Life's A Beach (Or, Your Wedding Can Be)

Who isn't dreaming of the sand and surf this time of year? We've caught the beach bug over here, especially after looking at some of these great photos. With images like this, how could we not be inspired to do a barefoot-in-the-sand entry?

All Images: Stehlik Photography

Give your guests the right first impression of your beach celebration. Beach Blanket invitations from Elum Designs give's guests a bright preview of your wedding, and are made from tree-free, 100% post-industrial waste cotton rag papers and soy based inks. 

Image: Elum Designs

A ceremony on the beach is so full of natural beauty that you're guaranteed a lovely setting without any additional decoration. But if you did want to add something, a canopy or chuppah embellished with palm fronds, or other local, seasonal flowers and plants would make a beautiful addition. Instead of using a traditional (and wasteful!) throw-away aisle runner, sprinkle flower petals in the sand to create your aisle.

Image: Stehlik Photography

Continue taking advantage of the gorgeous beach scenery by having your reception there, too. You can also cut down on your wedding's footprint by having your ceremony and reception at the same location, which avoids having all those guests drive from one place to another.

Image: Stehlik Photography

Adding beach elements to your florals is a creative way to enhance your theme and cut down on the amount of flowers you use. (Check out more ways to incorporate natural elements and use fewer flowers with no less style here.)

Image: Rosenow Floral Design

Image: Stehlik Photography

Don't stop at the flowers! Beach elements can add charm and elegance to all of your wedding decor. After you've asked your baker to use local, organic ingredients, discuss how to incorporate seaside colors and embellishments to your cake, like these:

Image: Studio 1923

Image: Stehlik Photography

Make a splash with creative seating "cards," table decor, and centerpieces. If you have the flair for calligraphy, these sand dollars make great DIY seating pieces, and, since they are personalized, are a great decorative keepsake to remind your guests of your special day.

Image: Studio 1923

Some sand, plus starfish or shells and soy or beeswax candles in reusable, borrowed, or purchased-and-donated-after-the-wedding glass bowls equals charming and eco-friendly centerpieces.

Image: Stehlik Photography

Driftwood has that beachy feel as well, and when paired with some flowers, can brighten up your table decor.

Image: Poppy's Petalworks

The best way to gather these natural beach elements for your wedding would be to spend some romantic pre-wedding time with your significant other on the beach collecting them from the sand. If you lack the time to do so, or you are having a destination wedding at the beach but don't live near one, consider a company like US Shell and purchase these decor pieces. They have an environmental policy that assures buyers that their shells, starfish, and other products are collected in a way that does not infringe on the eco-system from which they come.