Planning a Coastal Wedding? The Seven C’s You Need to Know for Seaside Elegance

Coastal, Chic, Cerulean, Cascade, Coral, Champagne, Crepe

If you’re dreaming of sea breezes, sandy toes, and vows with a view, welcome to your one-stop guide for planning the perfect coastal-inspired wedding. At Ivory & Beau, we believe nautical doesn’t have to mean cliché seashell centerpieces and anchor motifs on every surface. A seaside celebration can be sophisticated, romantic, and effortlessly stylish — all while embracing the beauty of the ocean.

That’s why we’ve created The Seven C’s — our signature approach to helping you design a wedding that captures the spirit of the coast without feeling overdone. These seven elements will take you from inspiration to execution, helping you create a day that’s equal parts breezy and breathtaking.

1. Coastal – Setting the Stage for Seaside Magic

The first step is embracing the natural beauty of your surroundings. A coastal wedding isn’t about forcing décor to fit the location — it’s about letting the landscape do the talking. Whether you’re saying “I do” on a sun-drenched beach, overlooking a marsh at golden hour, or aboard a classic sailboat, use the environment as the star of your design.

Tips for nailing a coastal vibe:

• Colors: Build your palette from the scenery — think warm sand, pale driftwood, soft seafoam green, misty greys, and crisp whites.

• Textures: Incorporate natural elements like linen table runners, rattan chargers, woven baskets for florals, and weathered wood signage.

• Lighting: String café lights overhead for an intimate glow after sunset or scatter lanterns down the aisle for an ethereal touch.

At Ivory & Beau, we love pairing organic textures with elevated styling so your coastal wedding feels fresh and modern, not touristy or themed.

2. Chic – Elevated Seaside Elegance

The “chic” in coastal chic is what takes your wedding from casual to Pinterest-worthy. Chic doesn’t mean over-the-top; it means intentional styling, elevated details, and an effortless flow from ceremony to reception.

How to keep it chic:

• Opt for minimalist floral designs with clean lines, then add movement through greenery or ribbon accents.

• Choose modern tableware — gold flatware, crystal-clear glassware, and sleek chargers that pop against neutral linens.

• Keep signage polished with calligraphy on acrylic or wood in your wedding palette.

• Dress your wedding party in coordinated but not matchy-matchy outfits, leaning into fabrics like chiffon and silk for movement in the sea breeze.

We love when couples embrace chic simplicity — allowing the location, love story, and little details to shine.

3. Cerulean – A True Coastal Power Color

Cerulean is the star of nautical palettes. This rich, vibrant shade of blue mirrors the ocean at its most mesmerizing and instantly evokes feelings of calm and romance. It’s bold without overpowering, versatile across styles, and perfect for seaside celebrations.

Ways to incorporate cerulean:

• Bridesmaid dresses in varying shades of cerulean and dusty blue.

• A hand-painted watercolor invitation suite inspired by the ocean.

• Silk ribbons on bouquets or boutonnieres.

• Statement glassware or charger plates.

• A just married getaway boat with cerulean detailing for that perfect photo op.

Pair cerulean with crisp white, champagne, or coral for a look that feels fresh yet timeless.

4. Cascade – Florals That Flow Like the Tide

When we say “cascade,” we mean luxurious florals that look as if they’re spilling from the bouquet or table arrangement. Cascading arrangements create a sense of movement, mimicking the rolling waves of the sea.

Our favorite cascading floral ideas:

• A bridal bouquet with trailing orchids, amaranthus, and vines for an organic, romantic look.

• Ceremony arches with florals that drip gracefully down one side for asymmetrical beauty.

• Reception centerpieces that feel lush and uncontained, with blooms artfully tumbling toward the table.

At Ivory & Beau, our floral team specializes in creating dynamic, layered arrangements that feel alive and full of energy — perfect for capturing that windswept, coastal romance.

5. Coral – Your Pop of Playful Energy

Coral brings life to a coastal wedding palette. This vibrant, sunset-inspired hue can lean tropical and bold or soft and romantic depending on how you use it. It warms up blues and neutrals while still feeling ocean-inspired.

Ways to make coral shine:

• Mix coral dahlias, garden roses, or ranunculus into your bouquet for an instant pop.

• Serve signature cocktails like a coral-hued grapefruit spritz.

• Accent napkins or table runners in muted coral linen for understated warmth.

• Incorporate coral in your cake design with painted tiers or sugar flowers.

This color is so photogenic — it practically glows in golden hour lighting.

6. Champagne – The Toast and the Tone

Champagne is more than a drink — it’s a color, a feeling, and a celebration all in one. It adds understated glamour and sophistication to your wedding day while keeping things soft and neutral.

How to infuse champagne into your wedding:

• Toast with coupes instead of flutes for vintage elegance.

• Use champagne-toned linens or draping for a warm, romantic glow.

• Bridesmaids in silky champagne dresses that shimmer in the sun.

• A champagne tower for your reception — both a décor statement and a crowd-pleasing moment.

The beauty of champagne tones is how effortlessly they blend with cerulean blues, soft corals, and creamy whites.

7. Crepe – The Dream Fabric for Coastal Brides

Crepe wedding gowns are a coastal bride’s best friend. Lightweight yet structured, crepe drapes beautifully, catches the breeze without flying away, and keeps you comfortable whether you’re walking on sand or stepping onto a boat.

Why crepe is perfect for nautical weddings:

• Breathable for warm seaside climates.

• Smooth and sleek for a modern, minimalist look.

• Pairs perfectly with both elaborate veils and understated accessories.

At Ivory & Beau, our curated selection of crepe gowns ranges from bohemian silhouettes to chic, timeless cuts — ensuring you’ll find something that feels effortlessly “you.”

Bringing the Seven C’s Together

When you blend the Seven C’s — Coastal, Chic, Cerulean, Cascade, Coral, Champagne, and Crepe — you create a cohesive wedding vision that celebrates the beauty of the sea while staying elevated and personal.

At Ivory & Beau, we’re here to bring your coastal wedding dreams to life with our curated gowns, custom floral artistry, and endless love for romantic, ocean-kissed celebrations. Whether your ceremony is on a sunlit dock, beneath fluttering sails, or in the soft glow of a beachside sunset, these Seven C’s will guide you toward a wedding that’s as timeless as the tide.

Ready to start planning your nautical-style wedding? Book your gown or floral appointment or floral consultation with Ivory & Beau today — let’s set sail toward your perfect day.

Vendor Love:
{Morgan + Steven} Photographer: Philip Casey Photo Planning AND Florals: Us!!! Ivory & Beau
{Josie + Heyward} Photographer: McLaughlin Photo & Video Dress: US!!! Ivory & Beau