A seashore wedding reception is fun and casual, but still romantic.
Whether you live along the coast or in a big city, a seashore-themed wedding reception is within your reach. Any indoor locale can be transformed into a beach paradise. Invite your guests to travel to the tropics as you surround them with your favorite island decor, favors and of course food. A seashore reception can be simple and affordable, with a fun ambiance that will be talked about for years to come.
Decorations
There are many ways to decorate for a beach wedding, with one popular option taking a cue from the Hawaiian islands. Leis, hibiscus flowers and ukuleles adorn this reception hall, sometimes complete with tiki torches and hula lessons. However, there are other directions to take when it comes to decorating for your reception. If you love the whimsical feel of mermaids and dolphins, incorporate them into your reception with small details like dolphin napkin rings or silverware with blue and green jewel-toned handles. Scatter faux starfish on the table and add some sand and aquarium gems to make a stunning centerpiece. A nautical theme is also an ideal choice -- decorating with rope, nets and anchors. Line the reception hall with Coast Guard flags spelling out a phrase of your choosing.
Favors
Miniature figurines of sea life -- turtles, starfish, seahorses, fish and dolphins -- make great and simple favors. Tiny bottles of sunscreen are a fun way to gift your guests if you are having an outdoor reception. Other ideas include flower leis, flip-flop key chains or even miniature thank-you notes placed inside little bottles, giving each guest a message in a bottle favor to read at the reception.
Cake
Choose a layer cake with white, light blue or sea-foam green frosting. Decorate with shells, hibiscus flowers or miniature fondant fish. Use a model boat or tiny lighthouse as a cake topper. With the right bakery, some cakes can even be shaped into a surfboard, a boat or even a big wave coming into shore. You can replace the traditional wedding cake with the more informal cupcake tower, topping each cupcake with cocktail umbrellas or tiny sugar decorations such as starfish or swim suits.
Food
Traditional Hawaiian food, including a roasted pig, poi and sweet rolls, and a coconut- or pineapple-flavored wedding cake will create a menu guests will enjoy. You can also go the more traditional route of a beach bonfire cookout, complete with s'mores as favors or an alternate dessert. A nautical theme invites a more delicate buffet of finger sandwiches, salads, platters of fruit and cheese, and a lightly flavored champagne. Of course, there is a diverse array of seafood options from a crab feed to fancy fine-dining fish dishes to be enjoyed.
Tags: cake with, complete with, hibiscus flowers, nautical theme, reception hall, wedding cake, wedding reception