To sea, to sea: Nautical Weddings

May and June are lovely for flower-saturated weddings and garden parties, but when July hits its hot stride it's best to look to the sea. An actual beach wedding is not necessary, because even if one cannot enjoy the offshore breezes in person, they certainly can channel the briny deep with truly nautical nuptials.

A perennial favorite - what is more romantic than the sea? - the risk of planning nautical nuptials is the risk of skittering into kitsch. It is a theme that can be taken too far, with piles of shells on the tables and netting and buoys hanging from the wall. It is better to keep it simple with these rules:

1) Let the venue work for you. Marinas, yacht clubs, seaside restaurants, and banquet halls are typically designed with a marine feel in mind.

(Bay Head Yacht Club by Kris Arnold on Flickr)

2) Use an oceanic color palette for reference, not literal items. Top tables with solid-color cloths and accent with white, silver, and glass plates and vases. For centerpieces, seaside plants like dune grass and hydrangea are lovely. Steer away from anything too obvious like piles of sand or shells, or anything plastic. For bridal party attire, consider muted shades of blues, grays, and purples.

3) Finally, go big on the little pieces! Paper goods like invitations and thank-you notes are an excellent way to communicate a theme and set the mood of your wedding. Nautical design motifs for stationery and other paper goods range from the literal, like a classic ship, to the abstraction of a sailor's rope, and everything in between.

The options are quite satisfying for the many couples who like to "brand" their weddings. Shells, fish, portholes, ship wheels, anchors, nautical stars, sea plants and seaside plants are all appropriate inspirations for design, and the options are seemingly endless. Here is a sampling of some of our favorites:

Anchors aweigh! The classic navy-and-red combination and the bold anchor stamp express the marine theme right out of the envelope.

(Anchors away by BuddyandBean on Etsy)

A 19th-century illustration aesthetic informs these cuttlefish and seaweed Save the Dates and invitations, to a delightful end. Designer Ruth Bleakley lives in Falmouth, a small town on the elbow of Cape Cod, so her inspiration is abundant.

 (Cuttlefish and seaweed cards by Concertina Press)

The nautical theme lends itself easily to a host of other pieces, including gift tags and thank-you notes. The muted color palette combined with the subtle detailing of these sea creatures hits a high note of sophistication.

(Deep Sea Gift Tags from AfricanGrey on Etsy)

These scallop shell tags are handprinted from a vintage illustration, and the imperfect stamp effect makes them seem old and new at once.

(Scalloped Tags from PetitePaperie on Etsy)

This table seating chart by the inimitable Melangerie design studio brings a modern/retro feel to the nautical theme with a punchy color palette and very clean illustrations.

(Tie the Knot Wedding Seating Chart by Melangerie NYC)

These gold-etched engraved nautilius notes from Crane & Co. are an absolute classic.

(Engraved Nautilius Notes from Crane & Co.)

Following a few simple rules and a total indulgence in decorative paper goods is a recipe for success for any nautical-themed wedding.

Interested in planning weddings with different themes? The Sheffield Wedding & Event Planning course teaches everything you need to know to orchestrate a memorable event, from creating a guest list, to hiring vendors, to creating a beautiful wedding design.

Comments

[Caroline Sound]

Some really good ideas here for a nautical theme, the danger is to go too obvious, I do like your suggestions, subtle and not too much.

[Carole Book]

It would be lovely to have a nautical themed wedding but it would need to be in the right venue! Some great advice given.

[Bell & Ross Tonneau BR02 Model Swiss made watches]

Following a few simple rules and a total indulgence in decorative paper goods is a recipe for success for any nautical-themed wedding.

[Cindy@ silk bouquets]

Those are great wedding invitation cards. If you're planning to have a wedding near by the sea or this is a perfect theme wedding for you. I 'm loving it.

[Chris Bloor]

As someone who owns a site about boating, this really inspired me to start working on a whole new section on Nautical Weddings! Thanks for the inspiration!

[abbyabbie]

Pretty good article.I just came across your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be coming back and I hope you post again soon.thanks for sharing.

[Joanna Photographer Houston]

I'd love nautical weddings. Those are my favorite ones. I also like beach weddings. Nice article.

[dresses and wedding]

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[artificial grass california]

love your posts. thank you for sharing. this is really inspiring.

[wedding venues glasgow]

Luv the nautical themes when I see it in photos, but to be honest a nautical wedding wouldn't appeal to me....I'm petrified of water.

[victoria bc restaurants]

I 100% agree with your question, what is more romantic than the sea?

I live in Victoria, BC, Canada, a city that has been rated the "most romantic city in Canada", and is also ranked 71 out of 1000 in the world's most romantic cities. This is most likely due to it's wonderful location on the ocean, and it's overall beauty. As far as weddings go, this is THE place to be!

I love your suggestions on how to keep a nautical wedding theme. I'm just wondering if you have any thoughts with regards to the food for the reception? (one of the most important parts of the day I think!)

[Maya | Frases Para Enamorar]

Superb post. Informative and inspiring. My wedding was rather simplistic... couldn't afford high-end things, but it was the best day of my life!

[Como Enamorar A Un Hombre]

Such elegance, and lovely ideas for a wedding. I am glad I got a chance to see this. Thanks

[Frases Romanticas]

A wedding like that would be amazing... but the bigger question, how much?

[Muscle Growth]

Beautiful Ideas! I love it thank you!

[DVD to iPod Converter giveaway]

Yeah ,it's another choice,

[Keely Thomas-Moore]

These are some really great ideas. My best friend's fiance grew up in Maine, and so they want to incorporate that into their wedding, even though it will be really landlocked. I think I'll send them to this page to get some ideas. These are all classy instead of hokey. I particularly like the napkins folded like sailboats, and the different color of linens.

[Mariana Saenz]

Beautiful article! I think many men and women may want a beach wedding. It's so wonderful! Thanks for sharing the pictures, and thank you for your words to explain as precisely and fresh.!

Mariana Saenz

[Conquistar a un hombre]

Superb. I've never thought about a nautical wedding. It seems very unique and diferent.

Thank you

[hacer el amor]

Very interesting proposal. I think it would be very interesting for people who love the sealife.

[Enamorar a un Hombre]

Beautiful!
I loved it!
Thanks for sharing quality material