One of the best parts about a destination wedding is the ability to have your wedding and reception on the beach! After your ceremony is over, you and your closest family and friends can celebrate your love with food, drinks, music, and fun. But to make that party a reality, it requires some planning ahead of time. Here are a few ideas to take your imagination to a tropical place as you plan your beach wedding reception.

Get Creative With Decor

If ever there was a time to lean into the beach theme, it’s when you’re celebrating your love on a beautiful, sandy beach. There are a number of ways to include beach decor and themes in your reception. Whether you’re looking for fancy or casual, you can add an ocean flair.

Use Natural Beach Elements

Real Wedding Image by Susan Pacek Photography

Utilize natural elements from the ocean or beach in your decor. Seashells can make a beautiful name card for table settings. Shells and coral also make beautiful table decorations to complement or replace floral arrangements. Driftwood can add a rustic style while sea glass can bring the incredible colors from the ocean to your table.

Add Beach Vibes with Gear

Humans have been sailing, swimming, surfing, and playing in the ocean for centuries. Capture some of that fascination with a surfboard sign letting guests know where to find cocktails, food, and the dance floor. A fishing net can make a great backdrop for a photo booth.

Pick a Local Menu

When you are considering food and drinks to serve your guests at your reception, incorporate local options and favorites. For destination weddings, you’ll be looking for caterers in the area who can offer information about locally available ingredients and unique menu items. A beach wedding reception is a casual affair, so keep that in mind when choosing menu items. Stay away from heavy foods and stick with light, tasty treats that can be easily eaten. Fish tacos and seafood are a great choice when so close to the ocean. Use the Beach as Your Color Palette

Choose Your Colors

When considering the decor for your beach wedding and reception, colors will play a key role in establishing your theme and atmosphere.

Use Vibrant Colors for Accents

While deep, vibrant colors can make a big impact, using them too heavily for a beach event can feel heavy-handed. Instead, use bright colors for accents to make a big impact. Whether it’s using bright tropical red flowers in your floral arrangements or adding a forest green napkin to your table setting, accents of vibrant color can add a wow factor to your reception.

Use The Beach As Your Color Palette

You can’t go wrong with complementing the stunning views of the beach at your reception. The relaxing, beautiful environment is why you’re there, after all. But sticking with a sea-inspired palette doesn’t limit your opportunities to make an impact. Consider a light pink or pale blue wedding dress. Or channel the rich tones of sea glass with bright pops of turquoise.

Your beach wedding reception may feel stormy in the planning stages, but when your big day comes it’ll be an event you’ll remember for a lifetime. If you’d like help navigating the process of planning a destination wedding, I’d love to help.

Beach Wedding Reception Ideas