed Wedding

Wedding Planning

Sep 7

Travel feeds the soul. It inspires adventure, new experiences, diversity, and happiness. For those who take joy in wandering through the unknown, there’s nothing more fitting than a travel-themed wedding!

Whether you take this idea literally and travel to another land to say your vows or you’re in search of adequately themed decor, this travel-themed wedding guide will feed your adventurous soul.

If you want to take the travel theme to another level, plan a travel-themed bridal shower!

Choosing a Travel Theme for Your Wedding

While a travel-themed wedding is technically a theme itself, there are many sub-themes you can adopt to make your decor and wedding vibe more precise and authentic. Some sub-themes for travel include:

International Travel - If you and your partner are lovers of hopping on a flight to another land, an international travel wedding is a good option. This sub-theme would entail you marrying in your homeland but decorating with many other countries in mind. This would include decor and inspiration worldwide, including international foods, world maps, international flowers, and country flags.
Domestic Travel - If you love a good adventure but prefer to stay in your homeland, a domestic travel wedding would be most authentic. With this theme, you would hold your wedding in your homeland and decorate with your region’s inspiration in mind. This sub-theme would include maps of your home country or region, primarily familiar foods, decor inspired by your homeland, and usual travel vessels, such as airplanes and boats.
Destination Wedding - A destination wedding entails marrying in a country you and your partner don’t live in. For example, if you live in the USA but hold your wedding in Italy, that is a destination wedding. Destination weddings can be designed any way. If you want to marry abroad but theme your decor based on your homeland or marry abroad and draw inspiration for decor from all over the world, any design is acceptable!
A Specific Country-Themed Wedding - If you and your partner love a specific country, why not theme your wedding around it? It could be the location you got engaged or the first big trip you ever took together. Regardless of why you choose a specific country, it is a good choice option. Choosing one specific location will give decorations and menus a refined and organized element. Of course, your decorations and menus would be themed solely on that country’s practices and looks.

Travel-Themed Invitations and Stationery

Travel-themed invitations and stationery are the perfect way to convey your theme early on to your guests. Whether you choose a Save the Date styled like a boarding pass or select an entire travel-themed stationery package for invitations and menus, this is a fantastic way to start your wedding vision.

When selecting your invitations and stationery, make sure you choose items that match your wedding color palette and your overall theme. For example, if you are planning a domestic travel wedding, you should probably avoid invitations with other countries on them.

If you planning on requesting a honeymoon fund, this is a great time to let your guests know. Asking for money instead of gifts can be hard for some, but there’s always specific honeymoon fund wording to smooth the idea over with your guests.

Below, you will find examples and ideas for travel-themed wedding stationery.

Wedding Invitations and Save the Dates

Boarding Pass Save the Dates

a tan and white Save the Date in a boarding pass style for a travel-themed wedding with red and gold text — Boarding Pass “Save the Date” Via Vecteezy

For the couple who loves a good plane ride, consider a boarding pass-style Save the Date. They’re sleek, unique, and fun!

Luggage Tag Wedding Invitations

wedding stationery in a luggage tag shape with pink world maps and a plane on each one and a red envelope — Luggage tag wedding invitations Via Aesthetic Journey Designs

For an eye-catching and fun wedding invitation, grab some luggage tag invitations. Guests will love these unique and adventurous invitations.

Adventure Awaits Wedding Stationery

white wedding stationery with red and blue borders and red and blue text — Adventure travel-themed stationery Via Violin Events

For those who love the idea of a travel-themed wedding but don’t want to adventure too far away from standard wedding stationery, pick something similar to this “Adventure Awaits” stationery theme.

Passport-Style Wedding Stationery

white and dark blue travel wedding stationery with images of world maps and planes on them — Passport-style wedding stationery Via Fabled Weddings

The couple that loves to venture to another land or is hosting a destination wedding would suit well with this passport-themed wedding stationery. It conveys the international nature while retaining an elegant wedding style.

Guest Books and Alternatives

Globe Guest Book Alternative

a wood table with a black and white globe, signage, and stationery on a lawn — Globe guest book Via Bluebird Photography

Guest books are lovely, but what about a guest globe? Instead of having your attendees sign a regular book, have them sign a customized or regular globe you can proudly display in your home.

Travel-Themed Wedding Guest Book

a grey guest book with a white and grey map on the cover with "let the adventure begin Anne & Steve" — Travel-themed wedding guest book Via NoOrdinaryEmporium on Etsy

For the couple who prefers their guests to sign on paper, purchase a wedding guest book with a travel theme. You can customize them to display your name and wedding date or have specific parts of the map.

