Use these ideas to incorporate the beach into your special day.
A beach-themed wedding can be successfully accomplished by sticking to a color scheme and style. Pick a specific theme like nautical or tropical and go from there. Keep it simple and comfortable like the beach itself. Be inspired by natural elements and colors in choosing your decorations. Use these ideas to bring your beach theme to life.
Message in a Bottle
Capture the spirit of the ocean with a message in a bottle.
A message in a bottle is a good way of presenting a dinner menu, schedule of events, or wedding invitation. As of 2011, you can purchase pre-made bottles for $3 to $10 per bottle, depending on the merchant and whether you choose glass or plastic. For wedding invitations, choose plastic; it's more practical to send in the mail. Bottles come with your choice of message and with glitter or confetti in the bottom. Or, purchase bottles wholesale and make your own invitations or menus for a fraction of the cost.
Natural Table Setting
Use natural colors and textures to celebrate nature.
Bring the natural beauty of the beach to your table. Use shells as dishes to hold salt and pepper instead of shakers. Use sea salt instead of table salt. Incorporate nets, driftwood, shells or coral into a centerpiece instead of traditional flowers. Incorporate water by using floating candles or tea made from flowers that bloom when hot water is poured over them. Use sand or sea glass to weigh down hurricane lamps or other candle holders.
Casual and Comfortable
Keep things fun and casual by giving guests flip-flops.
If you're planning an outdoor wedding, make your guests comfortable. Have baskets of flip-flops so guests can walk on the beach without ruining their formal footwear. Have towels if they want to dry off their feet. Make sure there is a tent or enclosure to provide shade. Plan for the worst and buy an umbrella for each table. Choose citronella candles for the centerpieces to discourage insects. If your wedding is indoors, consider a semi-formal dress code and give your guests leis to wear. Choose a barbecue or seafood menu. Give your guests lobster bibs.
Garlands
Beautiful shell garlands.
Garlands are a beautiful alternative to flower arrangements. They can be hung from the ceiling, draped over tables, or coiled up around a candle holder. Make garlands out of white flowers for an elegant nautical look. For a tropical look, use brightly colored flowers and make leis for guests to wear. You can also make garlands out of shells or sand dollars. Another option is to make origami boats or cranes and string them together. Garlands can also be made with leaves, pearl beads or buttons.
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