Product Spotlight:

Polyester; lining: polyester; combo: polyester/spandex
Dry clean
Imported
Fit: fitted at chest, more relaxed fit throughout
Scoop neckline at front and back
Sleeveless; bra-friendly
Ruching at front bust
Banded ruched empire waist
Hidden back zipper
Hits at knee; approximate length from center back neckline: 28 inches
Price: $99.00

London Times Dress, Sleeveless Ruched Empire Waist

Do you love the ocean, but aren’t able to have the wedding of your dreams on the beach? Indoor beach theme weddings are very popular for this very reason. Whether you want an exotic Hawaiian themed wedding or a Loveboat cruise theme wedding, there are dozens of ways to turn any indoor venue into a beautiful ocean oasis. Seashell wedding decor  adds flavor to this theme style, but it may be challenging to toe the line between “just enough” and “too much” - read on for more information!

Product Spotlight:

We often pick up seashells along the beach to keep as souvenirs. For the perfect token of remembrance for your beach wedding, personalize your own seashells with your names or a personal message. These natural seashells are laser engraved to make them ideal keepsakes for island weddings, tropical getaways and other beach themed events. Scatter them on the reception table as decorations to accent your beach theme or present them as wedding favors in our organza bags or sinamay drawstring favor bags.

Price: $3.00 each

Venue/Location: You can go all out with this theme and have both a Hawaii theme wedding and reception. The most ideal location for this theme would obviously be the beach, however don’t get discouraged if this isn’t a viable option for you. You will need to rely heavily on decorations so select a venue that will allow you the freedom to completely transform the space into the paradise you envision. If weather and season permits – an outdoor location (park or a large backyard) would be perfect. The decor is essential for this theme. Sand, tiki torches, seashells, paper lanterns, tropical flowers and even rented palm trees should be used to give an authentic feel to your Hawaiian themed wedding.

Attire: Whatever you do, don’t send your groom to be on a mad dash to locate all the Hawaiian shirts in town! Yes, Hawaiian weddings are relaxed – but they are also very ceremonious at the same time. A tie and double breasted wool suit is totally out of place, but you don’t want to the opposite extreme either. For your groom and his groomsmen, think linen suits in an off white or khaki color. You can add beautiful splashes of color with your bridesmaid dresses. Fun exotic floral prints or vibrant solid colored chiffon gowns are perfect compliments.

Food: You should feel free to have fun and really experiment with the food selection. If possible, hire a caterer that specializes in Hawaiian cuisine. For the most part, your guests will be completely unfamiliar with traditional Hawaiian food – so offer sampler tables. If your venue prohibits you from using an outside catering service – you should choose a menu that incorporates traditional flavors and foods of the island; roast port and seafood along with pineapple and coconut flavors are great additions for your reception menu. Your drink menu should feature icy pina coladas served in hollowed out coconuts or cocktail glasses adorned with mini paper umbrellas.

Ambiance: All of the aforementioned components will help create the overall ambiance of an authentic Hawaiian wedding, but there are a few more things you can do that will act as icing on the cake so to speak. Have your hostesses great every guest with floral leis, this attention to details is a nice touch and your guest will feel the “mood” immediately upon entering. The right music will take your reception to the next level. Treat your guests to an authentic Polynesian performance complete with music, drums, men and women in little grass skirts! It will be a hit with your guest and make your wedding the most memorable.

Finally, send your guests home with Hawaiian themed parting gifts to commemorate their trip to paradise!

Product Spotlight:

Come together with our contemporary version of a unity candle ceremony—the unity sand ceremony. Rather than light a candle, you and your new spouse pour colored sand into the vase, and the mixing of sand symbolizes your union. As a practical bonus, if you’re planning an outdoor wedding or a casual beach-themed wedding, you won’t need to worry about a breeze blowing out a traditional candle!

Price: Price starts at $55.00

Traditional wedding palettes tell us that darker rich colors for summer weddings will not work; however the very essence of the tropics, beaches and exotic destinations is highlighted by rich vibrant colors. Incorporating the colors found within the natural environment not only works, but it makes total sense as well!

There are core groups of colors that work best within beach weddings; turquoise, topaz blue, amethyst purple, tourmaline pink and bright orange. You can tone down these colors with an accent shade like soft white or pink. If you still have concerns of loud over-bearing colors, you can use them in other ways as well.

Bridesmaid Dresses & Groomsmen Attire: You could obviously make your jewel tone color a focal point by using it as the primary color of your bridal party’s attire. Visualize the beautiful blue ocean, white sands, your crisp white gown, your grooms white linen suit, and then the bridesmaid in gorgeous turquoise strapless tea length dresses. The imagery is amazing due in part to the bold splash of jewel tone color.

