From Sea to Reality: 5 Tips for Planning Your Beach-Themed Wedding

Love the beach as much as your beau? Clasping hands and sharing vows in front of sweeping ocean views is just as dreamy as it sounds, and you can weave that inspiration into the finer details of your big day. From freshly-fished finger foods to island-inspired decor, keep these tips in mind as you set off down the path to a beach-themed Martha’s Vineyard wedding.

 

5 Tips for Planning a Beach-Themed Wedding (With Martha’s Vineyard Flair)

Martha's Vineyard Beach-Themed Weddings

 

1. Ride the Waves of Beach Chic Style

Ever try to run underwater? It’s slow going, much like walking down a sandy aisle in a poofy dress. Stick with light and flowy styles in fabrics like chiffon or silk to stay comfy without sacrificing style. For the fellas, don’t suit up in a traditional black tux — that’s the last thing you want to wear without a spot of shade in sight. Instead, go for a light colored suit in a fabric that’s a bit more breathable, like cotton or linen.

 

2. Keep Your Guests Covered

Whether you’re five or 45, one thing remains a constant crowd-pleaser: goody bags. Gather beachside basics like travel-sized sunscreen, sunglasses, and bottled water in themed bags to grab on the way to the ceremony. It’s well worth the effort to know your crew is taken care of and comfortable.

 

3. Make a Splash with the Menu

When you invite guests to a beach-themed wedding, you take on full responsibility to squeeze as much lobster and shrimp as you can muster into the menu. As the clock strikes cocktail hour, put seafood platters front and center with scallops, lobster rolls, shrimp cocktail, or lobster mac n’ cheese bites. For the main entree, classic surf n’ turf is sure to please nearly every palate, or you can take care of all the food with one party-sized clambake.

 

Seafood Dinner for a Martha's Vineyard Beach-Themed Wedding

 

4. Anchor Your Decorations

If you’re having an outdoor reception, prepare to drop anchor for your decorations — wind is a wedding’s second most worst nightmare (after rain, of course). Secure glass centerpieces or candle holders with sand or rocks for a look that does double duty fitting the theme and making sure the look lasts all evening. Even fishing nets have more style potential and functionality than meets a wedding planner’s eye, adding a nautical nod to Martha’s Vineyard’s rich fishing history. Drape them over tables to play with texture or hang one on a wall to clothespin photos or table card numbers to.

 

Decorations for a Beach-Themed Wedding

 

5. Sail Away With the Perfect Favors

Send guests home with goodies that wrap up their experience and your theme in one shot. A fast track to an island lover’s heart? Giving them a taste of the Vineyard’s best flavors. Murdick’s Fudge will box up half slices of the fudge flavor of your choice, and a sprinkling of Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt on recipes will have guests reminiscing about your big day for meals to come.

 

To truly make your beach themed wedding authentic, gather up inspiration in-person with a visit to Edgartown. Even if we’re not the spot for your future wedding day accommodations, you just may fall in love with the idea of a honeymoon here.  

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