On the harbour, by the river or beachside; a wedding near the water is the ideal choice for those who love a relaxed ambiance.
Image below Earlando
Australian weddings are synonymous with the water; it inspires casual beach ceremonies, elegant soirees on or around Sydney Harbour and candlelit celebrations in contemporary seaside restaurants. The water wedding style du jour is inspired by a pastel colour palette and shimmering metallics - think a blend of boho and luxury. When done right it’s glittering but sophisticated; a hint of magic ensures it’s unforgettable. A celebration by the water is undeniably romantic but don’t get swept up in the beauty before considering the practicalities. Here are our top 5 tips for organising a successful wedding by the water.
Below: Private beach at Villa Botanica Whitsundays / Photography by Studio Impressions
O N E
If you’re marrying on public property you need to book and pay for the privilege - this could be a beach, a reserve near the water or a public jetty or wharf. It’s advised that you contact the local council at least six months in advance to secure the location for your ceremony. A deposit is usually required and final payment must be made at least a fortnight before your wedding day. Some waterside venues have their own private slice of beach of lake so you can enjoy the outdoors without the hassle!
Below: Weddings Whitsundays / Photography Brooke Miles Photography
T W O
If you’re choosing to hop on board a boat to say your vows, be mindful of the fact that it’s usually a little (or a lot) windy when you’re sailing around the harbour. It will make for great photos if you’re wearing a veil but you may want to consider a neat up-do as opposed to a loose hairstyle.
Below: Weddings Whitsundays / Photography Brooke Miles Photography
T H R E E
Planning a beach wedding? Check the tides or your ceremony location may disappear under the waves. Remember that if you’re on the beach, shade is at a bare minimum. Your guests’ comfort needs to be your priority - make sure they are enjoying themselves by providing cool drinks, parasols and fans. It’s a good idea to have bottles of sunscreen close by, too.
Image below: Le Sorelle Florist
F O U R
Consider the orientation of your wedding. Ideally, you want the sun on your guests’ backs and not shining in their faces.
Image below: Earlando
F I V E
Pray for sun and have a back-up plan in place. You just never know what the weather will do - better to be safe than sorry. Once the details of the back-up plan are finalised, pass the information on to all your vendors and your guests (as early as possible).
The Essentials for a Shimmering Waterside Wedding
The key to creating a successful and beautiful pastel wedding is to use the reflective surface of the water as inspiration.
Below: Botanica Weddings / Image by Playback Studio
For table decoration consider blousy, pastel blooms spilling from eclectic vases and imbue the stationery and table numbers with glittery details to add subtle and effective glamour. Metallics are a must on the table - think gold goblets (complete and utter opulence!) or, perhaps, the occasional candelabra. For a completely unforgettable finishing touch, consider suspending a variety of mirrors horizontally over the table to create a dynamic focal point.
Below: Botanica Weddings / Image by Playback Studio
No matter where your wedding, insure it reflects your own tastes and personality regardless of the rules! If your dream is red roses by the beach, talk to your stylist! Their experts at making dreams happen and will find a way to make it work.
