No matter which Cape Cod wedding venue you’ve chosen, you’ll be saying “I do” surrounded by coastal beauty. Even if your celebration isn’t taking place right on the water, no Cape Cod wedding is complete without some timeless nautical touches. With our decades of experience as Cape Cod wedding caterers, we’ve seen everything from boldly beachy to a subtle shore-side vibe. It’s tough to choose a favorite! But here some ideas we love for creating the perfect coastal celebration:
1. A Beach Invite Suite
Set the stage with a beach invite suite. A save-the-date with a classic seaside theme lets your guests know right away that they’re in for something spectacular. With timeless choices like soft blue script and delicate seashells, or a unique, eye-catching nautical map, your celebration will be a Cape Cod classic right off the bat.
Photos: Belathee Photography (left), Katie Noble.
2. A Cape Photo Op
When the big day finally arrives, make sure you set aside some time for an iconic Cape Cod photo op. Take a few minutes to soak up the natural beauty around you, whether it’s with pre-ceremony “first look” photos or a sunset session before joining your guests for cocktail hour. You’ll treasure these waterfront captures forever.
Photos (top to bottom): Studio Nouveau, Belathee Photography, Margot Landen.
3. Embrace Casual
The beach life is casual, comfortable, and classic, and you can work this into your wedding attire if you so choose. Opt for flats that won’t fail you on the sand, a shorter train, tie-less groomsmen, you name it. If you want to go all out for your wedding day, there’s always the rehearsal dinner for a laid-back look.
Photos (clockwise from upper left): Margot Landen, Katie Noble, Rebecca Arthurs, Organic Wedding Photography.
4. “Coastal-ize” Your Ceremony
Whether on the beach, at a private home, or a Cape Cod resort, you’re sure to want to incorporate nautical details into your ceremony site. Folding white wooden chairs are a timeless look, perhaps adorned with fresh flowers such as hydrangeas, as are seashells and lanterns. A driftwood arch can add major impact. Your site will be front and center in lots of photos, so take advantage of the chance to showcase some nautical style!
Photos: Organic Wedding Photography.
Photos: Rebecca Arthurs (left), Katie Noble.
5. Details, Details, Details
Let your personal beach style shine at your reception! Think nautical flags snapping in the breeze, a tablescape sprinkled with seashells, vintage-style ship lanterns aglow with candles, table numbers affixed to monkey fist knots. Check out these ideas from our couples for inspiration. From beach grass swaying in the breeze to place cards affixed to brightly colored buoys, they nailed it!
Photos (L to R): Organic Wedding Photography, First Mate, Studio Nouveau.
Photo: Katie Noble.
Photos: Rebecca Arthurs (left), Margot Landen.
6. Go Fresh
One of the best perks of having your wedding on the Cape is the availability of fresh, local seafood—you, and your guests, will love it! Whether it’s a raw bar during cocktail hour, mini lobster rolls as a passed appetizer, or a full-blown clambake for your rehearsal dinner, we’re ready to create a personalized menu for your celebration.
Photos (L to R): Belathee Photography, First Mate, Belathee Photography.
7. A Sweet Finish
Finally, end your wedding on a sweet note by having your Cape Cod wedding cake customized with beachy touches. Classic navy and white, such as these, is always a winner, but our bakers can create any coastal cake you envision!
Photos (L to R): Margot Landen, Erin McGinn, Katie Noble.
