Get Married to Your Dreamboat With a Nautical Wedding: 7 Pointers

Imagine the gentle breeze in your hair, the sand beneath your feet and the sun illuminating your special moment as you exchange vows with your beloved. A nautical-themed wedding is ideal for couples with the same love for the sea and adventures.

If you wish to say “I do” aboard a romantic yacht or by the tranquil seaside, dive into these seven tips for planning the maritime wedding of your dreams.

 

1. Choose Your Venue

The first step is to plan where to tie the knot. Here are some options to choose from:

• Yacht: A dreamy yacht wedding celebration combines luxury and romance for you and your guests.
• Sailboat: This venue is best for an intimate celebration. Sailing provides a unique experience for guests, making your big day unforgettable.
• Beachfront: Get married with your toes in the sand and the sea as your backdrop. It’s the perfect venue to accommodate many guests.
• Marina pier: Consider a lesser-known setting like a marina pier, which offers sweeping sea views.

 

2. Choose a Theme and Decor

Use natural elements and beach accessories to achieve that nautical vibe for your wedding reception. Instead of going for overtly marine-inspired decor like anchors, buoys and seashells, opt for homey classics, like wooden baskets. You can also look for a color palette inspired by the sea — think of white, blue, teal and green hues.

Collect driftwood to create a natural arch. Secure the pieces using twine and ropes. Adorn with blooms, fabrics and greenery for a nautical touch. You can also use bamboo if you want a touch of tropical vibes. Connect four bamboo poles with horizontal beams and beautify them with flowing fabric, florals and fairy lights. 

3. Prepare for Your Attire

Your attire should weave into the theme and location. Choose a dress and accessories that are comfortable to wear in your setting. For example, if you’re hosting a boat wedding, avoid wearing something heavy that could restrict your movement. You should also stay away from anything loose that could fly away.

Instead, opt for venue-appropriate pieces. For a beachfront wedding, look for a light and airy gown that captures the beauty of the coastline. If you want to highlight your curves, opt for a halter neckline with geometric lace details.

Your groom can wear semi-formal attire since beach weddings are often deemed more casual. The standard rule is to wear a tie darker than the shirt but lighter than the blazer.

 

4. Look Into Legalities

Weddings at the sea are rare, making it a unique experience for couples. However, it takes proper planning. You need to ensure your marriage is legal in the jurisdiction of the setting. A ship’s captain has no right to officiate a wedding unless he’s an officially recognized officiant, like a notary public.

Cruise lines may require couples to leave the ship and confirm before a judge that all information is correct with prepared paperwork before returning to the vessel for the ceremony. Research the legal requirements for your chosen boat type and location so you can prepare the necessary documents.

5. Wrap a Meaningful Gift

The tradition of couples exchanging gifts before the ceremony is a great way to honor your future spouse. It doesn’t have to break the bank to make your partner happy. Consider the following gift ideas:

• Fishing pole organizer: If your soon-to-be husband adores fishing, give him a high-quality organizer to store his poles, reducing the risk of tangled lines and tripping over the equipment.
• Captain’s hat: This gift is ideal if your future husband has a boat or is looking forward to owning one soon. It’s a symbol of authority that he can wear during his sea excursions.
• Marine watch: Whether your partner wants to time their swim sessions or connect to a device on the ship, a marine watch is a practical and thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys the open water.

 

6. Do a Fisherman’s Knot

What better way to start your marriage journey than a ceremony involving tying a knot? It’s a traditional ritual that works well with your nautical-themed wedding. The fisherman’s knot symbolizes unity, which requires pressure to strengthen it, just like marriage.

It came from an ancient Celtic tradition where a couple holds hands while someone binds their hands with a cord or ribbon.

 

7. Create a Backup Plan

If you’re having an open-air reception, prepare for inclement weather. Talk with your wedding coordinator about reserving an indoor area in case of strong winds or rain. For a seaside ceremony, provide bottled water for guests so they stay hydrated in the sunny weather.

If tying the knot in a boat, communicate the timeline to your guests, suppliers, boat charter company, officiant and other people involved on your wedding day. Prepare for the possibility of seasickness — offer ginger drinks and treats to help curb nausea. Consider adding information on your wedding website on ways to minimize feeling queasy on board.

 

 

Set Sail on a Wedding Adventure

Whether exchanging your vows in a boat or on the beach, hosting a nautical celebration is a great way to start your marriage journey in the most unforgettable way. Sail together into forever with these must-remember wedding tips.

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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