On this cold February day we’re dreaming about beach weddings and want to share some of the coolest creative possibilities that we’ve come across! Are you a bride looking for some memorable beach ideas for your ocean or bayside wedding? Or perhaps you’ll find yourself landlocked on your big day but still want a touch of the sea at your ceremony or reception? Whatever you may be looking for, there is something here that is sure to inspire you!
The wedding party has some fun in front of the camera at a Delaware beach wedding. (Addy by the Sea)
1. Cakes & Desserts
There is definitely no limit with what can be done on a cake these days! These four-tiered confections amazingly capture the spirit of the beach. (Left cake by Sugar Bakers)
LEFT: Spice up your wedding dessert table by arranging them on shelves between tropical leaves or flowers. (Cake and cupcakes by Cakes by Rachael)
RIGHT: Not sure how to dress up your wedding cake? Consider pairing it with smaller desserts, like cupcakes. For the nautical-inspired couple, you might choose to transform your cupcakes into sailboats.
2. Flowers
Consider combining traditional wedding flowers with palm branches or other coastal flowers or leaves for a unique, beachy spin.
This beach bouquet is by far one of the most distinct and eye-catching arrangements that we’ve seen! (Obtained by one of the fantastic wedding planners over at Herrington on the Bay.)
3. Centerpieces & Decor
Starfish make such cute and versatile little decorations. Take advantage of them! Lay them in bouquets, scatter them on tables or hang them as ornaments!
Or wrap them around something! Whatever your decoration may be, put a starfish on it!
LEFT: Floating candles are a great way to add something extra to your reception without being too loud. Quietly elegant, they induce a cool, aquatic feel into the reception space. Here, the candles float overtop submerged pebbles at the bottom of the glass holder. If you haven’t already, take a look at our inspirational centerpieces blog to get more ideas about candles and submerged objects.
RIGHT: The wildly exotic and graceful Orchid transforms any tabletop from dull to refined.
In addition to starfish, crabs are another great sea creature to use in your wedding decorations, especially here in Maryland. A brightly-colored crab stamp can be the perfect thing to liven up stationary and putting your own unique spin on assorted crab-eating paraphernalia such as Old Bay or mallets make great favors that are sure to make your guests smile.
When it comes to seating your guests, consider sending out a message in a bottle.
LEFT: Sand dollars and starfish make for another great seating assignment favor.
RIGHT: A beachy terrarium filled with (but certainly not limited to) sand, shells and starfish makes another wonderful addition to your beach wedding reception tables.
4. Wardrobe & Accessories
Who says a boutonniere needs to be a flower? Starfish make great alternatives!
Whether you decide to dress up or dress down for your wedding, it’s always fun to add some flair to your wardrobe such as sunglasses or silly printed socks.
5. Venues & Ceremony Spaces
The Silver Swan has it all: spectacular views of the water, private beaches, tented pavilions, and luscious gardens and lawns.
It is also one of the most magical bayside locations for sunset ceremonies.
Herrington on the Bay is truly a destination venue in disguise. It offers an amazing ceremony space bordered by the bay and surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees. You’ll forget that you’re in Maryland!
Stressed about how to decorate your ceremony? Sometimes less is more. Let your venue and the existing surroundings of nature be the ultimate decoration. Chesapeake Bay Beach Club knows how to up the romance ante. Here, a fabric canopy was tied to the pergola — a rather simple yet magnificent accent.
One of the many luxurious nooks over at the Hyatt Cambridge!
The nautical cupcakes were baked and created by Bonnie Harrison Epstein of Annapolis, MD.
Thanks,
MC