25 Ways to Get Nautical at Your Wedding

If there’s one wedding trend that’s making waves, it’s the nautical wedding style — think lakeside loveliness and Cape Cod summers. It’s easy to get carried away with sailor’s delight and go overboard with such a fun and niche theme, but nailing the nautical vibe can be done right by incorporating subtle touches that pay homage to the salt and the sea and its navigational life. With sailor stripes, rope accents, and maritime motifs, tying the knot will take on a whole new meaning.

By: Hillary Hoffower

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A vase wrapped in thick twine and a classic navy striped tablecloth makes cocktail tables coastal chic.

Photo Credit: Brian Tropiano
Cake Display
A classic three-tiered silky white cake rimmed with pearls and adorned with a navy anchor is displayed in a weather-worn miniature boat for a rustic twist on the nautical look.
Photo Credit: Rodeo & Co. Photography
Chair Backs
Blue and white striped fabric brings an understated elegance to ceremony chairs.
Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid
Centerpiece
Netting, driftwood, and candles gracefully come together to create a natural centerpiece that evokes a sense of the sail and the sea.
Photo Credit: Carina Skrobecki
Guest Book
Instead of a guest book, have your guests write their well wishes on a pair of buoys for a touch that’s reminiscent of the summer, sand, and sea.
Photo Credit: Julia Wade Photography
Altar
A stately captain’s wheel hangs from a driftwood structure adorned with blush blooms, bringing romance to the sea.
Photo Credit: Ashley Keleman Photography
Hashtag
Sail off into the sunset with a nautically creative wedding hashtag.
Photo Credit: ShoreShotz Weddings
Sweetheart Chairs
Life preservers adorn sweetheart chairs for a bit of nautical whimsy.
Photo Credit: Genevieve McKeiver Photography
Seating Arrangements
Colorful life preservers playfully let guests know where they’ll be dining. Suspend them from a shimmering fabric for a stand-out display.
Photo Credit: Taryn Kent
Reception Tables
The classic details of sailor stripes are more than versatile. Paired with geometric vases, a centerpiece of blooms and buoys, and netting draped over chairs, this reception table has a modern take on the nautical.
Photo Credit: Henry Photography
Aisle Markers
Rope, navy ribbon, and a lantern — you’ve got yourself a nautically beautiful aisle marker.
Photo Credit: Abby Jiu
Nautical Signs
A seafaring symbol, such as an anchor, helps tie in a nautical theme throughout the wedding, especially when it’s paired with another style, seen in this glamorous sequin tablecloth.
Photo Credit: Natalie Franke Photography
Napkins
These linen napkins are shipwreck fancy, complete with an intricate drawing that brings the sea to life at the table.
Photo Credit: Sarah Der Photography
Lawn Games
Stamp your bean bag toss with a sailor’s approval to bring the fun to the yard.
Photo Credit: Abby Jiu
Invitations
Set the nautical theme for your wedding with the invitations. Pastel blue watercolors mimic the movements of the sea, while anchor and compass symbols nod to the sailor life.
Photo Credit: B. Jones Photography
Gift Box
A lobster trap doubles as an inventive box for guests to drop in their cards.
Photo Credit: Love and Light Photographs
Escort Cards
Elegant calligraphy on simple planks of driftwood makes for simple but sophisticated escort cards.
Photo Credit: Brooke Boling
Floor Décor
This dance floor rocks an oversized maritime compass decal to navigate guests as they tear it up on the floor.
Photo Credit: KT Merry
Favors
Miniature bottles of champagne decked in preppy stripes and a dash of pink make for the perfect wedding favors your guests will actually want to take home.
Photo Credit: Liz and Ryan
Dinner Menu
Display the night’s fare on a pair of oars to create a bit of waterfront charm.
Photo Credit: Chelsey Boatwright Photography
Cookies
Sugary confections are made that much sweeter with delicate frosting designs. An anchor, compass, and captain’s wheel give an ode to the sea.
Photo Credit: B. Jones Photography
Bar Signs
We love punny signs like this one! A vintage frame complements the old history associated with shipwrecks.
Photo Credit: Arielle Doneson Photography
Table Setting
Crisp and classy, this fresh tablescape of blue hues and patterns creates an elegant but carefree feel similar to that of the ocean.
Photo Credit: Pahountis Photography
Table Numbers
A sailor’s knot adds a nautical touch for showing off table numbers.
Photo Credit: Myrtle & Marjoram
Rope Accents
Get creative with the line to add a mariner’s touch to your décor. Coil it up in jars or wrap it around glasses for an edgy and stylish look.
Photo Credit: The Hursts & Co.