7 DIY Beach Wedding Set Ups Under $200 (Plus Arch Ideas)
Gorgeous beach wedding set ups can make all the difference in creating an event that’s stress-free, smooth, and truly unforgettable. After all, beaches make a one-of-a-kind setting. The natural beauty and ambiance of the ocean waves is unrivaled in terms of a beautiful backdrop.
Still, there are logistics to consider. And a lot of sand. And the heat.
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Ensuring comfort for yourselves and your guests is (of course) the top priority for pulling off a succesful beach ceremony. Wedding planner Erin Coyne, founder of Emily Coyne Events told People Magazine:
“Think tray passed mister bottles, parasols to shield the sun, hand fans at each chair, mini ice packs, cool welcome beverages, or chilled rolled towels.”
Figuring it all out can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re concerned about staying on a budget.
Fortunately, there are so many DIY beach wedding set ups available at nearly every price point.
Are you looking for gorgeous beach wedding set ups that will set the scene for a truly unforgettable day? Here are some must-haves to make sure your waterfront ceremony is pure magic.
Why a Beach Wedding?
Beaches are special. They’re home to good times, beautiful views, romantic strolls, and unrivaled contemplation. They’re also home to some of the most awe-inspiring and memorable beach wedding setups.
When it comes to the big day, there are few places more majestic than the beach to celebrate. There’s the serene tranquility provided by the rhythmic waves; the breathtaking view of the seemingly infinite water; the chance to celebrate love, with loved ones, in a setting that’s intrinsically relaxing and memorable. Beach weddings aren’t just extra special for the bride and groom- they’re cherished by guests, too.
Let’s face it: everyone loves getting an invite to a beach wedding.
What Do You Need for a Beach Wedding Setup?
While the surroundings are naturally beautiful, a carefully-crafted beach wedding set up is important. Must-haves like guest seating and a photo-worthy beach wedding arch are essential for the big day, and fun finds like unique signage, pretty centerpieces, and one-of-a-kind swag help to create an event that’s anything but ordinary.
This post is all about beach wedding set ups that will take your nuptials to the next level.
Beach Wedding Set Ups: Table Decorations
Decorations are a key element of beach wedding set ups. From elegant beachy themes to seashell-accented pieces, the options for decor are endless. Your choices will depend on a number of factors- including budget, personal style, and the overall vibe of your wedding.
The way you choose to set up your tables- and the decor you choose for them- will help set the tone for your event. And while there are no rules in beach wedding setups, there are some overall aesthetic themes you might consider when thinking about your table styling:
Rustic and DIY: Rustic-themed weddings are often associated with barn and backyard events, but the natural-pared down vibe of rustic chic goes well with the natural feel of a beach wedding, too. Think handcrafted notes, chalkboard signs, and rustic bouquets.
Timeless Elegance: Whether you’re going for all-out glamour or subtle sophistication, a few well-placed string lights and classic centerpieces- like white floral bouquets or elevated placeholders- can go a long way.
Laid Back Beauty: Take advantage of the the naturally relaxed atmosphere and make your wedding a day of luxurious chill for everyone. From fire pits to easygoing bench seating, there are so many ways to make the ceremony and reception feel cozy and free. If you’re looking for some celebrity beach wedding inspiration, check out this feature from Vogue on Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom’s oceanside ceremony and reception in Mexico.
Here are our top picks for beach wedding table decorations:
Glass Votive Candle Holders
These glass votive candles are gorgeous and versatile. Their elegant and chic design works with many different beach weddings set ups- they fit seamlessly into almost any esthetic, whether you’re going for simple and classic, rustic chic, or even boho. They work with LED lights or classic votive candles (some venues may not allow actual candles, so be sure to check or just go with the safe LEDs). This 24-piece set gets rave reviews on Amazon, and reviewers note that the thick glass ensures these won’t tip over easily, even on a windy day.
From a reviewer: “This set is EVERYTHING…using these in my wedding spread on all my tables. Tea light candles fit perfectly and illuminate these beautifully. The design just sparkles…very thick glass”
Natural Dried Pampas Grass Bouquets
With their neutral hues and elegant ooh-la-la fluffy shape, these natural bouquets are a beautiful addition to any beach wedding set up. While the soft look would enhance even a classic and timeless esthetic, these wedding table decorations are a perfect match for boho, farmhouse, or modern styled themes. This set is eco-friendly (each bouquet lasts up to three years) and sustainably sourced.
