20+ Breezy Ideas for a Beach Wedding

Plan the seaside ceremony and reception of your dreams with these coastal wedding design, style and menu ideas.

August 13, 2021

By: Maria Conti

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Top Tips for Seaside Nuptials

Coastal shorelines and sandy beaches are dream wedding locales for engaged couples everywhere — and with good reason. The intoxicating setting appeals to all the senses; the smell of sea salt lingering in the air, a cool breeze whispering through your hair, soothing acoustics of waves crashing on the shore and the expansive vista of land and sea to serve as the backdrop. Consider this your green light to secure your seaside venue ASAP, but before you do, read up on our top 20 dress, decor, floral and menu tips to make your beach wedding better than your wildest dreams.

Suit Up in Sandy Hues

Take cues from your coastal locale when selecting wedding attire. This handsome husband-to-be shows how it's done, donning a heather gray suit, a crisp white shirt and a sandy tie. The diffused tones and lightweight fabrics appear at home among the grassy dunes while still standing out in the breezy landscape.

A Sweetheart Table for Two

Soak up the first few married moments post-ceremony with an intimate beach picnic. This dreamy rattan table features antique brass candlesticks with almond and ivory candles flanking a lush centerpiece of fluffy blush roses, creamy baby’s breath and trailing greenery. Raw-hem linen napkins add a layer of softness to the tablescape, while a bottle of bubbly and two pewter coupes add a glamorous incentive to sip and celebrate together.

Make Waves With Watercolor Invitations

Make the waves your muse when designing your invitation suite. This inspired set boasts stormy sea-blue hues and moment-rich watercolor details. Swirling, curling calligraphy enhances the breezy oceanic appeal; eye-catching aqua postal stamps round out the design with a pop of bold, beachy color.

See More Photos: 15 Eye-Catching Wedding Invitations to Obsess Over RN

From: Abby Larson

Forgo Footwear

Feel the breezy coast beneath your toes — and avoid getting finicky sand in your shoes — by forgoing footwear for your beach wedding. Follow these lovely grooms' lead, and keep a pair of sandals handy for photo ops outside of the sand.

See More Photos: HGTV's Ultimate Wedding Lookbook

Airy Arbor

Tropical blooms and billowing linens make for a magical backdrop to this seaside ceremony. The wind-swept bamboo arbor is memorable with two fiery orange and coral floral arrangements and draped ivory linens overhead. Recreate the same focal point for your big day with lightweight linens in a hue that complements your wedding color palette and fresh, coastal flowers or palm fronds fastened on each end.

See More Photos: 45 One-of-a-Kind Wedding Arbors, Altars + Aisles

Coastal Fare

Take advantage of the coastal locale when planning your reception menu by treating guests to a mouthwatering menu of fresh-caught seafood. A happy hour oyster bar will earn rave reviews, while a crab, shrimp, snapper or lobster entree will be one of the (many) highlights of your love-filled weekend.

Glow Like Golden Hour

Make every portrait shine like golden hour with a strategic floral selection of soft white, pale yellow, blush and peach blooms. The subtle warm tones create a distinctive seaside sunset look that bestows you with a flattering glow throughout the big day. Carry the same sunset tones to dress your bridesmaids and decorate the reception space.

See More Photos: 75 Ultra-Lush Wedding Bouquet Ideas

Buzz Worthy Signature Cocktail

Create a frosty and fruity signature wedding cocktail that combats the steamy beach weather, such as a grilled peach and brandy popsicle. The summery sip combines chilled dry white wine with brandy, peaches, pineapple, orange and mint to yield a crowd-pleasing concoction that will bring a buzz of excitement to cocktail hour and beyond.

See More Photos: 50 Signature Wedding Cocktails

From: Kristin Guy

Set the Scene With Shells

Take advantage of your seaside surroundings with strategic flat lay accessories in your photos. Here, photographer Alyssa Forbes uses a pink-and-white conch shell as a pedestal for a sparkling rose gold engagement ring. Follow her lead and incorporate natural details like seashells, sand dollars, dried coral or pastel sea glass to anchor your wedding photos and reception vignettes with a sophisticated coastal flair.

See More: 10 Props to Have on Hand for Your Engagement + Wedding Photos

Calm + Cool

Bring a breath of fresh air to your coastal wedding palette with soothing cool tones such as the misty gray linens seen here. Pair the shade with an abundance of greenery to create a serene, garden-esque reception space.

