How to Decorate for a Beach Wedding Reception
Beach-themed wedding receptions are light-hearted, free-spirited, casual affairs that allow guests to feel comfortable and increase the potential activities that will keep your reception moving and your guests entertained. Decoration costs can be nearly free, depending on how much use you make of driftwood and found objects from local beaches. You may have to buy some of your shells, nets and other items, but a beach-themed wedding reception will still be less costly and easier to set up and tear down than other themes.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 bag play sand per table One 3 inch diameter mini sand pail per guest 1 large handful of sea shells per table 1 pound dinner mints per table 1 pound chocolate kisses per table 1 pair dollar store sunglasses per guest 2 12-inch fashion doll size beach chairs 2 12-inch fashion dolls dressed as bride and groom 2 pounds sand for head table White glue Fishing nets or minnow nets White spray paint, clear glitter Sand dollar stencil Conch shell stencil Balloons, curling ribbon Helium machine Hibiscus or other tropical flowers 2-foot-long piece of floral foam Steel drum band CD Beach chairs 1 bright colored bath sheet size beach towel per table Hot glue gun, glue sticks
Instructions
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Determine the size of your hall, your desired table placement and how you want people to flow between tables, dance floor, bar and rest rooms. This is especially important for a buffet-style reception, as people will move around more. Decide how many tables you need and how many seats will be at each table. Most round tables seat 8 to 10 guests, most oblongs seat 10 to 12. Be sure the head table is large enough to seat the entire bridal party.
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Spray fishermen's nets with white spray paint, then sprinkle with clear glitter. You will need 4 to 10 nets, depending on the size of your hall.
Nets can be hung straight down from the ceiling, tacked to the walls at random angles, or filled with seashell stenciled balloons and hung from the ceiling for a balloon drop. Add a rip cord to make the nets fall and release the balloons when desired. A good time to do this is just after the bride and groom finish their first dance. Do not use helium in balloon that are to be dropped.
Stick shells and driftwood in the nets hung on the walls.
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Use large, colorful bath sheet sized towels as table coverings. Use one for each round table and two or more for the head table, depending on length. Oblong tables may need two towels each. Hang additional beach towels on the walls at random angles.
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Make a centerpiece for the head table. Cover a 1 to 2 foot long piece of floral foam with a mixture of sand and white glue to look like a sand dune. While sand mixture is still wet, arrange two fashion doll sized beach chairs, hibiscus flowers, seashells and driftwood in whichever way pleases your eye. Place a bride or groom fashion doll in each chair. If needed, use a hot glue gun to secure all pieces to the floral foam. Place centerpiece on beach towel-draped head table. Scatter table with additional sand, seashells, driftwood and hibiscus flowers.
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Sprinkle guest tables with sand and arrange a handful of seashells on each. Place a 3-inch diameter mini pail at each place setting, set upright on the dinner plate. Fill each pail with dinner mints and chocolate kisses. Hang a pair of dollar store sunglasses from each pail.
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Inflate helium balloons for chair decoration and for a head table balloon bouquet. Helium machines can be purchased at local discount department stores for under $25, or they can be rented from a party supply store. For additional atmosphere, have a CD of steel drum band music playing in the background as your guests arrive and during dinner.
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Tips & Warnings
Substitute a pair of colorful dollar store flip flops for the beach pails if desired. Place candy in squares of nylon netting tied with curling ribbon and use hot melt glue gun to secure to one of the flip flops.
