California Beach Wedding Theme Decoration Ideas

A California beach wedding theme is for the fun-loving wedding couple who enjoys surfing, music, and beach games. Not every California beach wedding is the same. Depending on how you choose to decorate, you can have an ultra-casual beachfront ceremony or a more subtle church wedding with a sprinkling of beach-inspired decorations. The art to pulling off a casual, yet polished look is to be consistent in your choice of colors and decorating motifs.

California Beach Colors

Surfboards and beach clothing inspire colors for a California beach wedding theme. Popular colors include cobalt blue, cherry red, sunny yellow, or fresh green. The key to these colors is that they are bright, bold, and fresh looking. Use your color choices throughout your decorations from your choice of flowers to the color of your table centerpieces.

Beach Theme Wedding Invitations

Set the mood for your guests by sending out an unusual invitation. Skip the seashell motif, and try a wave or surfboard theme for your invite. You will also have more choices if you decide to make your wedding invitations either by stamping or using computer-publishing software. Also, be sure to let guests know ahead of time the setting of your wedding so they decide if they want to leave the tuxedo and sequined dress at home for this party.

Wedding Ceremony Decor

You have several choices in deciding how to decorate for a California beach wedding ceremony. Regardless if you are exchanging vows on a beach or in a cathedral, you can bring a relaxed atmosphere to your wedding ceremony.

For the most laid-back ceremonies, work with your florist to create a more casual bouquet made of beach grasses, palm fronds, and wildflowers. If your nuptials will be in a church or other traditional setting, you may decide to keep the beach theme subtle by just using your color choices in a more formal floral arrangement.

Instead of traditional ribbons to decorate the aisles, consider using colored raffia or layers of brightly colored sheer fabric bunched together. If you are having your wedding at the beach, consider using beach umbrellas or tents to provide some protection from the sun.

Reception Decoration Ideas

Make a medium size pile of sand in the center of your tables, and place some inexpensive toy beach balls, surfboards, or palm trees in it. For a more romantic look, fill different sizes of clear vases with colored sand and then put a votive candle on top. It will provide some mood lighting, and it can be a thank-you gift to those who helped you the most during the wedding. You can also choose to use a more traditional floral arrangement with brightly colored tablecloths underneath.

California Beach Wedding Favors

Make your wedding favors memorable as well. You can choose to give small beach pail candles, flip-flop soaps, or beach chair photo frames. For those with a tight budget, candy wrappers can be personalized with the use of computer publishing software, a colored printer, and some patience.

Beach Theme Cake Toppers

For your wedding cake topper, trade in the traditional couple for a beach couple which you can find in a toy department. Or go with natural flowers placed on the cake.

Beach Theme Tableware

For your buffet tables, make it feel like a day at the beach with coolers filled with ice and cold drinks. You can serve containers of sandwiches, salads, or chips out of picnic baskets. Most of all, have fun with your wedding decorations. Include items that match your theme and colors, and have a touch of whimsy.

About the Author

Tara Gilbert is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest.