As a child of the south coast , I know all about the joys of the sea.

For those brought up near the water boating isn’t an elitist activity but a way of life.

It was, admittedly, never a passion for me in the way it was / is for some of my friends. I think messing about on the river. They quite obviously wouldn’t let me compete with them in sailing competitions.

If you’re nautically nuts, it’s incredibly easy to weave it into your wedding. From anchors to breton stripes, this is a fantastic theme to work with.

To help you on your way, I’ve found some inspiration below.

Wedding Venues

Before we get going on the smaller details, let’s start thinking big. Why not just have the whole ruddy thing on a ship? Don’t worry, the SS Brunel is a stationary vessey so no danger of guest seasickness.

For other unusual wedding venue ideas, click here

Wedding Stationery

How to let your guests know about your upcoming nautical nuptials? Choose stationery in tones of blues, greys, reds and whites with anchor and rope incorporated of course. Etsy is a minefield of appropriate stationery. This set above is a particular favourite.

Groomswear

Grooms – for once you get a look-in in terms of style and you can demand that the theme calls for boat shoes. Good luck with those demands by the way.

Bridalwear

Brides – there’s no reason why you can’t take the Groom’s lead on this one and funk up your own footwear, like with these nautical striped heels by Ted Baker (via Very). I’ve already established it’s ok for Bride’s to wear bright shoes if that’s what you’re worrying about.

Bridesmaids

For a bit of 50′s influenced sailor fun, consider putting your bridesmaids in this full-skirted dress with anchor detail from OhMyHoney.

Wedding Decor

Decor couldn’t be easier for the nautical couple. Take one blue and white striped tablecloth. Match with blue napkins. Finished with mixed seasonal flowers. Ta-Dah! And all looks ship-shape. [ image : here ].

I’m a fan of signs at a wedding. They’re a little creative extra that makes a difference. What could be more appropriate for a nautical wedding than this sign via Giddy Kipper? – especially if the new Mr & Mrs have decided to slip off for a few moments of quiet time.

For more brilliant wedding signs, click here

Wedding Cake

If you are looking for inspiration for nautical cakes – or in this case cupcakes – take some time to appreciate the genius of these designs above from the wedding of Grace at Little Wedding Ideas. Blues, greens and reds? Check. Glittering anchors, miniature lifebelts and sailboats, mermaids and seagulls? Check. Amazing? Check.

For more clever cupcake ideas, click here

Wedding Favours

Favour ideas are also easy to come by – you could go homemade and bake an enormous batch of sailboat shaped cookies like these.

Finally, if you’re serious about the sea, why not get the gift that gives back. These miniature Titanic magnet are via the RNLI shop – a nice gesture to contribute to an incredibly worthy cause at the same time as taking nautical influence.

And so, the Grand Voyage is over and it’s time to disembark.

I hope I’ve given you enough ideas to get those brain waves crashing …

Are you a nautical couple? Would you consider holding your wedding on a ship? Or do you think this is a step too far?

Your comments are always welcomed below.

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