Floral Arrangements: The next obvious choice is to use your floral arrangements as a way to bring your splash of color. It’s best to consult with  a wedding florist however here are a list of flower ideas that you may want to toss their way – use green Cymbidium Orchids, raspberry Roses, and hot pink Gerber’s to create a beautiful arrangement or even table center piece. Orchids, Bird of Paradise, Hibiscus, plumeria, anthuriums, and hot lava flowers are the perfect answer to a Hawaiian or exotic wedding theme.

Photo Vase Centerpiece at Beau-Coup.com

There are several components to an indoor or outdoor beach theme wedding, use these to turn your boring drab reception venue into a tropical paradise!

Color Scheme:  Your color scheme will be the most vital aspect in creating an indoor beach theme. As you are reading this, I want you to visualize all of the different colors that come to mind when you think of the beach or a tropical destination. You are likely visualizing vibrant shades of blue, bright orange, coral pink, sandy white and rich fuchsia. Use those colors as the primary color palette for your wedding, including your bridesmaid dresses, favors and table center pieces. Beach weddings are fun and exotic – so you have more freedom to play with colors than you would in another wedding theme.

Décor: After you select a color palette, you will need to decide on your décor. Surprisingly enough a “beach theme” encompasses many things.  You may want to try a Hawaiian theme, Caribbean, or Florida Keys – then there’s also a “tropical” beach theme versus a more ‘exotic’ theme. The two are not the same when you really think about it. For a Hawaiian theme, grass skirts, tiki torches, bamboo, leis and the sound of drums is very appropriate. In Caribbean wedding themes you will see more palm trees, vibrant colors and lots of flowers. Play on all the senses when creating your décor – your guests should see, feel, smell and “touch” the beach. You will accomplish this through your color palette, music selection, food offerings and wedding favors. Look for exotic flowers, exotic scented candles, fruit platters and foods specific to tropical or Caribbean destinations.

Food:  Many reception halls require that you use their catering facilities, and more often than not – their menu selections are less than desirable for recreating an island wedding theme. If you are still in the planning stages, consider a venue that either doesn’t offer catering services in house (meaning you HAVE to have your own caterer) or one that has a Caribbean selection.  A dinner selection full of authentic Caribbean cuisine will be a welcomed surprised for your guests. It doesn’t happen often, and for most people – they rarely have the opportunity to eat Caribbean food outside of the Islands. Your reception will be one talked about for years to come.

Again, if you can’t bring your guests to the Islands – bring the Islands to your guests! These are just a few tips to get you started – visit my website now for more valuable advice and information.

Beach Wedding Favor Cake by Beau-coup.com

There are several trends when it comes to summer bridal jewelry and accessories; they are the trend of color, stone or “organic” materials.

Color:  When we think of the summer season and beaches we automatically visualize blue waters, white sands, coral colored stones, and a beautiful bright sun, so blue and shades of coral are two of the more popular colors in beach wedding jewelry. You can incorporate these colors into your accessories in many ways. When it comes to something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue – consider blue colored jewelry. There are blue gemstones such as aquamarine and topaz. Then there are also beautiful blue stones like turquoise.  Pink coral is a beautiful gemstone, it is very delicate and feminine and a great gift to give to your bridesmaid.

Stone: June not only marks the beginning of summer and school vacations, but it is also a peak month in the summer wedding season.  The birthstone for June is the pearl, and the pearl has also come to represent a favorite stone for brides no matter the season of her wedding. Needless to say, choosing pearl accessories for your beach wedding just makes sense. Pearls are also a great option because as far as jewelry goes, this is something that both you and your bridesmaids can wear for years to come. A great strand of pearls is a “must have” for every woman’s jewelry collection. Depending on the style of dress, either a short strand or longer strand is equally acceptable. Keshi or coin pearls are also a popular stone choice.  Keshi pearls are organic in shape. Where you’re standard pearl is always round, coin pearls are “natural” in shape. This makes them unique and a gorgeous alternative for summer wedding jewelry.  The great thing about pearls is that they come in a variety of colors; light pink pearls are my favorite.

Go Organic: For a truly natural experience, many brides go eco-friendly with their wedding day accessories. Instead of stone or pearl accessories, they look to their surroundings. ‘Necklaces’ and anklets made of local flowers and organic materials are beautiful and unique.  Try creating necklace and anklet sets from the same flowers found in your bouquet.  Seashell jewelry is also another organic idea. If you are a crafty individual, have fun collection seashells from the beach and take the time to decorate them into personalized pendants for your bridal party. Not only is it a unique jewelry piece, but your attendants will appreciate the time and energy that you put into such a thoughtful gift.

Whether you choose your jewelry for the color, the stone or organic – you really can’t go wrong.