Flat Globe Guest Book Alternative

a white circle with a brown map pattern with wooden airplanes slipped inside — World map guest book alternative

For an elegant centerpiece for your home after the wedding, pick up a guest book alternative themed for travel. Guests simply sign a wooden airplane piece and drop it into the flat globe for everyone to see.

World Map Guest Book Canvas

a white paper with pink continent shapes saying "you mean the world to us" with signatures on it — World map guest book canvas Via PaperAmorCo on Etsy

The couple that appreciates wall art will love this world map guest book canvas. It’s artsy and fun while maintaining the perfect look for your living room after your wedding has ensued.

Seating Arrangement Decor

International Country Seating Chart

a blue board on an stand stating "welcome to our Journey" with guests assigned to each country — Welcome to Our Journey travel seating chart Via Hands in the Attic

If you chose an international travel theme, look no further for seating chart inspiration than this international country seating chart. Each table is given a country name, such as Mexico. You then assign your guests to a table like normal. They have fun locating their country while you have a unique seating chart. Win-win.

Vintage Map Place Cards

a place card reading "Rosie Richards" with a vintage map background on a dinner napkin — Vintage map place card Via RodoCreative on Etsy

For a soft touch of travel, add some personalized map name place cards. These are perfect for a more simplistic wedding while still holding the travel theme.

Where in the World Canvas Seating Chart

a white canvas with blue continent map outlines and text stating "where in the world are you sitting?" with cities and seating charts listed — Where in the world are you sitting canvas seating chart Via Love Inc. on Pinterest

Similar to the international seating chart, this canvas utilizes the international theme, but instead of countries, each table is labeled with major cities. It also uses a fun phrase “Where in the world are you sitting?”

International Table Marker Cards

Travel-themed wedding table markers Via No Ordinary Emporium

Travel-themed table markers are the perfect way to add controlled touches of color and fun to your guest tables. Like the canvas seating charts, you can choose a country, state, or major city for each table, depending on where you purchase them from.

Travel-Themed Wedding Venue Ideas

An Airplane Hangar

an airplane hangar decorated for a wedding with lights, tables, and an airplane — Airplane hangar wedding Via Monmouth Jet Center

To capitalize on your travel-themed wedding, think about renting an airplane hangar for your wedding ceremony or reception. They are spacious, covered, and easy to decorate.

Many airplane hangars have various beams or poles near the ceiling to hang your decor. They are also often plainly painted or decorated, so there is no need to worry about clashing colors or too much visual appeal going on. Their ample indoor space also offers accommodations for a large wedding or a ceremony and reception in one.

Many hangars may allow you to use a plane inside the hangar or nearby to add to the travel-themed wedding vibe. They are also typically pretty affordable, so they are a great option if you’re on a budget.

2. A Cruise Ship

Cruise ship deck wedding Via Ayanakomodo

For the couple who loves the water, a cruise ship is an ideal location for your travel-themed wedding venue. Offering scenic views and utilizing the traveling vessel to build onto your theme, you can create the perfect nautical or travel-based wedding atmosphere.

Cruise ships can usually accommodate small and medium wedding sizes while also providing catering, seating, and other add-ons you typically pay for separately.

Additionally, you can also purchase tickets for you and your guests to adventure to another location on the cruise ship. Actually traveling during your travel-themed wedding is the most perfect idea ever.

3. A Boat Dock

a boat dock with a boat at the dock and wedding decor placed along the boardwalk — Boat dock wedding decor display Via Greg Finck

If airplanes and cruises aren’t sounding like your happily ever after location, consider a boat dock. They are readily available, usually free or very affordable, and still convey the travel theme (especially if you can get a boat or two to dock nearby.)

A boat dock is the perfect “aisle” to walk down since they are usually long and easy to decorate. A boat dock venue offers scenic water views, refreshing breezes, and great photo backdrops. The only downside is they lack some areas couples put decorations on, such as ceilings and trees.

4. Another Country or Region

Mountainous and ocean wedding scene Via Chris & Ruth

If you are using the travel theme literally, pick a scenic or romantic foreign country or region to get married in. This is a beautiful way to cement your travel theme, especially if you choose a location you or your partner have never visited.

Choose a land with breathtaking mountains and hills or a famous romantic city with delicious food and treats. Although this is likely a more expensive option, there’s no better way to share your love of travel with your guests than setting out on a new adventure as a group.

5. A Hot Air Balloon Launch Site

a bride and groom about to kiss on a rock with hot air balloons floating through the sky behind them — A couple’s wedding ceremony with hot air balloons floating behind them Via Wedding Spot

A more unconventional but beautiful venue idea for your travel-themed wedding is a hot air balloon launch site. Though many don’t choose to travel this way, it’s still a vessel to relocate from one place to another. Therefore, it still fits the travel theme wonderfully,

Their locations are usually more remote, with fields of grass and mountains. But they can offer stunning views, gorgeous photo backdrops, and a serene and unique experience for you and your guests alike.

