MW-Logo_#white
Menu
  • Find A Supplier
  • Blog
  • Galleries
  • Categories
  • Wedding Dresses
  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding DIY
  • Honeymoons
  • Magazines
  • Wedding Planning Tools
  • Advertising With Us
  • Login

Tips and Articles by category

Dresses
Cakes
Flowers
Honeymoon Ideas
DIY
Photography
Venues
Wedding Themes
Invitations
Wedding Ideas
Music
Videos
Wedding Hair and Makeup Ideas
Cars
Destination Weddings
Speeches
Gift Registries
Wedding Favours
Grooms

FIND A LOCAL WEDDING SUPPLIER

Reception Venues
Dress Retailers
Dress Designers
Cakes
Photography
Bridesmaids
Flowers
Video
Hair
Theming and Styling
Entertainment and Music
Makeup
Ceremony
Celebrants
Rings
Cars, Transport
Invitations
Bridal Accessories
Destination Weddings
Gifts and Gift Registries
Shoes
Accommodation
Honeymoons
Beauty Services
Hire
Hens & Bucks Parties
Flowers Girls/Page Boys
Caterers
Bomboniere
Alternative Bouquets
Planner
Photo Booths
Formal Wear
Speciality Services
Finance
Groom and Groomsmen
Grooms and Groomsmen

Your Guide To Weddings By The Water

Modern Wedding Posted: October 19, 2016

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

featureearlando

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
botanicaweddings-studioimpressions0040

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
Weddings By The Water

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
Weddings By The Water

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 

Weddings By The Water

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
Weddings By The Water

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
botanicaweddings-sara_silvio_playback_studios_099

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
botanica-sara_silvio_playback_studios_496

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.

mw-x-small

Previous Blog
Next Blog

Find a wedding supplier

OR

Let’s be inbox official!

Wedding obsessed? So are we! Become a Modern Wedding Muse to have updates delivered straight to your inbox plus receive exclusive offers from our suppliers!
  • like us on facebook
  • follow us on instagram
  • follow us on pinterest
  • MagSlider-SH4
  • MagSlider-Cakes20
  • planner-12
  • MagSlider-DIGIM74update
  • luxury-9
  • MW-78
  • DIY7
  • flowers-17
  • h&B12
Colour Wheel

Your next read!

Looking For Some Wedding Inspiration? We’ve Got You!

The Wedding Cake Flavours You Need To Try

The Wedding Trends Taking Over 2021

Popular Galleries

  • Real Weddings
  • Dresses
  • Cakes
  • Flowers
  • Theming & Styling

From Our Blog

  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding Fashion
  • Wedding Themes
  • Wedding DIY
  • Wedding Hair & Beauty

Wedding Tools

  • Seating Plan
  • Guest List
  • Check List
  • Budget

ModernWedding.com.au

  • Wedding Tools Login
  • About
  • Advertising Information
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
Modern Wedding

Copyright © 2021 Modern Wedding PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Website by The DMA.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Our other brands: Luxury Wedding Blog / Sydney Wedding Blog