Summer 2021: San Diego By The Sea
Beach weddings are alluring for more reasons than one. First and foremost, there’s definitely something to be said about being out in the open in a romantic oceanfront setting while the wind and waves sing their praises over your union. Then there are all the fun vacation-esque decor, food, and cocktails!
Unlike traditional weddings in a church or community hall, beach weddings call those who thrive in comfortable shorts and sand between their toes. Summer 2021 is all about these San Diego beach weddings. Bringing the party to the seashore, or vice versa is all the rage! Check out all these beachy-beautiful trends couples are using to bring the vibe to their weddings!
Make Waves With The Invites!
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
Sea-inspired invitations will undoubtedly get your guests excited for the upcoming bash. These fun invites allude to the beach venue and hint at the event’s colorful ’60s theme. Minted did their invitations and Paperie, and we are so impressed with this gorgeous watercolor work that flowed throughout their event!
Vacation-Vibe Centerpieces and Tablescape
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Bohemian details feel right at home at beachside weddings. We’re obsessed with the distressed white paint paired with these incredible straw chargers. Amber-toned glassware, stoneware plates, gilded metallic accents, and a sheer, rust-hued runner complete the aesthetic.
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum | Goblets and Napkins by Hostess Haven.
Be inspired by the sea when choosing your tableware. Try incorporating subtle details, such as plates featuring an embossed starfish and seashell design for your guests. This couple kept with the beach theme using similar watercolor-designed menus, table numbers, and escort cards. The deep blue of their water goblets effortlessly tied into the aesthetic as well.
Another way to bring the ocean to your tabletop is to include natural Beachwood, sea glass, soft candlelight. These blue runners are a great way to balance the contrast of the dark polished tabletop and the unfinished natural wood.
Light and Breasey Wedding Ensembles
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
Relaxed, Bright, and Beautiful! Stay cool on your wedding day, and think about opting for beach-friendly options. An easy-breezy dress of lace or a flowy skirt will look fabulous and beach-ready, but if your heart is set on something more modern or has heavy fabric, think about finding a second dress for the reception!
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
This bridal party looked so polished in their soft gray and slate attire. When choosing styles and colors for your bridal party, we recommend this versatile gray for the groomsmen and a flowing floor-length skirt for the bridesmaids.
Ocean-Inspired Signature Drinks and Food
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
It’s not a full-fledged beach theme until your guests can actually taste the ocean. Try incorporating a seaside theme into all components of your celebration, including cocktails and food. This will offer an in-depth vacation experience for your guests naturally found by the beach.
Rachel + Mike | Aldous Photo | San Diego Rowing Club
This elegant cake is ready for its seaside debut! Adorned with gold-painted shells and pearls—we love the organic approach– this cake topper was hand-made by the bride for her special day.
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What’s a beach theme without coconuts? Go all out and treat your guests to delicious signature coconut-based cocktails, or keep it real with coconut water, served in coconuts engraved with your names, the wedding date, or a hashtag. Bonus: They make the best photo prop.
Water-Front Ceremony and Themed Decor
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
You’ll need to tweak your décor to suit the outdoors, especially in windy locations. This means you may want to think twice about super lavish flowers, towering candles, and even windy ribbons and balloons, which may end up getting blown away by the wind. Use sturdy décor and avoid breakable items. Anything you can’t live without (like name tags, photos, etc.), secure with adhesive, or place something heavier on top to hold them down.
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
With a view this magnificent, you’ll want nothing to get in the way, but a minimalist ceremonial backdrop may be in order. The structure creates the perfect frame for the newlyweds’ vows while leaving the sweeping oceanic vista free from obstruction. Monstera leaves, palm fronds, orchids, pampas grass, and white king proteas can finish off the look.
Phoebe + John | Alyssa Boynton Photography | Scripps Seaside Forum
In terms of flowers, you also want to make sure you choose varieties that stand up well against high temperatures that won’t wilt before the ceremony even begins. Orchids, roses, and calla lilies are always up for a beach day, but there are unexpected options, like poppies, that could better fit your overall look!
Woven baskets are a surefire win for a beachy theme. These gorgeous basket lanterns keep with the vibe and maintain the airiness of the venue without weighing everything down.
You can have nautical touches at your wedding even if there’s no beach in sight. These sea glass escort cards are beautiful and unique to each guest! You’ve heard of farm-to-table, but what about sea-to-table? Set into a simple gold picture frame and resting on the sand, they’re the perfect beachy wedding detail to bring the ocean right to your plate.
Planner & Designer @k.sageevents | Venue @franciscangardens | Photographer @emmahopp
Give yourself and your guests the VIP treatment with these chic dining cabanas! The billowy curtains and box frames of these dividers take us back to private poolside resorts, and we can’t get enough.
Final Tips!
While you can’t fight nature’s elements, you can be aware of them and plan accordingly with safeguards, like the following:
- Carefully time the event, being mindful of that midday heat!
- Consider the wind (especially when decorating with candles or open flames).
- Go for a lighter wedding dress, or have a reception outfit in mind.
- Look into using airbrush makeup.
- Schedule touch-ups for hair halfway through the event.
- Ensure guests stay hydrated and refreshed.
- Have a contingency plan for rain.