If you choose a hot air balloon launch site, be sure to coordinate with the owners on when they plan to take a few up into the sky. Hot air balloons floating through the sky during your ceremony or wedding photos are the ultimate traveler’s dream.

Travel-Themed Decor & Centerpieces

What is a travel-themed wedding without themed centerpieces and decor? Whether you like suitcases, globes, or anchors, there’s an idea here for you.

Centerpieces and Focal Points

Transparent Globe Centerpieces

a clear globe atop of greenery on a wedding reception table with glasses and silverware — A transparent globe centerpiece Via Pinterest

A transparent globe is a perfectly simplistic centerpiece. Utilizing the travel theme without adding too much color, it contrasts nicely with simple greenery and adds an elegant touch.

Travel Memento Centerpieces

a picture frame laying horizontal on a table with small travel mementos and a table number on top of it — Travel memento centerpiece Via Undercover Live

For a centerpiece centered around the theme rather than a singular object, create or buy some picture frames and add some region-based small mementos. These can be plants, postcards, mini globes, photos, trinkets, and more.

Elegant Airplane Centerpieces

a transparent airplane centerpiece on a stand with white cloud-looking decor in a room — Transparent airplane centerpiece Via 84 West Studios

Airplanes can be fancy; this is a fact. Just look at this transparent glass airplane centerpiece. Add fake clouds, flowers, postcards, or boarding passes to refine the themed centerpiece even more.

Anchor Centerpieces

a decorative white anchor atop greenery for a wedding centerpiece — An anchor and greenery centerpiece Via Always Special Events on Pinterest

For a nautical touch or ship-leaning centerpiece, utilize a matching anchor. Tall but dainty, an anchor is eye-catching but doesn’t interfere with table discussion or other decorations.

Suitcases with Flowers Centerpieces

Floral suitcase centerpieces Via Barbara Davis on Pinterest

Suitcases are commonly associated with travel, but they aren’t always the prettiest. Make a perfectly-themed centerpiece with some contrasting-colored suitcases and flowers for pops of color and beauty.

Globe and Book Centerpieces

a globe next to a stack of books with a camera and floral decorations on a table — A globe and book centerpiece Via WeddingOMania

For a more classic travel theme, grab some customized or standard standing globes and a stack of books. Throw some travel-based items onto the books, such as cameras, photos, or watches, and add small floral elements to brighten the centerpiece up.

Sailing Boat and Flowers Centerpieces

A boat centerpiece with flowers and a sail Via Floral V Designs on Pinterest

For the nautical or water-loving couple, make or buy a perfectly classy boat centerpiece. Use the boat’s cavity to add sails, flowers, anchors, cruise ticket lookalikes, and more.

Floral and Suitcase Wedding Arch

a wedding arch covered in flowers with suitcases stacked at the base of the left side — Floral and suitcase wedding arch Via WeddingOMania

If you want to take the travel-themed wedding idea to the aisle, think about an adorably simple wedding arch design like this one. Using mainly flowers, this arch is elegant and colorful with just a touch of suitcases and globes at the base.

Hanging Decor

Hanging Hot Air Balloons

a wedding reception table setting with flowers, dinnerware, greenery, and hanging gold and white hot air balloons — Gold and white hanging hot air balloons Via Pinterest

Hot air balloons are adorably magical without being too distracting. Best of all, they actually float, so they feel so realistic as hanging decor.

Hanging Clouds

If you plan on incorporating airplanes or hot air balloons into your wedding decorations, some hanging clouds are a perfect addition to complete their look.

Hanging Flowers from a Favorite Country

a table setting with flowers on the table and dinnerware with mutli-colored wisteria hanging from the ceiling — Multicolored flowers hanging from ceiling Via Stacy K Floral

Flowers are whimsical when hung above. If you want to theme your flowers around travel, choose some flowers native to a country or continent you or your partner traveled to. This gives them a deeper meaning while staying with the theme.

Hanging World Globes

Hanging globes are classic, but staggering several across different points of the ceiling help to set the atmosphere without contrasting too much.

Vases and Flowers

Map Flowers

White map rose Via AlanaPhoenixandCo on Etsy

If you plan on using artificial or paper flowers, get some made with a map pattern. They offer slivers of color while maintaining the bridal white color overall.

Hot Air Balloon Flower Baskets

a white balloon inside of a mesh to look like a hot air balloon with a basket of flowers attached at the bottom — Hot air balloon flower basket Via Acofesal

If you love hanging hot air balloons, get some matching hot air balloon flower baskets. These adorable decor combinations offer wedding elegance without sacrificing your theme.

