Summer Weddings - Beach Edition 2009

Since June is the opening act for the summer season and also the traditional month for nuptials, I thought it might be fun to do a few articles on somewhat non-traditional wedding themes. Since I just curated an Etsy treasury recently with a beach wedding theme, it's still fresh in my mind, so I think I'll start with that...

Anyone who chooses to say "I Do" on the beach has selected one of the most beautiful, earthy, romantic places to begin married life. From the gentle lapping of the waves on the sand to the warmth of the sun and curiosity of shorebirds as they watch from their viewing stations, the wedding party as well as their guests will be in for a memorable experience.

While there are many incredible beach wedding items available on Etsy, these are some of my absolute favorites!

The preparation begins with asking family and friends to reserve the day. I selected these Delightful SeaScapes Pocket Invitations from mrsdstahl . This beautiful design comes in a starfish theme that can be color customized. Each invitation set includes:

INVITATION POCKET 5 2/8 X 7 2/8
red bottom layer 4 6/8 X 5 6/8
Cream text layer: 4 2/8 x 6 2/8
Reception: 4 2/8 x 4.5
RSVP: 4 2/8 x 5.5
Directions 6.5 x 42/8

Selecting what the bridal party will wear, as well as carry, is always a major accomplishment. For the bride and groom, traditional flowers may be the choice, but I found this OOAK Seashell and Crystal Bridal Bouquet Set by LYDC for the bride and Beach Bridal Wedding SeaShell Boutonniere by creativebridal for the groom to be the perfect alternative choices. Not only are they beautiful, but they will retain their beauty forever and even become a lovely family heirloom for future brides and grooms.

The maid of honor, or even the bride herself, would look stunning in this Wedding at theBeach Dreamy Bridesmaid Dress from FirstLove - an upcycled vintage eyelet slip dress which has been turned into the romantic version you see here. And of course, in keeping with the beach theme, these lovely She Sells Sea Shells Barefoot Sandals offered by AspirebyAspiranti, are the perfect accompaniment as an alternative to completely bare feet.

To complete the total ensemble - and since all eyes will definitely be on the bride, I've chosen jewelry that I feel is exquisite in the simplicity of its lines, yet feminine and easily worn with virtually any type of dress. Made with freshwater cultured pearls and fine Czech glass seed beads, I think this beautiful Freshwater Pearl Droplet Jewellery Set from Charisjewels is just breathtaking. Once again an item of heirloom quality that can easily serve many generations of brides to come... and we all know that it wouldn't be a proper wedding without the bride wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

I was looking for a truly unique ring bearer's pillow for this article... and I found it, 'cept it's not really a pillow - which, if you know me, makes it unique and therefore the perfect item for a slightly non-traditional wedding. This Ring bearer seashell pillow, which I found at emilywootton was created from a beautiful lions paw seashell adorned with lovely white silk blossoms. A soft green satin ribbon provides the perfect touch to tie your wedding rings safely to. (I also liked the fact that the rings don't have anywhere to slide off of... as they rest securely in the safety of the "bowl" of the shell!)

And of course, there's the littlest sweetheart of the bridal party, the flower girl! I found this Starfish and Shell Beach Wedding Flower Girl Basket at weddingcollectibles. I really liked the simplicity of the design and the Starfish and Shells provide a perfect touch of the ocean without overwhelming the basket.

On to the reception... As a cake designer in another life, I firmly believe that no wedding is complete without the perfect wedding cake. I'm a bit of a traditionalist in that the top layer of the cake should be saved for the first anniversary, and in my opinion, a rich moist cake (like a carrot cake or spice cake) is perfect - but those choices are always best made by the newlyweds to be! While there are quite a few lovely sea themed cake toppers on Etsy, I fell in love with this Kissing Seahorse cake topper from weddingshells . With sparkling eyes made of genuine Swarovski crystals, two whimsical seahorses exchange a kiss amidst some authentic white seashells atop a polymer base. It doesn't get more magical than that!


Add some ambience to your seating area with these lovely Floating Candle Beach Lanterns from A2SeaCreations. In addition to creating a lovely glow and a perfect touch of ocean decor for dining tables, they make wonderful "door prizes" for a lucky guest at each table. Alternatively, they would also be thoughtful keepsake gifts for your attendants and parents as well.

Last but not least, don't forget the guest book table! I chose this beautiful Ivory Seashell Beach Wedding Guest Book and Pen from creativebridal for its elegance and simplicity, in keeping with the seashore theme. Available in ivory or white matte satin decorated with real Nassa shells, white Ark shells, a small sugar starfish and fake pearls, this guest register and pen is not only functional but decorative as well. Pair this set with these Tidal Tealight Holders, also from A2SeaCreations for just the right amount of lighting ambience.

So, now you know what I would select for a "dream" seaside wedding. I hope you will take the time to look at many of the other items that some of these shops offer if you're not in need of wedding supplies, or that you mention this post to anyone you know that is in the planning stages of their own seaside wedding.

I'd also like to thank EyeShutterToThink for allowing me the honor of opening this article with their lovely photo art print... I Do - Beach Sand Writing.

Since I'd love to do a couple more non-traditional wedding themes this month, I'd love to know what you might like to see - so if you have any suggestions, please comment and let me know what your thoughts are!