Whether you’re a boat lover at heart or just enjoy a gorgeous lake view, having a nautical themed wedding is a special way to showcase your love for the sea. Newlyweds, Jonna and Blake, took this idea and incorporated it into their lakeside soiree at a stunning Minnesota yacht club. Their wedding was gorgeous, simple, and perfectly accented with all the right nautical elements. From sailboats and stripes to navy bridesmaids dresses, we have all the right planning advice to make your nautical dream come true!

Nautical themed wedding ideas.

The setting is key! Having a nautical wedding in an old barn just isn’t going to cut it. Venues such as country clubs, yacht clubs, beaches, and lake shores are going to give you the clean lines, white surfaces, and lakeside scenery to help you achieve that sea-side feel.

Once you have your perfect venue, you’ll want to decide on colors. Blue and white tend to be an essential combination for a classic, nautical palette. Accents of red or yellow are common for the theme, but in Jonna and Blake’s case, vibrant pops of fuchsia and green were added in to their floral décor along with their blue and white scheme. To add some texture to the palette, use accents of striped fabrics with napkins, table runners, or chair covers. Remember not to go overboard (no pun intended!) when adding the nautical details. Keep the accents subtle and just know that a little bit will go a long way!

Simple ways to incorporate nautical details:

• Use ribbon (white, blue, or striped) to secure bouquets or boutonnieres
• Mini sailboats can be used as table markers by adding a number onto the sail
• Scatter seashells across tables or use them for escort cards
• Wrap rope and sailor knots around vases or candles
• Hang lifesaver rings against walls or on the back of the bride and groom’s chairs
• Use large boat oars as a guest book that can later be hung in a home or cabin
• Serve seaside bites like shrimp skewers, mini lobster rolls, and crab dip for appetizers

 Jonna's bridesmaids wore Kennedy Blue Olivia and Violet in navy.

Navy bridesmaids dresses and men’s suits to complement your theme.

Navy bridesmaids dresses and gray men’s suits are the perfect combination for your nautical day. Kennedy Blue’s chiffon bridesmaid dresses are available in long or short options and have a variety of necklines to complement the different styles and shapes of your ‘maids. Not only are these dresses picture-perfect for your nautical theme, but they’re styles that your girls will actually love to wear! For the men, style them in light or medium gray suits and gift them a Kennedy Blue striped tie in navy that will perfectly coordinate with the ladies. 

Designing your own nautical themed wedding.

Are you already planning a nautical theme for your upcoming wedding? Do you have other awesome ideas that you think we should know about? Leave a comment below and let us know what types of things inspire your nautical side! 

Photographs by: Brandi Alves Photogrpahy