When beach inspired elements of sand, shells, driftwood, clear blue waters and warm sunshine are integrated into your wedding theme, guests will embrace the spirit of the day.
An ideal wedding day comprises of a number of different elements with one of the most important being an environment that enables a couple to feel comfortable and relaxed. Couples want to create an atmosphere that genuinely reflects ‘them’ and allows them to effortlessly engage with their guests. For couples who love the romance of the beach, the natural beauty of a wedding by the water and all that is associated with it – sand, seashells, water, pebbles and driftwood – go together to create a fresh, open-air setting that combines nature’s natural elements with sparkling light and crisp, clean colours.
Inspiration for a beach-side wedding may have come from a childhood memory or holiday, love of the outdoors, sailing or perhaps it was where he proposed. Either way, the sun, sand and sea offer a perfect theme for couples who like a fresh modern style that can be adapted to look stunning anywhere from your backyard to an urban warehouse.
Venues by the sea often have spectacular views and lots of natural light and space that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration. Therefore, approach the day as if you are having a very large dinner party in your own home, and you will find it easier to infuse your day with the personal details that mean so much to you as a couple.
T A B L E S T Y L I N G
Combining a range of beautiful pieces and arranging them together creates a pleasing visual story. The reception dining table is the perfect place to go all-out and produce a stunning table scape.
The flowers are the focal point of the table, shaping its overall look and feel. When arranging the flowers, vary their height and depth. Generally, the taller flowers are placed in the centre but, with a narrow table as shown here, the tallest and bulkiest floral displays are placed at each end. Fresh vines are used to link the two end displays and smaller vases with fewer blooms are placed amongst the vines to complete the arrangement.
A critical part of the table styling is the flowers so don’t be timid when choosing your flowers. Whatever the theme, aim to infuse some handpicked loveliness to bring the beauty of nature to the table.
Think about texture as well as colour. Using blooms that are fully open is not only pleasing to the eye but maximises the release of their fragrances. The overall effect is one of romance and abundance. However, when ordering your flowers, ask for them to be delivered at the stage where buds are almost fully open. The flowers we used were dahlias, peonies and roses. Moss and vines were used to surround the vases at each end of the table thus adding another textural element. Large shells were strategically placed amongst the flowers for added interest.
Another way to set the mood and decorate tables is with these tea lights made from oyster shells. This is a perfect opportunity for an oyster-loving couple to indulge in a feast of oysters for the sake of their wedding décor. What a sacrifice! Once you have devoured the oysters, rinse the shells and leave them in the sun to bleach before filling with wax. This is done by gently removing the metal wick holder together with the wick from tea lights and placing them into oyster shells. Melt the tea light wax and pour into the shells leaving some of the wick protruding. When arranging the shells on your table, use sand or pebbles to keep them stable and in position.
The soft sky blue of the napery perfectly complements the white dinnerware and the lively colours of the flowers. Napkin rings made from rope add a nautical touch. Learn how to tie this knot on page 36 of Modern Wedding DIY Magazine Volume 5 – available here!
F L O R A L V I G N E T T E
Vignettes can be as simple or as busy as you want to make them. A simple styling trick is to use repetition to achieve a magical result. Here we have grouped together blue bottles and filled each one with a single bloom. When arranged on a rustic worn table in similar tones, and with natural light reflecting through the glass, it turns simple items into an eye-catching display.
R O C K A R T
Get arty and paint images with a paint pen onto water-smoothed stones. Display them in a tray filled with sand and include a stone with your names. Smooth stones can be purchased from garden centres.
S H E L L S P O O N S
So dainty yet so practical, these gorgeous little spoons have been crafted from floral wire and small shells found on the beach. Use them for serving salt, pepper and sugar at your table or as favour gifts. Learn how to DIY these spoons on page 37 of Modern Wedding DIY Magazine Volume 5 – available here!
P E R S O N A L V I G N E T T E
A vignette can be made from just about anything. This Storytelling display shows some special highlights of your romance. Made from driftwood, string and beads and hung with other items from the beach, it is a touching way to share your story. Learn how to DIY this on page 35 of Modern Wedding DIY Magazine Volume 5 – available here!
P E R S O N A L V I G N E T T E
A vignette can be made from just about anything. This Storytelling display shows some special highlights of your romance. Made from driftwood, string and beads and hung with other items from the beach, it is a touching way to share your story.
K E E P S A K E
To fit in with the coastal theme, and as an alternative to a guest book, have guests leave their best wishes on vintage or retro postcards from famous beach resorts from around the world. Then, after your honeymoon, display the postcards in an album or frame – a lovely idea and keepsake! Reproduction vintage postcards can be purchased online.
Craving more from this shoot? Check out how we did it in our behind the scenes video! Also be sure to get your hands on a copy of Modern Wedding DIY Magazine volume 5 for tutorials that will help you get this look and much more. Preview the ‘Pretty Issue’ here!
MW x
Concept & Styling Gail MacDiarmid Photography Jane Allen Photography Floral Stylist Clementine Posy Location Moby Dicks Whale Beach Shell Garland & Place Mats My Island home