55 Ways to Get a Little Nautical on Your Wedding Day

1. Escort Life Preservers: Easily up-cycle life preservers into escort cards with just a little bit of paint. This escort card display elegantly doubles as a piece of bold wall-art (or even a photo booth backdrop) for the guests to enjoy. (via 100 Layer Cake)

2. Tying the Knot: Tie the knot on your wedding day — literally! A fisherman’s knot is said to be the strongest knot out there. We love the idea of adding this sweet sailor tradition to your wedding ceremony for nautical (and romantic) flair. (via Rose Ala Mode)

3. Beachside Bride: This beachy boho wedding inspiration is ideal for an non-traditional bride. We absolutely adore the soft simplicity of this wedding gown paired with the unique sea star crown. Of course, the beach makes the best backdrop. (via Burnetts Boards)

4. Bow Hair + Dress: A perfectly preppy look can be a fun way to style your wedding day. We can’t take our eyes off this bold-backed bow dress in a deep shade of blue, and don’t even get us started on that amazing hair style! (via Ruffled Blog)

5. Bright Blue Napkin Table Setting: Give your guests something to gasp over when they reach their reception tables with a beautiful table setting. These bold blue napkins add a serious pop of oceanic color to your reception tables. (via Grey Likes Weddings)

6. Geometric Dessert Table: Every guest’s favorite part of the wedding? The dessert table, of course! The nautical color scheme of blue and gold gives this dessert table major sophistication, while the geometric theme keeps the look fun and simple. (via Ruffled Blog)

7. Barefoot on the Dock: A casual nautical wedding lets you kick your shoes off and have a good time. We love these candid wedding day photos of the bride and groom dockside! (via Modernly Wed)

8. Blue + Gold Champagne Bottles: What would a wedding be without champagne? We love the gold and glittery upgrade to these beautiful blue champagne bottles. These guys prove that it really is all in the details on your wedding day. (via Ruffled Blog)

9. Sparkly Blue Bridesmaid Dresses: There is a major wedding trend a-brewing for all you brides out there — mismatched bridesmaids dresses. What’s even better? Mismatched GLITTER dresses! This collection of navy sparkle bridesmaid dresses look sensational next to your classic wedding dress and mimics the shimmer of the sea. Perfect. (via Once Wed)

10. Message in a Bottle: If you’re into whimsical traditions, a message in a bottle can be a cute way to capture the beauty of your big day. Whether it’s your vows or a message to the groom, let your love loose into the sea with this unique wedding day idea. (via Ruffled Blog)

11. Sailboat Centerpiece: Who would have thought a mini model boat could make the perfect centerpiece? This wooden sailboat with embroidered sails makes a classy centerpiece for a nautical wedding day. (via Ruffled Blog)

12. Pink + Blue Macaroons: We think that macaroons are quite possibly the chicest dessert ever, don’t you agree? We love the color combination of these sweet treats for a preppy nautical wedding dessert! (via Grey Likes Weddings)

13. Nautical Wedding Head Table: It’s your wedding day, so all eyes should be on you, right? This elaborate head table, complete with cascading flowers and a velvet bench, ensures that people wont be looking anywhere else during your nautical-themed wedding reception. (via Inspired By This)

14. Preppy Striped Table: Nothing says preppy quite like stripes! A blue and white striped tablecloth is an easy way to add a subtle yet striking pattern into your wedding day decor. (via Style Me Pretty)

15. Sailboat Bride Photo: So you’re ready to sail away into the sunset with the love of your life? Show off your love for the sea with a beachy, sailboat bridal photography session on your wedding day. (via Style Me Pretty)

16. Sailboat Cake Toppers: Take your cake from average to awesome with one little detail — sailboat cake toppers! These little boats turn a plain white cake into a nautical bride’s dream dessert! (via Stephanie Hunter)

17. Dockside Bridesmaids: Where do we even start? From the dockside location to the sailor-esque dresses to the bold red accents and ribboned flowers, we cannot get enough of this nautical bridal party. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

18. Nautical Pennant Cupcakes: Do you love cupcakes as much as we do? Then skip the cake and feature these delish desserts at your wedding reception. Give them a bit of nautical flair by topping with easy-to-DIY ocean hued pennants. (via Bayside Bride)

