Beach Wedding Ideas

Find themes and tips for unique outdoor beach weddings

See also beach theme wedding cakes, wedding beach sandals and beach wedding flower ideas

It’s no wonder why many couples choose to have beach weddings.  The dramatic natural scenery of the coastline and the laid back feel of the beach lifestyle add unique charm and style to these events. 

The location also lends a theme element to beach weddings, so there are lots of creative takes on beach wedding ideas.  You can easily incorporate the beach surroundings into all parts of your wedding like the décor, flowers and wedding favors.
 

BEACH WEDDING IDEAS

Whether you want a wedding that uses classic beach items like shells or nautical touches, or you want a wedding that has a tropical or natural feel, there are many ideas that can help you get the look you desire for your beach wedding. 

Read on for our best beach wedding ideas and use them to create a beautiful and memorable wedding on the beach.

Dunes Beach Wedding

This outdoor beach wedding idea adds a bit of nature into your nuptials.  For wedding invitations, save the dates and response cards, you can use ivory cardstock with green or tan sea oats imprinted on the paper.  Centerpieces are a mix of white flowers (baby’s breath, roses, stephanotis, calla lilies, or stargazer lilies), long grasses and tea lights. 

Décor can include wreaths made from long grasses with seaside elements (like starfish) and driftwood placed in key areas.  Tables can be named using natural seaside elements (for example: “driftwood”, “sandpiper” and “sand dollar.”)  You can continue this theme by using candles set into mini beach pails for favors.

Beach Shell Wedding

Shell shapes, colors and textures form the basis for this beach wedding idea.  Stationery is on pale pink or white cardstock with shell accents.  Flowers are in white, pink and peach hues with small seashells placed throughout.  Some flowers that may be used are roses, peonies, calla lilies, gerbera daisies, alstromeria, sweet peas and phylox. 

Décor can be seashell garlands and wreaths as well as large peach candles in hurricane glasses.  Table names are types of shells like “conch”, “sea urchin” and “starfish.”  Favors can be seashell shaped chocolates in decorative boxes.
 

Tropical Beach Wedding

This outdoor beach wedding idea takes on the feel of a tropical island in the Caribbean or Pacific.  Colors are vibrant pink, orange, red and green.  Wedding stationery is printed on deep red or bright orange cardstock.  Flowers for centerpieces and bouquets are orchids, roses, tuberoses, plumeria, and lilies accented with bamboo and palm leaves. 

Ceremony and reception décor consists of paper lanterns, floating candles in pink hued water and large palm leaves at entrances.  Tables can be named after tropical flowers like “hibiscus.”  Wedding favors are woven flower or kukui nut leis.


Nautical Wedding

Beach wedding ideas for this theme are nautical and preppy.  Colors are navy blue, red, white and yellow.  Wedding stationery should be navy colored ink printed on crisp white paper.  Centerpieces are white and yellow flowers (roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, ranunculus and stock) in vases sitting upon small fish nets. 

Décor consists of striped table linens, nautical flags, painted wooden buoys and rope tied into sailor knots.  Table names are famous American port towns like “Newport”, “Nantucket” and “Cape Cod.”  Wedding favors are miniature sailboats.