We recently booked a summer 2013 Nantucket wedding, which got me thinking about romances by the sea. So, this week’s wedding is inspired by sandy beaches, salty air, and everything nautical (photo below from Rue Magazine, shot by Jose Villa)

The color palette…

(boat photo from here, print from here)

The dress…

I’m loving the top dress’s subtle nod to soft waves making it the perfect fit for any seaside affair (photo via bustle events).  The bottom dress in my opinion is the ultimate, romantic starfish dress for a seaside wedding (photo found here).

The reception…

If you’re lucky enough to have a seaside wedding, a tent is a must in most places on the east coast. The only choice in our minds is a Sperry Tent! They are hands down the most beautiful tents available and extra special because there made from waterproof sailcloths.

The flowers…

We designed these flowers for a city wedding, but think that they’d translate very nicely under a tent and placed on wooden farmhouse tables. Keeping the color palette simple with creamy whites allows the scenery to really shine. There are touches of blue porcelain vine woven through the arrangement to compliment the color palette. Steer away from blue flowers as there are very few that you can find in the perfect hue. The bud vases are vintage and remind me of beautiful, battered sea glass you may find on the beach. Place collections of these on your cocktail tables for an added detail of flowers. The bride’s bouquet below follows the same thought process. Creamy whites with touches of blue/ green mini succulents makes for the perfect pairing. (all photos by weddings by two)

The details…

Writing your menu on an oar for your guests to read is genius. We suggest making a couple of them and have them hang on either side of the bar during cocktail hour. Remember by choosing blues and sea foam greens for your color palette does not mean you have to make big, bold statements of blue. Incorporating touches of blue and green hues in your glassware, table runner, or even in your paper goods is a perfect use of the colors. Leave your guests with a message in a bottle to take home letting them know how much it meant to you that they attended your wedding. Lastly, (and my favorite idea is to) hang these nautical inspired lights over the dinner tables and running the length of the tent to create the perfect warm, romantic glow under the tent.  (top photos found here and sign painted by leslie lewis sigler, bottom left photo found here and lights found here)

Escort cards can be made to resemble sailing flags with each couple’s names and table numbers written on them. Have a calligrapher handwrite each table number on these beautiful mirrors to be placed on each table.

The favor…

Guests often travel far and wide to make it to a wedding of a special friend or family member. If you’re going to give a favor, make sure it’s one with style, class, and purpose. This collection of items is the perfect gift to end a nautical affair! (photo found here)

Bon voyage!