19. Pastel Bridesmaids by the Water: Pretty pastels can give your seaside wedding a soft and sentimental feel. These soft-hued bridesmaid dresses may be just the style you’re looking for if you’re planning to spend your wedding day on the water. (via Something Turquoise)

20. Beach Reception Table: What could be more nautical than a wedding reception on the beach? Get inspired to plan your own destination wedding with this sweet table setting for two. (via Ruffled Blog)

21. Drink Boat: Store your drinks nautical-style on your wedding day! Give an old canoe new life with a little bit of ice and a whole lot of drinks to keep your bar afloat during your festive wedding reception. (via Style Me Pretty)

22. Nautical Nantucket Engagement Photos: All aboard this amazing engagement photo shoot! If you’re planning a nautical wedding, kick off the festivities with your engagement photos on a vintage wooden sailboat — what could be more romantic than sailing into the sunset with your sweetie? (via Style Me Pretty)

23. “Just Hitched” Rope Sign: Announce your big news to the world in nautical fashion with this DIY rope sign. This easy project is a must-make in preparation for your wedding day. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

24. Love is the Compass of Life: Little details like this compass and nautical love quote can complete the look for your themed wedding. Find inspiration to personalize your wedding day to make it special for all involved! (via Style Me Pretty)

25. Marine Rope Wedding Shoot: Incorporating bright white boat rope into your bridal beauty look can be a fun way to tie in your nautical theme. This simple knotted rope headband looks absolutely gorgeous.(via Belle & Chic)

26. Simple Floral Cake: If you’re hoping to design a wedding cake that will make a major statement on your wedding day, think floral! Adding a mini floral bouquet to your bright white wedding cake can add a classy punch of personality! (via Style Me Pretty)

27. Driftwood Sailboat Escort Cards: All you DIY wedding planners out there will love this simple escort card inspiration! A piece of driftwood becomes a mini sailboat to help guide your guests to their seat. Functional, easy and cute are three of our favorite qualities in wedding details! (Stephanie Hunter)

28. Elaborate Dock Reception Table: This setting says it all. A dock and a multitude of sailboats are an amazing backdrop for a single wedding reception table. Go all out with elaborate table decor to dress up your outdoor reception. (via The Bridal Detective)

29. Rustic Anchor Dessert Table: We love this rustic take on the typical nautical wedding theme! The aged bricked provides a unique backdrop for this simple dessert table. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

30. Sunset Sail Engagement Photos: A beach-inspired engagement shoot lets you announce your nuptials in a nautical way. The bright detailing on the sail adds just the right amount of color to this dreamy photo shoot. (via Wed Society)

31. Nautical Wooden Sign: We know that this vintage sign would be easy for any of our makers to create. Add nautical details to your wedding with this anchor sign inspiration, then glam it up with a glittery tablecloth. (via Style Me Pretty)

32. White Lace Bridesmaid Dresses: These days the bride isn’t the only one who gets to wear white! We love these lacy white bridesmaid dresses for a subtle, non-traditional bridesmaid style that stands out against your seaside location. (via Magnolia Rouge)

33. Nautical Knot Placeholder: Make your placeholders a little knotty with this easy inspiration for decking out your tables. Pair simple stationary with gorgeous script font with these place holders for a truly sea-inspired place setting. (via Style Me Pretty)

34. Flower Girl Anchor Dress: If you’re going full-fledged nautical with your wedding day style, don’t forget your flower girl’s look! We cannot get over how sweet these perfectly petite flower girl dresses are! (via Ruffled Blog)

35. Oar Wedding Menu: You could have boring paper menu OAR do something totally out of the ordinary! Display your wedding reception menu on vintage oars for a unique DIY idea. (via Inspired By This)

36. Blue + Red Beach Reception Table: A classic color scheme is the ultimate way to tie together your nautical wedding day. This tablescape shows off a bold red, white and blue theme for a chipper reception right on the beach. (via Green Wedding Shoes)