Carolee "Pearl Basics" Choker Offer by: Endless.com Price: USD 50.00 The Carolee "Pearl Basics" Pearl Choker offers an elegant, sophisticated look that matches the modern woman's easygoing, straightforward style. The single-strand necklace features round, simulated pearls. The choker length is ideal for wearing with other pieces of varying lengths. Or, wear it alone with a strapless dress to really show off the piece. The decorative hook closure in silver tone is elegant and features a small drop chain in the back.

having a local beach wedding when you don’t live in a state on or near either the east, west or Gulf coasts can be a bit tricky. The states in the great lakes area do have “beaches” – though some may describe them more as lake fronts. If you are planning a Chicago beach wedding, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Season: The summer is beach season no matter where you go, but this seems to be even more-so the case in a city like Chicago. If you aren’t dead set on having a summer wedding, consider a Spring or Fall beach/lake front affair. An off beach season wedding in Chicago will undoubtedly be a bit chilly, but you also won’t have to worry about competing with the summer crowds and kids ruining your wedding photos!

2. Location: You know that location is everything, but just remember point number 1 when settling on your location as well. There are some venues that are certainly better than others. Some of the top locations for Chicago beach weddings are the 63rd Street Beach House, the beach area across from The W Hotel by Navy Pier, Promontory Point and Northerly Island.

3. Permissions: Before you go sending out invitation instructing people to meet you two at the Point, make sure you have the proper permits and permissions to hold your ceremony. For public venues, contact the Parks and Recreation department for your permit application.They can range from $30 to $100 depending on the amount of time required for your ceremony.

The Chicago skyline is a beautiful backdrop for your beach wedding. If you’re able to find a location with this view, go for it – even if it costs a little more, it’s totally worth the memory.

Have it on the Beach: Yes, this is a very literal interpretation of the the theme. This will likely work best if you are having a destination or beach front wedding. If it is at all possible, request to have the guests served dinner on the sands. You can set up one long family style table and surround it with tiki lamps, faux seaweed and hollowed out coconuts. The food can also be plated family style. Go all out with a live steel drum band and bonfire (check to make sure this is allowed)

Serve “Tropical” Meals: If an ocean side dinner isn’t possible, then give your guests the “taste” of the tropics! You can start with platters of tropical fruit on island themed decorated tables. Mangoes, papaya and pineapples are tasty treats that most people like. For appetizers have coconut fried shrimp or pineapple glazed ham topped with cheese. As an entree, spice it up with jerk chicken or beef served with a spicy mango chutney.

Backyard Luau: Hawaiian luaus are always a fun time. From the hula dancers, fire and drums to the roasting pig – if you have yet to experience one, you’re truly missing out! It doesn’t take much to recreate a luau in your backyard. Use tiki lamps and old Christmas lights to set the ambiance and strategically place surfboards or wake-boards for photo props. You can also have cute little grass skirts for the ladies and Hawaiian shirts for the men. Oh, and don’t forget the leis of course! Mixed drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris paired with roasted pork will be the icing on the cake.

These are just a few ideas that you can incorporate into your beach theme wedding rehearsal dinner.

I have several ideas that you can use to “remix” those ho-hum ideas into something more memorable. When we think of the beach or island destinations – all of our senses re piqued, so we will play on those things.

Scents: Candles and potpourri sachets are very practical wedding favors. In your search for beach themed wedding candles, you have likely come across a variety of starfish shaped items or votive candles in beach pail shaped holders. Instead of that – think of the scents associated with beaches or tropics. People link candles and scented items not because of the container they are housed in, but because of the way they smell! As a do-it-yourself project, buy wholesale candles in tropical scents like coconut, wild orchid, ocean or citrus. Wrap them in muslin  tied with ribbon. You can also do the same thing and make your own potpourri sachets.  Purchase essential oils in tropical scents and dried unscented potpourri mix. Making these are really easy.

Colors: Similar to scents, there are also colors most often associated with the beach and tropical destinations. Whatever favor you settle on, make it unique by getting it in bright vibrant colors. For example, if you choose to make your own potpourri sachets, buy small muslin bags in bright turquoise, orange and fuchsia. Even if the overall color scheme of your wedding (i.e. bridesmaid dresses) is more muted or natural colors, your
favors can go in the other direction.

Sounds: When I think of sounds of the beach, I feel both relaxed and energetic. A music CD is another great idea. You can bundle a 2 cd set as a gift to your guests. One CD would have soothing relaxation sounds like the ocean, waves clapping or birds. The other CD would be a more lively collection of music including  calypso or a steel drum band.

These are just a few examples of things that you can do to turn the average beach theme wedding favor into something unique, useful and clever.