Creating A Beach Wedding Bouquet: Tips And Tricks

Planning a beach wedding? One of the most important accessories is the bridal bouquet. It ties the whole decorative aesthetic together and serves as a beautiful accessory for your wedding day look.

If you're looking for a unique beach wedding bouquet, consider incorporating seashells, which represent the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, and her love for Poseidon, the God of the Sea. You can also add flowers and seashells, such as hydrangeas and peonies, which match a Blue & White colour scheme.

For a simple, natural look, a bouquet of greenery, roses, and eucalyptus is a great option. If you're looking for something more colourful, an orange and white arrangement of roses, tulips, and stock is a memorable choice. For a classic beach wedding bouquet, opt for timeless flowers such as roses, anemones, and greenery.

For asection, the king protea is a popular choice, known for lasting several days after being cut. Succulents are also a trendy option, adding a touch of untamed, rugged beauty to your bouquet.

How to incorporate seashells into your beach wedding bouquet

Seashells are a new trend in non-floral wedding bouquets, chosen for their durability and unique, natural look. If you're looking to incorporate seashells into your beach wedding bouquet, here are some ideas:

Crafting Your Own Seashell Bouquet

If you're a crafty person with a glue gun, you can make your own seashell bouquet. The shells are glued to wood skewers or wires, which are then inserted into a floral foam ball. The gaps can be filled with pearls, brooches, and other embellishments. Attach the floral foam ball to a "stem" made of wood skewers, draped with a ribbon. Alternatively, you can use a bouquet holder with floral wet foam if you want to include fresh flowers.

Buying a Seashell Bouquet

If crafting isn't your forte, you can find gorgeous handmade seashell wedding bouquets on Etsy and Amazon. These bouquets often feature artificial flowers, pearls, rhinestones, and other decorative elements.

Combining Seashells and Flowers

If you want to include flowers in your beach wedding bouquet, seashells can be used as a finishing touch. Hydrangeas and peonies, with their huge blooms and summer colours, are perfect for beach weddings. White roses and blue forget-me-not flowers, daisies, and grape hyacinths, or white orchids and blue hydrangeas are also great combinations.

The best flowers for a beach wedding bouquet

Flowers are a key part of any wedding, and a beach wedding is no exception. The right flowers can complement the ocean backdrop and withstand the warmer temperatures and wind. Here are some of the best flowers for a beach wedding bouquet:

Calla Lilies

Calla lilies are elegant and timeless. They can stand up to the tropical temperatures of most beach weddings, and their curved blooms make a statement. They can be used in small or large bouquets and paired with greenery and baby's breath. Calla lilies also come in a variety of colours, from deep purple to black, adding a dramatic touch to your bouquet.

Roses

Roses are a versatile choice for any wedding style and are available in a wide range of colours. For a beach wedding, consider hues that echo the shades of the sunset, such as vibrant reds, warm oranges, and flecks of yellow, which will pop against the blue ocean and white sand. Roses can be used as a centerpiece, floated in shallow water bowls, or sprinkled as petals down a table for a romantic touch.

Daisies

Daisies have a timeless and sweet appeal and are perfect for an ultra-laid-back beach wedding. A simple bouquet of white daisies tied with a ribbon is classic and elegant. Daisies are also versatile and can be used in flower crowns or other wedding decorations.

Anthurium

Anthurium flowers have waxy, leaf-like blooms that can withstand saltwater and sand. They are less common but have a distinctive flair that suits the airy and ethereal vibe of a beach wedding. They work well in bouquets and as table decorations, paired with greenery or pops of colour.

Plumeria

Plumeria trees are commonly found in warm regions like Hawaii, and their star-like shape and bright colours make them ideal for beach weddings. Plumeria won't wilt easily in the sun and can be used in flower crowns, corsages, and archways, adding a sweet scent to your celebration.

Orchids

Orchids are known for their pretty petals and rich colours. To keep them fresh, make sure they have plenty of water before the ceremony. They are a unique and exotic choice for beach weddings, whether used in small jars at the reception or strung together for a ceremony archway.

Poppies

Poppies are an unexpected but vibrant choice for beach weddings. They can withstand hot temperatures and come in various colours. They pair well with other flowers and can stand out among greenery. Poppies add a modern and artistic touch to your wedding decor.

Peonies

Peonies are adaptable to different wedding themes and are perfect for late spring and summer weddings due to their peak season. Their delicate petals add a touch of luxury to beachside celebrations. They can be used as a bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, or as an accent flower.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas resemble peonies in their fullness but have star-shaped florets, giving them a whimsical and casual look. They come in a variety of colours, including white, green, pink, and blue, and are in season from mid-spring to late summer, making them ideal for warm-weather beach weddings.

King Proteas

King proteas, also known as protea cynaroides, are large flowers with pointed peachy-pink petals that stand out. They are perfect for making a statement and can be carried alone or accented with smaller flowers or greenery. They are in season from late spring to winter, making them a versatile choice for beach weddings.

How to make a seashell bouquet

A seashell bouquet is the perfect choice for a beach wedding—not only is it a nod to the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, but it also symbolises the gift exchanged between her and Poseidon, the God of the Sea, to represent their love.