See More Photos: 45 Sweet + Sunny Spring Wedding Ideas

Cool Touches

Heat and humidity can put even the most even-tempered guests in a bad mood. Combat the coastal elements during your outdoor ceremony with a complimentary fan on each seat. These natural sandalwood fans play well with other beachy accents like driftwood, woven seagrass, sun-bleached coral or sea glass.

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Dapper in Deep Blue

Skip the simple black tux and have the groom wear a tailored navy suit for your beach wedding instead. A classic navy suit is a timeless spring or summer option that can be, at once, laid-back and refined while complementing most color palettes.

Go Green

Skip the paper and acrylic menu for your seaside wedding, and make a beachy statement the moment your guests walk into your reception space with this glamorous leaf menu. Recreate the head-turning accent for your bar, buffet or cocktail hour with a large leaf, a steady hand and a trusty white paint pen.

Breezy Bridal Accessories

When it comes to seaside brides, veils are vital for the big day. Traditional tulle veils are feather-light and easily swept up by the ocean breeze, bringing movement and an ethereal quality to your bridal portraits. Pro Tip: Ensure your ceremony is free from distraction by adding veil weights to the bottom to keep the veil anchored on a windy day.

Driftwood Details

Take notes from this captivating tablescape and use organic coastal materials to elevate your seaside reception tables. Driftwood name cards and raw linen napkins balance out contemporary plates and crystal stemware to create a table that's equal parts classic and coastal. Bring the same easy elegance to your table settings by recreating the place cards with driftwood pieces as your base and hand-scribe guests' names with a white fine point paint pen.

See More of This Wedding: An Ultra-Elegant Seaside Wedding

Maids in White

Crisp white bridesmaid gowns are a fresh yet classic option that will allow your coastal backdrop to shine on your wedding day. Unlike bold pinks or aqua blue, soft white dresses appear organic to the setting, blending with the sun-bleached sand underfoot. Pair your maids' gowns with a fluffy white bloom bouquet tied with a trailing ivory ribbon that floats with the sea breeze.

See More Photos: 21 Oh-So-Pretty Bridesmaid Trends

Take a Bolder Approach

Give your beach wedding a bold, updated look by swapping the expected airy aqua and white hues for a moody, deep ocean blue color palette. Follow event planner Amy Osaba's lead and dress your reception tables with navy and teal linens paired with overflowing ivory and wispy white floral arrangements. Weave antique brass accessories and gilt cutlery throughout to round out the tables with glamour.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Everlasting Blooms

Bridal bouquets are one of the most personal and visually impactful accessories a bride wears on her wedding day. Take notes from this windswept beauty and invest in blooms that speak to your surroundings and last forever, such as this bouquet of preserved coastal florals and grasses. Blonde, cream, and white tones appear ethereal against the sandy shoreline and mirror the softness of her tulle gown.

Made in the Shade

Beat the heat and offer some stylish shade at your beach wedding with pretty paper parasol umbrellas. Style them in a rustic woven basket at the ceremony entrance to ensure your guests see them.

See More Photos: 25 Hot Summer Wedding Ideas

Beach Bocce Ball

Keep guests entertained during happy hour and beyond with simple outdoor games like bocce ball. Beachfront venues come with plenty of sand on hand, so all you need are one or two bocce ball sets to keep your loved ones entertained. Shop around for a bocce set that matches your wedding color palette to give the setup an intentional, elevated appearance befitting a wedding.

See More Photos: 50 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages

From: Landwell Design + Build Co.

Pretty in Pearls

Add a subtle coastal touch to your wedding day ensemble with strategically selected pearl-adorned accessories. An embellished pearl and crystal halo or hair comb are ideal for keeping your windswept curls at bay on a breezy day. Tie the look together with a lustrous pearl belt, a strand necklace or a pair of baroque pearl earrings.

See More Photos: 24 Can't-Miss Wedding Day Photo Ops

Beach Ready Flower Pup

Keep an easily distracted and extra-excited flower pup on a chic (short) leash for your seaside ceremony. Fresh flowers are typically preferable for wedding arrangements and bouquets, but faux blooms are best for this paw-ticular DIY. Not only will using imitation blooms keep your floral budget in check, but silk flowers hold up against rambunctious pups and wagging tails much better than the real thing.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Flower Harness and Leash for Your Dog

Enjoy the Moment

The most important advice for your beach wedding day? Kick off your shoes, roll up your dress or pant legs and take a moment to play in the sand with your forever love and best friend. Capture the sure-to-be-cute candid moments with your photographer or take a short stroll to the edge of the water for some one-on-one time and soak in the surreal, indescribable joy of your day.

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