Beach Wedding Reception Ideas

Not everyone is able to have their wedding on the beach, even though they might like to. If a couple is in, say, Iowa, a beach wedding might just be too much for the budget. That does not mean that the beach can not be the theme of the wedding reception, though. Here are a few tips on how to have beach wedding far from the shore.

If you want a beach theme for your reception, check to make sure that the location you have booked can accommodate it. There should not be a problem as long as you aren't planning to bring in truckloads of sand. They may even be able to help in locating some items to help with the beach theme, like colorful nets and artificial palm trees. If you have a beverage bar, it can be set up to look like the beverage bars on some beaches.

Anything you would find on a beach can be used for decoration. Ice buckets can be plastic sand pails, for instance. Large conch shells can be incorporated into centerpieces for the tables. Beach balls and inflatable sea horses can be placed around the room and suspended from the ceiling. Whatever you can imagine finding at a beach can be used.

There are great wedding favors possible with a beach theme, too. One great idea is a blue gel candle with seashells in the bottom and fish or seahorses suspended in the middle. I bit of netting tied in a bow at the top of the candle would set it off perfectly.

Another wedding favor that would be wonderful for a beach reception is a scallop shell with a picture of the couple and their names and wedding date on it. The shells can be attached to a stand that allows them to stand up nicely. By extending the front of the stand and having a slot made in it, it can also serve as a wonderful place card holder. Your guests will be enchanted by favors like these.

If your reception is to be held in the evening, everything can be geared toward a night on the beach with candles in holders to resemble tiki torches. It can be very romantic to have a full moon on a wall as though it were just coming up. The opposite wall could have a mural of the beach with moonlight glistening on the water.

The music at the wedding reception can all be beach themed music, too. For dancing, the Beach Boys would be great. When there is no dancing, there could be sound effects of the waves gently coming ashore and seagulls calling. This would all play quietly in the background, adding to the nautical effect.

Finally, though you may be too far from the beach to actually be there, you can still have your beach themed wedding reception indoors any time of year. Just use a bit of imagination and have fun with it. It will make for a fun memory in years to come.