From a reviewer: “They’re fluffy and fill the vase perfectly. Was exactly what I was looking for!”
Ivory Gauze 10′ Table Runner (4-pack)
These delicate runners are simple, romantic, and elegant- an easy way to add character to your table settings and charm to your decor. With a subtle look and soft ivory hue, they’ll enhance almost any aesthetic.
From a reviewer: “The color is beautiful, it doesn’t look or feel cheap… it’s perfect for the center of my 6 foot table.”
Beach Wedding Ideas for Seating
The seats you have at your beach wedding will have a big impact on the comfort of your guests. For your ceremony, you’ll want to make sure everyone has a good view of the nuptials; for the dinner and/or reception, seating should be able to accommodate everyone and match the vibe of your party.
Here are some beach wedding chair ideas:
Large Beach Tent/ Teepee
If you’re having a beach wedding reception, these beautiful beach teepees are an incredibly chic and cozy option for additional seating. They’re large enough for two (or possible more) guests, and provide sun protection and a really relaxing vibe. They’re also great for photos, and can be customized with theme-specific decor. For a truly luxe touch, you can set each guest family up with their own teepee equipped with water bottles, comfy throw pillows, and a chic swag bag.
From a reviewer: “I was worried about how it would look with no door but I think it opened it up more to see us better. We are not small people and this fit us great with room to spare… love how it turned out!”
Natural Raffia with Starfish Beach Wedding Chairs Decor
This beachy decor is perfect for aisle seats or seats around a table. Made from natural raffia, the set comes with a variety of starfish that are optional. Set-up is super easy and customizable. While the look might not be suitable for a very formal aesthetic, these are a really cool touch for boho and rustic beach wedding ideas. You can also add your own touches to suit the look of your event- like adding in colored ribbon, pretty beads or seashells, or silk printed ties.
From a reviewer: “Used these for my Wedding in July. I added blue ribbon to make it match my colors. Absolutely Beautiful.”
Comfortable White Resin Folding Chairs
This set of white folding chairs for beach wedding set ups gets rave reviews on Amazon, and once you receive them, you’ll see why. Unlike a lot of super-cheap folding chairs, this set feels and looks high-quality. The chairs are sturdy and comfortable, and the design is classy. I’ve used these chairs again and again for events and small gatherings, and they always get compliments. They also withstand weather well, and because they simply fold up, they are super easy to store, move around, and take out when needed.
From a reviewer: “Comfortable, well made, sturdy, heavy and BEAUTIFUL.”
Simple Beach Wedding Ideas for Guests
The experience of your amazing wedding will undoubtedly mean so much to your guests- and they’ll walk away with memories to cherish forever.
But everyone loves some swag.
Festive little (or not so little) gifts for your guests can add fun and festivity to the day, and make your guests feel appreciated and seen.
Here are some beach wedding guest gift ideas:
Personalized Handheld Sandalwood Folding Fans
These engraved wedding fans are pretty and practical- guests can keep themselves cool while adding to the aesthetic of your ceremony and event. You can add your personalized message in the bottom section in the fan (popular choices include the event date, the couples name, and a memorable or fun quote). They’re perfect to provide on each table (or arrange around a table, as pictured), or include in a swag bag.
From a reviewer: “Hollow-carved design: these delicate handheld folding fans adopt a hollow design, simple and classic”
Set of 6 Oversized Turkish Towels
Every swag bag needs a high-value, high-quality item that guests will be excited to receive, knowing it’s something they will keep and use. These Turkish towels are just that. They’re perfectly oversized, made from skin-friendly cotton, and have a stylish, eye-catching design. Guests can use them on your big day, adding a fun group esthetic to the scene.
From a reviewer: “I bought these as a part of a gift. I loved the colors and the quality of the fabric. Each towel was also individually tagged making them perfect for gifting as I had intended.”
"I bought these as a part of a gift. I loved the colors and the quality of the fabric. Each towel was also individually tagged making them perfect for gifting as I had intended."