37. Groomsmen Boat Entrance: Your groom deserves an entrance fit for a ship captain on your wedding day! We know his groomsmen will be on board with this fun wedding entrance idea for your waterside wedding. (via Snippet & Ink)

38. Nautical Anchor Cake: We don’t know what we love most: the icing anchors or the subtle sailor rope around each tier. It’s impossible to choose what detail is our favorite on this preppy nautical wedding cake. (via Ruffled Blog)

39. Nautical Rope Bridal Headband: We love the vintage charm of this bride’s beauty look on her wedding day. Her dress and hairstyle are reminiscent of the ’50s, while her bold statement necklace is modern and trendy. (via Green Wedding Shows)

40. Groomsmen Boat Shoes: A nautical wedding theme gives you the freedom to go a bit casual on your big day. Get your groomsmen matching boat shoes for a handsome wedding day look. (via Style Me Pretty)

41. Cape Cod Beach Wedding: Toes in the sand and ring on your hand! How serene and special is this ceremony locale? All you need is white chairs and a little driftwood to pull off this minimalistic wedding style. (via Wedding Chicks)

42. Simple Dockside Reception Table: Who wouldn’t want to celebrate their big day in romantic dockside style? We are so on board for this preppy pairing of stripes, nautical decor and a stunning setting for your wedding reception. (via Ruffled Blog)

43. Anchor + Rope Ring Bearer Pillow: This pretty pillow will transport your rings in nautical style — everything from the stripes, anchor and rope gives it a casual seaside vibe. (via Intimate Weddings)

44. Seaside Ceremony Setting: Looking out into the water can be a magical way to spend your wedding day. Start planning your destination wedding with this simple seaside inspiration. (via The Perfect Palette)

45. Blue + Gold Table Setting: A fancy place setting can make each guests feel like a star at your wedding reception. This fabulous combination of blue and gold details looks utterly amazing! (via Style Me Pretty)

46. Life Preserver Wedding Photography: Are you stumped thinking of creative ways to photograph your big day? Let us give you a bit of nautical inspiration with this life preserver picture. Seriously, how cute is this? (via Inspired By This)

47. Driftwood Table Decor: For all you artsy brides out there, this centerpiece inspiration is for you! Simply scatter driftwood and seashells across your reception tables for a shabby chic way to decorate your seaside wedding. (via Ruffled Blog)

48. Marina Bride + Groom Photo: You’ve got the perfect guy and just the right dress — make sure you get a picture that shows both off. We love how the sailboats frame this romantic marina shot of the newly married couple. (via Raw Photo Design)

49. Rustic “By The Sea” Driftwood Signs: The right authentic wedding decor can make your wedding truly feel like an escape. This weather driftwood sign with a romantic quote is a great way to incorporate nature into your nautical wedding day. (via Style Me Pretty)

50. Bridal Party on a Boat: All aboard! Your whole wedding party will really be able to let loose if they get to cruise around on a boat during your wedding day. If you’re celebrating your big day on the water, ditch the wheels for this transportation inspiration! (via Aisle Perfect)

51. Seersucker Groom’s Outfit: We admit it, we are totally suckers for a bit of seersucker. Can you blame us? This preppy combination of fabrics and colors is a fun way to dress your man up on your nautical-themed wedding day. (via The Perfect Palette)

52. Oar Wedding Signs: This is a DIY project just waiting to be made. Mini oars make fun signs for your wedding day festivities to direct your guests where to look for everything from drinks to dancing. (via The Every Last Detail)

53. Bright Red Bouquet: For lovers of flowers and all things colorful, this bridal bouquet is the ultimate wedding day inspiration. This bright bouquet features gorgeous red flowers for the bride that wants to make a statement on her walk down the beachy aisle. (via Ruffled Blog)

54. Nautical Wedding Kiss: Capture your first kisses as husband and wife on camera in the most dramatic and beautiful way. A beachside background makes an amazing setting to celebrate your love on your wedding day. (via The Knot Blog)

55. “Just Married” Nautical Exit: Your big exit is the best way to finish off your wedding day. This boat escape and driftwood sign are the best way to announce your “just married” status in a nautical way. (via Stephanie Hunter)

What is your favorite nautical wedding inspiration? Share your favorites with us!