The crisp classic flair of a nautical theme wedding is timeless.
Always appealing, classic, and elegant, it is hard to go wrong with this
inspiration for your wedding design. Get started on your wedding
planning by checking out these wonderful nautical wedding details.
 |
| photo credit: boards.weddingbee.com |
The
first place to begin when planning a nautical inspired wedding is by
selecting an appropriate location. Without a doubt, a venue by the sea
would be best. A yacht club would be particularly good, as would an
outdoor setting overlooking a harbor or the ocean. Of course, if you
live in a landlocked area, many other wedding venues can be decorated
with a nautical theme, including country clubs, backyards, and other
outdoor sites.
 |
| photo credit: whiteweddingeventsblog.blogspot.it |
 |
| photo credit: blog.weddingwire.com |
It would seem virtually impossible to plan a
nautical wedding without including the color navy in your color palette,
so why fight it? Add a bright white and apple green for a fresh modern
take on nautical design, or add red and dashes of yellow to the navy for
a very traditional nautical palette. The overall look of the wedding
decor should be very crisp and streamlined. Stripes, solids, and one or
two nautical motifs will be ideal.
 |
| photo credit: trendvee.com |
Some of the best nautical
motifs include anchors, sailboats, nautical flags, compasses, and ships'
wheels (and maybe whales for the ultra-preppy bride and groom!). Pick
one or two of these motifs to focus on, rather than jumbling up a whole
bunch of them. It will lend the wedding design more clarity and
precision. Be wary of adding too many shells, sand dollar, or starfish
elements to your nautical wedding, lest it blend into the more generic
beach wedding theme. Think regatta, not just seashore. Once you have
your signature wedding motif selected, you can carry it throughout the
entire wedding, from the invitations to the menu cards to the favors.
 |
| photo credit: jessicalynn402.blogspot.com |
Classic
flowers work best for a nautical wedding. If you have selected a green
and navy color palette, the obvious choice is green hydrangeas. They
make beautiful bouquets, gorgeous ceremony decorations, and stunning
centerpieces - how perfect and easy is that? White roses and white
tulips would be other great flower choices. If you have opted for red
and yellow accents to the nautical navy, tightly gathered bouquets of
red tulips or round nosegays of yellow button mums would be ideal. Wrap
the stems with navy and white grosgrain ribbon secured with pearl tipped
pins in a straight row down the handle.
 |
| photo credit: ruffledblog.com |
 |
| photo credit: rusticweddingchic.com |
The wedding attire for a
nautical wedding will naturally be crisp and classic, without being too
formal or stuffy. An A-line bridal gown is ideal, in a fabric like silk
mikado, organza, faille, or silk pique. This is not the time for the
poufy satin ballgown with tons of beading! Add a peal necklace and
simple fresh makeup to complete the look. As for the bridesmaids, knee
length strapless dresses in navy would be just about perfect. If you
want, a patterned dress would also be a great option, either in a
nautical motif (think Vineyard Vines) or a striped design in your
wedding colors. Once again, the classic pearl necklace is ideal to
complete the effect. The groom and groomsmen will look great in navy
jackets with khaki trousers (or red one if your wedding is on
Nantucket). Choose striped ties or ones with a nautical theme to
complement the bridesmaid dresses. Another great option for the guys is
khaki suits.
 |
| photo credit: burnettsboards.com |
Finish off your nautical theme wedding with an eye
for details. Little touches like lanterns on the reception tables,
sailor's knots, and mini sailboats for escort cards will bring your
theme to life without going overboard (pardon the pun). The understated
elegance of a nautical theme is always beautiful for a wedding, whether
you and your groom are seasoned sailors or total landlubbers.