If you're a crafty person with a glue gun, making a seashell bouquet is a fun DIY project. Here's how to create one:

Materials:

• Seashells
• Wood skewers or wires
• Floral foam ball
• Pearls, brooches, or other embellishments
• Ribbon
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

• Attach the seashells: Use hot glue to secure the seashells onto the wood skewers or flexible wires. The wires can be twisted and curved to create a natural, flowing shape.
• Assemble the bouquet: Insert the seashell-adorned skewers or wires into a floral foam ball. This will serve as the base of your bouquet.
• Fill the gaps: Embellish the bouquet by filling any gaps between the seashells with pearls, brooches, or other decorative items of your choice.
• Create the stem: Attach the floral foam ball to a "stem" made of wood skewers wrapped in a ribbon. You can also use a bouquet holder with floral wet foam if you plan to add fresh flowers.
• Final touches: If you're having trouble or want a more professional finish, consider purchasing a handmade seashell bouquet from sites like Etsy, which offer a variety of beach-themed bridal bouquets.

By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you can create a beautiful and unique seashell bouquet for your beach wedding.

The meaning of different flowers in your beach wedding bouquet

Flowers have long been used to express emotions and symbolise certain qualities, with the "language of flowers" dating back to Victorian times. This tradition, known as floriography, allows couples to infuse their personality into their wedding day blooms.

Roses

The rose is a classic choice for weddings and is often associated with love and romance. The colour of a rose can alter its meaning: red roses symbolise courage, beauty, romance, and true love; pink roses signify grace and admiration; white roses represent new beginnings, purity, and humility; and orange or coral shades convey deep feelings of passion and desire.

Orchids

Orchids represent luxury, beauty, strength, and love. They are also associated with opulence and are believed to bring success and good fortune in some cultures. Cymbidium orchids, in particular, are popular for beach weddings.

Peonies

Peonies symbolise happiness, honour, wealth, romance, and bashfulness. They are believed to attract a happy marriage and good fortune, making them a popular choice for brides. Pink shades are especially sought after for wedding bouquets.

Lilies

Calla lilies are said to bring wedded bliss and are associated with life, fertility, and beauty. Their trumpet-shaped blooms add a sleek and modern look to any bouquet.

Lilacs

Lilacs symbolise first love and romance, while the colour lilac represents love and passion.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers symbolise unwavering faith and unconditional love. In Chinese culture, they are also associated with good fortune, vitality, intelligence, and happiness.

Lavender

Lavender has long been associated with happy marriages, love, devotion, and fertility. Its calming scent and ability to promote a sense of peace can be especially soothing for nervous brides.

Baby's Breath (Gypsophilia)

Baby's Breath represents everlasting love and is a popular choice for wedding bouquets, especially for new or expectant mothers.

Stephanotis

Stephanotis symbolises marital bliss, and its star-shaped white petals make it a popular choice for bridal bouquets, often paired with coloured flowers like peonies.

Tulips

Red tulips, in particular, signify perfect love. Purple tulips are associated with royalty, while variegated shades represent beautiful eyes.

Daisies

Daisies symbolise sweetness, nature spirits, love, loyalty, purity, and children. They are often associated with childhood and are believed to bring innocence to a bridal bouquet.

Carnations

Carnations convey fascination, distinction, devotion, and love. White carnations symbolise pure love and adoration, while pink carnations express a promise to never forget.

Gerbera Daisies

Yellow gerbera daisies symbolise cheerfulness and celebration, red gerberas represent being immersed in love, and pink gerberas stand for admiration and high esteem.

These flowers, with their diverse meanings, can add a layer of personal expression to your beach wedding bouquet, creating a unique and memorable arrangement for your special day.

How to make a beach wedding bouquet with flowers and seashells

A beach wedding bouquet with flowers and seashells is the perfect choice for a wedding with a nautical theme. The seashell is a romantic symbol, representing the love between the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, and the God of the Sea, Poseidon.

Materials:

• Flowers of your choice (e.g. hydrangeas, peonies, roses, orchids)
• Seashells
• Floral foam ball
• Pearls, brooches, and other embellishments
• Wood skewers or wires
• Ribbon
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

• Choose your flowers: Select flowers that complement your wedding colour scheme and theme. For a beach wedding, consider flowers with large blooms and summery colours, such as hydrangeas and peonies.
• Prepare the seashells: Use a hot glue gun to attach the seashells to wood skewers or wires. These will act as the "stems" of your bouquet.
• Assemble the bouquet: Insert the flower stems and the prepared seashells into the floral foam ball. Fill any gaps with pearls, brooches, or other decorative embellishments.
• Create the stem: Attach the floral foam ball to a "stem" made of wood skewers wrapped in a ribbon. You can also use a bouquet holder with floral wet foam if you plan to include fresh flowers.
• Personalise your bouquet: Add any final touches to make your bouquet unique. Consider incorporating other natural elements, such as starfish or ribbons that match your wedding colours.

If you prefer, you can also purchase a pre-made beach wedding bouquet with flowers and seashells from online retailers such as Etsy and Amazon. These bouquets offer a convenient option and can be customised to your liking.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and unique beach wedding bouquet that incorporates both flowers and seashells, adding a romantic and symbolic touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions