Guide to Styling Beach Weddings 🌊💍

Beach weddings are dreamy — soft sand, gentle waves, and that relaxed, barefoot vibe. But styling them takes a little planning to make sure everything looks beautiful and survives the elements. With a few tips and tricks, you can create a ceremony that’s effortless, memorable, and picture-perfect.

DIY Styling Tips

• Arbour Setup: Choose sturdy materials and light, wind-friendly draping. High-quality artificial flowers help décor stay intact even if the breeze picks up.

• Aisle & Pathway Décor: Think shells, lanterns, or petals to create a simple but stylish walkway.

• Guest Comfort: Fans, umbrellas, or lightweight blankets can help guests feel comfortable during the ceremony.

• Photography-Friendly Placement: Position your arbour so the sun or sunset is behind you — it adds a beautiful glow to your photos.

• Footwear Advice: Encourage guests to wear sandals or flats; you could even provide a small basket of flip-flops for comfort.

• DIY Flowers: Tropical blooms or hardy greenery work well in sand and sun. Artificial flowers are a great backup for long-lasting colour.

  
  

This beach styling and florals were beautifully created by Jess from Boujee Haus — the lush clear plinths and florals really show how thoughtful design makes a beach ceremony feel magical.

Common Mistakes Couples Make ⚠️

• Ignoring the Weather: Wind, sun, or rain can dramatically affect your setup. Always have a plan for shade or shelter.

• Overcrowding the Arbour: Too many flowers or décor can make the arbour look heavy and cluttered. Less is often more.

• Neglecting Stability: A wobbly arbour or loose decorations can be unsafe and distracting.

• Not Thinking About Foot Traffic: Beach paths can be uneven — make sure guests can walk comfortably without tripping over décor.

Quick DIY Hacks for Stunning Results 💡

• Weighted Décor: Use sandbags, rocks, or weighted containers to keep your arbour and aisle decorations in place.

• Reusable Décor: Artificial flowers and reusable vases or lanterns can double as home décor after the wedding.

• Layered Fabrics: Draping two or three lightweight fabrics creates a soft, flowing look that moves beautifully in the breeze.

• DIY Signage: Wooden or acrylic signs with your names or quotes add a personalised touch to the ceremony setup.

Pro Tips from Experienced Wedding Stylists ✨

• Mix Real & Artificial Flowers: Use fresh bouquets for ceremony photos, and artificial flowers for your arbour or aisle to keep everything looking perfect all day.

• Consider the Tide: Time your ceremony around low tide for the best beach backdrop and extra space.

• Think About Shade: Even a small pop-up tent or parasol can protect guests and décor from harsh sun.

• Photography First: Plan your arbour and aisle layout with photos in mind — consider where the light hits and what’s in the background.

Quick Tip

Many couples combine real and artificial flowers — real bouquets for ceremony photos, with artificial flowers on the arbour or aisle to keep everything looking perfect.

For more inspiration on creating a stunning beach ceremony, see our wedding arbour styling tips.