Whether you’re sailing mad or just love a little relaxing at the beach, a nautical wedding is a great way to incorporate your likes and hobbies into your wedding. This fun theme is perfect for a destination or beach wedding, or if you're just hoping to add a dash of vitamin sea to your day. From food to place cards, we've got some top tips for how to make your nautical wedding a success.
1. Location
This is an obvious one, but if you’re going for a nautical theme, the closer to the sea the better! There are so many beautiful beachside venues in the UK, so you can smell the sea air while exchanging your vows. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a cliff-top reception venue, why not choose a coastal church to get your fix of vitamin sea?
2. Tie the knot - literally!
A fisherman’s knot is said to be the strongest out there - so why not incorporate it into your ceremony? You and your partner could tie a fisherman’s knot after saying your vows to symbolise the strength of your love, and it’s also a great way to make exchanging your vows a little more personal and original.
3. Props
There are infinite nautical wedding props out there, and it’s the perfect way to create some funny marine inspired photos for you and your guests! If you’re having a photobooth, you can fill it with all manner of sea life treasures, from buoys to fishing nets - ask your guests to get creative.
4. Colour scheme
Incorporating blue into your colour scheme is a great way to give your wedding day a nautical theme. Have your bridesmaids wear navy blue and chose some blue toned flowers for your bouquet. Your groom and groomsmen can wear blue suits (find out what colour your groom should be wearing here), too.
5. Centrepieces and place cards
Centrepieces and place cards are a great way to get creative, and an easy way to introduce any theme into your reception. For a nautical wedding, choose wooden sail boats, rope and knots or shells. You can also incorporate nautical fabrics as tablecloths and napkins, and make sure to have plenty of anchors hanging around!
6. Guest book alternatives
Brides and grooms are always looking for ways to put their own stamp on traditional guest books, and there are some great nautical versions out there. Why not get your hands on a wooden anchor like this one and leave a few sharpies next to it for your guests to leave a personal message? We also love this great “message in a bottle” guest book idea, you’ll have great fun reading them all back after the wedding.
7. Food
A nautical wedding is a great excuse for a fish and seafood menu. Choose your favourite crustaceans for starter, a great fish for main, and cover your cake with nautical decorations. If you’re hiring a coastal reception venue, why not choose a local seafood speciality for your starter?
If you still need more inspiration, check out our ‘Land Ahoy’ Pinterest board!
Photo credits: Pinterest.