Professional Beach-Themed Wedding Decor

Breezy beach-themed weddings are on the rise. And there's no secret in their allure. White sand between your toes, fresh salt breezes and fizzy island drinks can make your special day a tropical adventure. Plan your wedding at the shore and you'll enjoy a wonderful fantasy ceremony.

But what about the reception? Even outdoor receptions call for a little bit of decoration. Centerpieces, those beautiful arrangements that adorn reception tables, are always appreciated. The conundrum lies in creating an ocean centerpiece that shines like the foam on the horizon.

If your reception menu will feature the bounty of the sea, consider displaying the appetizers on cake stands and silver chargers. Oysters on the half-shell, sushi and cocktail shrimp are perfect. But even canapés can become an edible masterpiece when arranged among shells and stones.

Fun finds like ships-in-bottles and sea turtle sculptures draw the eye nicely and convey a sweet, informal air. If you'd like to create a more complex, elegant centerpiece, consider the designs below. They are inexpensive and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Life's a Beach

With so many nautical weddings today, seashells are really hogging the spotlight. Use them sparingly in this centerpiece, and focus instead on another watery beauty.

Supplies:

Large glass bowls or vases (1-2 per table)

Aquarium gravel, optional

Aquarium plants, optional

Betta fish (1 per bowl)

Craft sand

Smooth river rocks

Sea glass

Seashells

Arrange the containers and fill with distilled water. Add gravel and plants, if desired. When the water is room-temperature, add fish. Sprinkle lines of sand along the table and add river stones, sea glass, and shells.

Make it Easy:
While bettas can be more expensive than other fish, they are truly made for this centerpiece. Their bright colors and ethereal fins are enchanting. They are also very tolerant of water that isn't aerated, which means they will survive in these bowls for much longer than goldfish.

It's Plain to Sea

Tropical-themed weddings don't have to have garish centerpieces. If your style is simplicity, and your budget realistic, this might be the look you've been fishing for.

Supplies:

Tall pillar candles (1-2 per table)

Shorter pillar candles (2-6 per table)

Pieces of white coral (2-6 per table)

Small sand dollars

White craft sand

Iridescent glitter

Arrange the candles on each table, loosely grouping a tall pillar with 2-3 shorter pillars. In the spaces between the candles, add the coral. Mix the sand and glitter. Sprinkle in a row down the center of each table. Spread the sand dollars along the sand line.

Make it Easy:
Having trouble finding real coral? Look for plastic coral at the pet shop and spray-paint it white, or even silver.

Sources: personal experience.