Super Strong Large 12oz Cotton Canvas Tote Bags (Pack of 3)
Made from durable canvas cotton, these large tote bags are the perfect beach wedding gift for guests. They’re great for filling with some wedding swag (like the Turkish towels above, or any other gift ideas). They’re also super handy as reusable shopping bags or Farmer’s Market totes- so your loved ones will be sure to use them again. These are available in many colors and color combinations (like pink, and black and white)- I think the tan and white is the most neutral and beachy.
“The bags are pretty spacious making them perfect for grocery shopping, a picnic, or the beach. These are good quality bags at a good value.”
"The bags are pretty spacious making them perfect for grocery shopping, a picnic, or the beach. These are good quality bags at a good value."
Beach Wedding Reception Ideas
Beach ceremonies are stunning and memorable- and the receptions that follow can be just as amazing. The beach is a special place to be at night. So a beach wedding reception, complete with dancing under the stars and taking in the waves, is the perfect recipe for magic. Especially with some well-chosen budget beach decor:
Hang Down LED Fairy Lights
If your beach wedding reception is going into night, nothing will set the mood like some beautiful fairy lights. Depending on your setup, you can hang the lights on your party tent or pergola, over your arches on entry way, or on other fixtures. The strands on this set are closer together, so they create a more dramatic and dense lighting effect. They also have different lighting options- leave them on, or program them to blink or twinkle.
From a reviewer: “”These curtain string lights are exactly what they promise—beautiful and durable, adding a lovely touch to any space. They create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a steady, soft glow… They look amazing once they’re up”
Large Brazilian Macrame Fringe Double Hammock
Even a few of these unique handmade hammocks will add a unique boho touch to your festivities, and they’re sure to be hot spots for your guests to grab photos, relaxation, and some fun. They get great reviews on Amazon, and are big and sturdy enough for two people.
From a reviewer: “This hammock is amazing! We’ve had ours for 2 years …Amazing quality, the color, the texture. We live in Florida and it has withstand lots of rain, heat, sun. We use it on a daily basis. Buy this one you won’t regret it”
Beach Wedding Arch Ideas
Heptagonal Wooden/Wood Wedding Arch
This unique shape is a beautiful frame for the ocean view of your beach wedding set up. It’s constructed of wood and its neutral shade will add elegance to any style decor, especially rustic and classic scenes. Of course, it can also be customized with floral selections, ribbons, and other hanging decorations.
From a reviewer: “Easy assembly, sturdy and perfect for any style of decoration. Photographed well and highly recommend.”
Wooden Triangle Wedding Arch for Ceremony
Unique and modern, this triangle beach wedding arch seems like it was made for oceanside ceremonies. Classic white draping or flowers would help create a more classic look; bare, this arch makes a bold and stylish statement. Colorful or tropical bouquets would also create an eclectic esthetic.
From a reviewer: “”Easy to put together, lightweight”
Wooden Square Beach Wedding Arch
Classic and romantic, this wooden arch offers simple style and can be customized to suit the look and feel of your wedding. Cover the arch in colorful florals, or go simple with luxe draping.
From a reviewer: “This was beautiful”
Wedding Arch Draping
If you’re choosing draping for your arch (or elsewhere in your party), you can’t go wrong with this beautiful set- it’s silky to the touch, wrinkle-resistant, and features elegant bottom stitching and perfectly-draped panels.
“These Wedding Arch Draping Fabric panels were absolutely perfect for our ceremony! The chiffon fabric is beautifully soft and sheer, giving a romantic, airy feel to the arch without being too heavy.”
Rustic Style DIY Wedding Arch
If you’re DIY savvy (or ready to try!), creating your arch is totally doable. Here’s a video from DIY experts TheSorryGirls on making your own wedding arch.
Conclusion
If you have your heart set on a beach wedding ceremony and reception, don’t let unnecessary costs get in your way! Affordable Amazon finds and a little DIY creativity can cut way back on expenses and help you to create and plan for a wedding that’s truly unforgettable and budget-friendly.
This post was all about beach wedding set ups to help you celebrate the big day (and night) in style and comfort.
