When I think tropical beach, I think lush greenery, rich dark woods, fruit and bright flowers. And of course, palm trees. This is one of those looks that can easily go casual and relaxed, with a short dress and tropical-weight wool, or more elegant and dressed up with ruffles and a tuxedo.

Mood: lush, tropical
Palette: dark green, red, fuchsia

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Top row from left: potted arrangements by Sharla Flock, ceremony photo from Todd Events, centerpiece via Elizabeth Anne Designs
Row 2: parasols from Jo Gartin, arrangement by Ariella Chezar, photo from Destination Wedding Style, poster via Bon Bon Oiseau
Row 3: cymbidium bouquet by Artfool, ring bearer, ring bowl from Brides, bouquets by Ariella Chezar
Row 4: centerpiece by Artfool, cymbidium nosegays from Martha Stewart Weddings, postcards from In Style, cake from Martha Stewart Weddings

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A reader suggested that I focus on beach inspiration boards this week. Though the possibilities for beach weddings could easily take up more than a single week, I thought I’d go ahead with five days of beach inspiration boards showcasing some of the varied ways a couple can throw a beach wedding. Summer’s almost here, after all!

Today’s board could take place in Mexico, or another equally warm beachy destination. Coral and cattleya orchids are the two major decorative elements here, and I think they allow the natural beauty of the location to shine through. If you do decide to use coral as part of your wedding decor, be sure to use faux or responsibly harvested coral. Pops of orange add depth and boldness, and contribute to the romantically modern look of the coral and orchids.

Mood: warm, modern beach style
Palette: orange, white, tan

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Top row from left: Calvin Klein tan seersucker suit via Weddingbee, photo by Elizabeth Messina, cake from Beth Helmstetter, photo by Yvette Roman via Style Me Pretty
Row 2: coral centerpieces from Brides, Jenna Hein calligraphed seating cards via Thoughtful Day, paloma cooler from Martha Stewart, cattleya orchid bouquet from Brides
Row 3: table from Brides, tent from Oh How Charming!, coral photo by Adrian Briscoe
Row 4: photo and coral boutonniere both from In Style, coral notecard by Invitation Consultants, photo by Jessica Claire

Update!


It’s amazing to me how often this happens – I discover something perfect for a board on the day I post it! Check out this beautiful coral invitation by Alee and Press, via Brooklyn Bride.

Update! Check out this gorgeous wedding shot by Leigh Miller.

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It sure feels like summer to me. How did that happen? I swear it was winter just last week… Well, I thought I’d make a wedding inspiration board for today that reflected that summer feeling – blue and white by the beach. This feels like a very New England beach wedding to me, with driftwood, seashells, seaglass, blueberries and preppy style elements.

Mood: preppy, breezy
Palette: navy blue, gray blue, white

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Top row from left: photo by A Bryan Photo, bouquet by Artfool, stationery by Mr. Boddington’s Studio, photo from British Wedding via Nibs
Row 2: bouquet with orchids and dusty miller, seating cards and seashells photo by Stacey Kane, Karen Bussen table settings via Always a Blogsmaid, dress from J.Crew
Row 3: khaki suit and knit tie from J.Crew, bouquet by The Green Vase, blueberry tartlet from Domino, blue wreath from Rebecca Thuss
Row 4: photo by Vallentyne, photo by Karyn Iserman, champagne from Brides, oyster card by Linda & Harriett

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I know the chronology is a little off to combine Billie Holiday and the height of the era called the Jazz Age, but those two related things are the main inspiration for this swanky, jazzy wedding board. An ancient piano creates an interesting visual, and harkens back to another time, as do a classic car and opera-length pearls, a vintage cake topper and invitation styled after one from the 1930s. Set up working vintage fans around the dance floor to keep guests cool, and turn an old bathtub into a cooler for drinks as a nod to the days of Prohibition. Of course the flower of choice for this wedding would be gardenia: float them in water, carry them in your bouquet, and wear them in your hair. And if at all possible – a tall order I’m sure – set up potted blooming gardenia trees or bushes at the ceremony, and then move them to the reception site. Can you imagine the fragrance of a wedding like that?

Mood: swanky, sultry
Palette: green, cream, black, white

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Top row from left: photo from La Fleur, piano photo by Leigh Miller, sheet music, Billie Holiday
Row 2: gardenia bouquet photo by Suzy Clement, cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Anna Kuperberg, vintage fan via sfgirlbybay
Row 3: saxophone photo by Yvette Roman, bathtub cooler from Radeff Design Studios, floating gardenia from Martha Stewart Weddings, Elie Saab for Pronovias dress from Brides
Row 4: invite from the 1930s, photo by A Bryan Photo, vintage cake topper via Hello! Lucky, gardenia bouquet from Brides

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It’s the time of year for berries! How sweet would a backyard wedding be with a strawberry motif? I love each of these simple details. Tea tin and tin can centerpieces (see more here, here and here) are simple and lovely, especially if you include wild strawberries on the vine with cream-colored flowers. Set up a dessert buffet under a whimsical red-striped canopy, and let guests take home strawberry jam and biscuits for breakfast the next day. Fashion a ring pillow from a cute strawberry pincushion, and wrap your bouquet in an embroidered handkerchief. For more strawberry inspiration, check out another wedding inspiration board from awhile ago with strawberries and wheatgrass.

Mood: backyard, playful
Palette: red, pink, green, cream

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Top row from left: photo via Lucky Me!, bride in galoshes from Brides, tea tin centerpieces and cake both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: ladybug programs via Little Winter Bride, strawberry bouquet, photo by Cig Harvey, truck photo by Union Photography from The Knot
Row 3: strawberry jam favor from Martha Stewart, Farmers’ Market cards by Yeehaw Industries (thanks to Martha B for sharing!), centerpieces from Domino, “photobooth” from Lena Corwin’s flickr
Row 4: strawberry pincushions from Martha Stewart, kissing tree from Michelle Rago, Lisette dress from J.Crew via Something Old Something New, handkerchief wrapped bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings

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Such glamour and personality in this Pnina Tournai gown. Wait till you see the rest of this wedding… http://t.co/BfbxySfDSt