Beach weddings are incredibly popular in Australia, thanks to the stunning coastline, the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the relaxed atmosphere.
If you’ve always dreamt of a woman in a white dress walking on the beach during sunset, there’s no better way to celebrate your love than with a coastal wedding.
But what exactly does it take to pull off the perfect beach wedding?
Let’s get straight to the point
To create the perfect beach wedding, key must-haves include a lush entryway with tropical plants, standout seating for the bride and groom, and a grand entrance or exit, like arriving by boat.
Coastal-themed elements like a seashell-adorned cake, boho-chic table settings, and vibrant centrepieces enhance the beach vibe.
For guest comfort, provide practical touches like fans, a shoe valet, and flip-flops for dancing.
Nautical details, tropical bouquets, and seafood menus tie the theme together, while cosy seating areas and natural decor, such as palm leaf runners, add elegance.
Overall, embrace the natural surroundings for a relaxed yet stunning celebration.
A Lush Entryway
Creating a stunning entry for your guests is crucial in setting the tone for your wedding.
A lush entryway made of tropical plants, bamboo, and verdant flora will provide a welcoming and vibrant start to your beach ceremony.
Consider using natural fibres, woods, organically shaped accents, and neutral colours to blend seamlessly with the beach setting.
Palms, ferns, and leafy greens can help establish that coastal vibe right from the beginning.
Statement Chairs for the Bride and Groom
At your reception, the seating for the newlyweds should stand out.
Statement chairs adorned with unique elements like tropical flowers or personalised signs give the bride and groom their special place of honour.
These also make for some stunning photo opportunities.
A Grand Entrance or Exit
If you’re looking to make a bold statement, why not arrive in style? Consider arriving at the ceremony by boat or making a grand exit with your partner, sailing into the sunset.
It’s not just a unique idea, but it also amplifies the romantic and adventurous spirit of a beach wedding.
Coastal Wedding Cake Design
Your wedding cake should reflect the beach theme as well. One creative idea is incorporating shells on your cake.
A simple, elegant cake decorated with tiny seashells, pearls, or coral can become the perfect sweet centrepiece.
This understated coastal vibe fits perfectly with a beachside setting and complements the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Boho-Chic Table Settings
For the reception, beach weddings naturally lend themselves to a boho-chic theme. Think about straw chargers, amber glasses, stoneware dishes, and sheer, rust-coloured runners for your tables.
This relaxed yet stylish setting adds a laid-back vibe, perfectly matching the tranquil beach atmosphere.
Juicy Centrepiece Displays
Bring your tables to life with vibrant centrepieces. A juicy centrepiece display with bright colours, like lush oranges, colourful flowers, and various fruits, can evoke a casual Mediterranean feel.
Pair these with candles in hurricane candle holders to keep the flame protected from the beach breeze, creating a cosy glow for the evening reception.
Beachy and Practical Guest Comforts
When hosting a beach wedding, consider the comfort of your guests. It’s important to provide practical touches that will ensure they enjoy the day without the harsh effects of sun, sand, or heat.
Fans for Guests
A beach wedding can get quite warm, especially during the Australian summer. Offer bohemian-style fans tied to your wedding programs.
These not only help keep guests cool but also double as charming keepsakes they can take home.
A Shoe Valet
No one likes sand in their shoes! Providing a shoe valet at the entrance of your beach ceremony area allows guests to drop off their footwear and go barefoot or switch into flip-flops.
Include a personalised sign guiding guests on where to leave their shoes, ensuring they stay comfortable throughout the event.
Provide Flip-Flops for Dancing
As the sun sets and the dancing begins, ensure your guests can move comfortably by offering flip-flops.
Place baskets of them by the dance floor, allowing guests to trade their formal shoes for something more beach-friendly.
Nautical-Themed Details
The beach is a perfect backdrop for incorporating nautical elements into your wedding decor.
Nautical Ring Cushion
A cute touch for your ceremony could be a nautical ring cushion for your ring bearer.
This small yet meaningful detail can reflect your love of the sea, with the rings safely tied to the cushion with nautical rope or string.
A Sea-Inspired Invitation Suite
Set the stage for your beach wedding before the big day even arrives by sending out a sea-inspired invitation suite.
Designs featuring waves, shells, or coral will help get your guests in the mood for a day by the water.
