How To Create a Beach Themed Wedding on a Budget

For those who have worked with me know that I LOVE planning summer beach themed weddings. Not that I don’t like planning and executing all types of wedding, I do, but there is just something about summer weddings that bring out a hidden passion in me which gives me sleepless nights just thinking about the outcome...very exciting! So with that said, I have done a few research, plus those from my own experiences working with beach brides on ways to have that dream summer wedding without breaking the bank.

Now we all know that you would like nothing more than whisking off all your love ones to Figi, or Aruba or Jamaica but I am going to show you ways to have that same island feeling right there in your back yard.

Ok so first up…what do we all associate with the beach?..That’s right-shells, sand and pebbles. Sea shells can be used in a variety of ways to bring about that beach feeling and they are cheap and easily found. Just visit your local dollar store or art and craft store where you will find pebbles, sand …all the things you can find on the beach at very affordable prices. The shells can be used as candles,(I have written an article in a previous post on making sea shell candles), used as appetizer holders, they can be decorated and used as favors or they can be used as a bouquet…yes, a bouquet! I have stumbled across this site shelloutlet.com where they have numerous ideas in using sea shells to create that beach theme at your wedding and they have this fabulous bouquet that you can decorate in whatever color. Not only will you have that “pop” effect, but it will also be a very unique use of sea shells which will definitely impress your guests. The sand and pebbles can also be found in a variety of colors. I once found in the dollar store an array of colored sand which worked well for my bride. If you can’t find the colors you need, just buy the plain sand and the coloring powder of your choice and there you have it…yellow sand, blue sand…the possibilities are endless!!

Next, invitations. Your invitations set the theme for your wedding, so if you want a beach themed event, visit your local art and craft store (can you tell that this is one of my favorite places?!)and there you can find all different types of textured paper and accessories to create that unique invitation. With a few craft items such as glue and pencils, you can let your imagination flow as you create the invitation that best suits your personality. I once had a bride who used the same shells she used as favors, glued to her invitations, and with fancy lettering, created one of the most beautiful invitations I have ever seen. Another got the color paper she was using for her wedding theme, and with the use of a computer program like Microsoft Publisher, she was able to use unique lettering to create a beautiful invitation.

The food is another component of your wedding that you can create on a tight budget yet still bring about that beach feeling. Think heat and the ways of cooling down. Not ice-cream (though you could have if you so wish) but sorbets and snow cones as something the guests can munch on during your “cocktail” hour. Or shrimp cocktail. Visit your local fish monger (tell them it’s for your wedding and you will more than likely get a discount!) or famers market where you can get these in bulk at affordable prices, then visit (again!) your dollar store or your local department store for unique looking glasses and decorations to display them in. Think of a favorite drink you had when you visited the islands, or something that sounds tropical and create a signature cocktail, instead of having an open bar. I am thinking Jamaican Rum and watermelon twist or your take on a long island iced tea, mint mojitos…..anything with an island feel to it. Chilled soups are also a favorite among budget conscious brides as well as fresh fruits…think mangoes, pineapples, kiwis….those that have an island feeling to them!

Your decor is another element which can bring about that beach feeling. Paper lanterns, twinkle lights, palm trees (fake of course!), water centerpieces (such a floating candles or flower petals in a bowl or gold fish (yes real ones) with your favorite flowers), parasols (try hanging these instead of paper lanterns!), hand fans uniquely decorated for your guests…these all can give you that pop effect. And don’t forget the music….a mariachi band, a soca band or a mixed CD complied with your favorite Bob Marley songs can put you right in the midst of the islands!

So, there you have it. A few simple ways to bring about that beach feeling at your wedding and all these ideas are very affordable. Incorporate them in your wedding and I guarantee your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come!.....Stay tuned for more tips and ideas!

XOXO! Tammy

Home Made Sea Shell Candles

With summer still in full swing, what better way to save on your summer themed wedding than with home made sea shell candles? Whether you are having your nuptials on the beach or in your back yard with a beach theme, I think these will be a beautiful and cost saving addition to your celebrations. I found them on Martha Stewart's website and came with instructions on how to make them, so here goes......

1. First of all, you will need parafin wax (soy is excellent if you can get it and they come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the color that best match your theme), sea shells (scallops, clams or quahogs are best because they last longer), wicking thread, metal wick holder and a boiler. All these can be found at your local art and craft store.

2. Clean shells in a weak solution of bleach and water and let air dry. Melt parafin wax in the top of a double boiler. Cut the wicking to 2-3 inches, and attach the metal wick holder-set aside.

3. Pour melted wax in shell, then place the wicker and holder in the bottom of the shell-be careful, remember it is hot!. Let cool for 30 mins.

4. You can also use tea lights, as a short method and just change as required especially if you are going to keep them around after the wedding!