Map Patterned Vases

four circular vases covered in map designs with white flowers in them — Map patterned vases Via Martha Stewart Weddings on Pinterest

For real flowers, think about some map-patterned vases. They offer unique visual textures while offering slight hints of your travel theme. Plus, they’re charming.

Travel-Themed Wedding Attire

To tie the theme together, it’s not a bad idea to consider some travel-themed wedding attire. While you don’t want to go overboard, you can add small touches to bring it all together, such as travel-styled ties or jewelry.

Ties and Cufflinks

World Map Bow Tie

a multi-colored bow tie with a map pattern on it on a white background — World map bow tie Via Bored Panda on Pinterest

A travel-themed bow tie is just enough without being too much. It offers a glimpse of the theme without being in your face.

World Map Cuff Links

a pair of cuff links with a blue background and a gold image of the world map on each one — World map cuff links Via Amazon

For a small but meaningful touch, grab some world map cuff links. They are just barely noticeable to most, but you and your partner will know it’s there.

Old World Map Pattern Tie

a blue, orange, and red map patterned tie — Old world map tie Via Ties.com

Similarly to the bow tie, you can also opt for a travel-themed regular tie. While this could make a larger impression than the bow tie, choosing one in your wedding color palette will create harmony.

Airplane Cuff Links

For cuff links with a little more fun, grab some flashy gold or silver airplane cuff links. While more noticeable, they are still a subtle touch.

Jewelry

Passport Earrings

For a perfectly simple travel touch, add some passport earrings to your look. They are small but noticeable enough for photos and guest interactions.

Custom Beach Sand Pendant

For a more sentimental travel touch, consider a beach sand pendant. The sand could come from a location you want to travel to, a special place you and your partner visited, or a childhood favorite.

Continents Necklace

a gold necklace shaped in all seven continents on a dark grey background — Continents necklace Via IvyByDesign on Etsy

For a subtly elegant travel addition, a continent necklace is a great fit. This necklace style is symbolic but not intrusive to your overall look.

Travel-Themed Bracelet

Just follow me travel bracelet Via Amazon

To stick to a simplistic jewelry style, add a silver or gold travel-themed bracelet. These bracelets usually have small pendants dangling from them. The pendants could be of general travel, like an airplane or compass, or they could be more sentimental, such as a specific country or flag.

Wedding Favors with a Travel Twist

While some couples may not choose to use wedding favors, they are still a brilliant way to send your guests home with a themed item to remember your special day with. Get creative with your travel-themed wedding favors like:

Airplane bottle openers
Luggage-style treat boxes
Compasses
Custom luggage tags
Travel-sized products
Compass bottle stopper
Travel-themed magnets
Personalized matchboxes
Anchor-themed drink koozies
Hot air balloon candle holders
Airplane-shaped soaps
Map-patterned keychains
Personalized mini globes
Passport notebooks

Buy on Amazon

Tips for a Seamless Travel-Themed Wedding

Stick to Your Theme - There are so many adorable and stunning ideas for a wedding. It’s easy to get distracted by other themes or cute decor that doesn’t follow your theme. If you choose a travel-themed wedding, stick to the theme throughout your planning. Choose travel decor, travel-related invitations, etc. That’s not to say you can’t utilize other typical wedding decorations like flowers, garlands, or standard cake toppers. Just don’t venture out into other themes that aren’t related, like Christmas or rustic decorations. If you do, the entire look of the wedding will feel off, and guests won’t get to experience the true magic of a travel-themed wedding.
Spend Your Wedding Budget on What Matters - If a specific venue is the key to completing your theme, but it’s on the pricier side, rent the venue. If wedding favors and an open bar aren’t crucial to you, and they’re cutting into your budget, cut them out. Don't feel pressured to spend money on traditional things that don’t matter to you and your partner. Use your budget to purchase or design things that are essential to your theme and the overall look and feel of your wedding.
Don’t Go Too Crazy with Travel Decorations - While it’s good to stick to your theme, you don’t want to go crazy with it. Start with a color palette and incorporate decor and wedding party outfits that use those colors. Then, find travel-themed wedding supplies that fit those colors. If you’re going for a more minimal look, find some decor and travel items that are small and blend well with other wedding supplies. If you want to embrace the travel theme, make sure to add in some flowers or other traditional decorations to define and break up the travel-related items. Using too many travel-themed items could result in an overall tacky look.
Add Personalized Travel Mementos - When choosing a travel theme, don’t be afraid to incorporate personal mementos from places you love or items you collected on your travels. This will add a beautifully sentimental element to your special day.

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Colleen McCarthy