Decorations That Embrace Nature
Since the beach provides a naturally stunning environment, it’s important to let nature do the talking in your decor.
Incorporating elements like tropical plants, palms, and seashells ensures your decor feels cohesive and authentic.
Decorate With Palms
Palm leaves are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Use them as placemats, chair decorations, or even chargers under your place settings.
Their natural beauty complements the beach aesthetic while offering a pop of greenery.
A Tropical Bouquet
The bridal bouquet should echo the natural beauty of your surroundings. Opt for a tropical bouquet that includes local flowers and palm leaves.
This not only enhances the beachy vibe but also supports the local flora, which will be fresher and more cost-effective.
Aquatic Aisle Decor
Create an aquatic aisle that embraces the ocean theme. Coral, seashells, textured grasses, and dried flowers in sea-glass vases are perfect additions.
You can even add cacti or other coastal plants to create a unique, mermaid-like environment for your walk down the aisle.
Food and Drink with a Beachy Twist
No beach wedding is complete without a delicious and refreshing menu that ties into the coastal theme.
Tropical Drinks
What better way to celebrate than with signature tropical drinks served in coconuts?
Whether it’s a personalised coconut with your name and wedding date or simply fresh coconut water, these tropical drinks are sure to impress guests. Plus, they make excellent props for photos!
A Seafood-Filled Menu
Of course, you can’t have a beach wedding without seafood! Lobster rolls, prawns, oysters, and other fresh seafood options are the perfect way to treat your guests and stay true to the beachside theme.
If you’re hosting a reception at the water’s edge, a seafood-filled menu is a must.
Cosy Reception Seating
Make your reception area inviting and comfortable by including cosy seating options.
Soft couches, ottomans, and area rugs create defined spaces where guests can relax while enjoying the beach view.
This casual seating will allow your guests to kick back and enjoy the sunset, while still maintaining an elegant vibe.
A Tropical Seating Chart
Using an acrylic seating chart is a clever way to keep things elegant and minimalist.
This type of seating chart blends seamlessly with the beachy surroundings, giving the illusion of a floating arrangement.
You can personalise the chart with tropical flowers or leaves, enhancing the natural beauty of the beach.
Natural Table Runners
For an effortlessly chic look, consider natural table runners made of palm leaves.
These runners can stretch across long tables, offering a clean, minimalist look that complements the surrounding beach environment. When paired with fresh local blooms, this simple decor can create a breathtaking tablescape.
Conclusion
Beach weddings in Australia are the perfect blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and relaxed elegance. To make your day unforgettable, incorporate elements like lush greenery, natural fibres, and a touch of boho-chic style.
Don’t forget the practical comforts, like a shoe valet and fans for your guests, as well as unique touches like tropical drinks and seafood-filled menus.
Whether it’s a grand entrance, a luscious tropical bouquet, or a cosy reception space, the perfect beach wedding is all about embracing the surroundings and making sure your guests feel just as special as the setting.
FAQs About Beach Weddings
What Is Needed For A Beach Wedding?
- Get a beach permit if needed.
- Plan wisely, and avoid crowds.
- Arrange sturdy seating.
- Accentuate the beach’s natural features.
- Add in colours to contrast the light colour of the sand.
- Shop local for destination weddings.
- Prepare for windy conditions.
- Prepare a shoe station.
What Type Of Dress Is Best For A Beach Wedding?
Since beach weddings typically happen in the summer or late spring, you may want to choose more comfortable and breathable fabrics for warmer weather. It can include cotton, linen, lightweight silk, chiffon, or lace.
What Strain Is A Beach Wedding?
Beach Wedding is a mostly Indica strain that develops broad fan leaves, which you should trim to allow light penetration. The strain grows well indoors and out and flowers in 70 days or by mid-October.
Do You Wear Shoes To A Beach Wedding?
Depending on how formal your wedding is, you might consider sticking to formal dress shoes. If the wedding has a relaxed dress code, boat shoes, derbies, sandals, or loafers can all be fair game. Like your bride, you’re welcome to go barefoot on the beach.
What Strain Is A Beach Wedding?
Beach Wedding is a mostly Indica strain that develops broad fan leaves, which you should trim to allow light penetration. The strain grows well indoors and out and flowers in 70 days or by mid-October.
