There’s something effortlessly romantic about a beach wedding. The golden light at sunset and the natural beauty of the coastline create a setting that’s both timeless and enchanting. At Coast Port Beach, we’ve hosted hundreds of seaside weddings right here on Perth’s stunning coastline, and we know a thing or two about creating a celebration that feels as good as it looks.
When it comes to beach wedding décor, less is often more. The landscape does so much of the work for you. But with the right styling choices, you can enhance the beauty of the beach and create an experience your guests will never forget.
Here’s your guide to planning a perfectly styled outdoor wedding that complements the coast, complete with practical advice and real inspiration from our team.
Start with a Theme
The beach naturally lends itself to a relaxed and organic vibe. Choosing a theme helps tie your décor, attire, and even your music into one cohesive look and feel. Some of the most popular coastal wedding ideas include:
- Boho beach: Think macramé backdrops, low-set tables with cushions, and barefoot brides. Add lanterns, timber textures, and dried palms for a grounded, earthy look.
- Coastal chic: A more refined take on beach styling. Use crisp whites, driftwood accents, and fresh florals with eucalyptus and sea holly. It’s relaxed, but polished.
- Minimalist seaside: If you love clean lines and understated elegance, go for a pared-back palette with raw linens, ghost chairs, and sculptural elements like coral or white ceramics.
When planning your wedding at Coast Port Beach, our events team can work with you or your stylist to adapt any of these themes to our spaces, whether you’re saying your vows in the sand or dining under the stars on the terrace.
Use Natural Elements to Enhance the Coastal Aesthetic
A successful beach wedding blends effortlessly with the environment. Instead of competing with the setting, look for ways to bring in textures and tones that reflect it.
Some of our favourite natural décor pieces include:
- Driftwood: Use as table runners, signage stands or ceremony arches.
- Shells: Scatter across tablescapes or place delicately around candle centrepieces.
- Sand and sea glass: Fill clear vases for subtle, beautiful table fillers.
- Native blooms: Incorporate Western Australian flora like banksias, grevilleas, and wattle for a modern, sustainable twist.
These choices don’t just look beautiful, they reduce the need for synthetic materials and help lower your wedding’s environmental footprint.
Choose a Colour Palette That Matches the Landscape
A coastal setting provides a ready-made palette: ocean blues, soft sands, golden sunsets, and sun-bleached timber. Rather than introducing bold colours that might clash, work with these natural hues.
Ideal beach wedding colour palettes include:
- Dusty neutrals: Think beige, blush, ivory and sage – perfect for a boho or organic style.
- Ocean-inspired blues: Mix soft aqua, seafoam, and navy with clean whites for a classic beachside feel.
- Sunset tones: Use soft apricot, terracotta, and rose gold for a warm, romantic atmosphere that glows as the sun goes down.
Remember, you don’t have to commit to one colour. Layers of tone-on-tone neutrals with subtle accents often look more effortless and timeless than high-contrast combinations.
Plan for Practicality: Sand, Wind, and Sun
One of the biggest differences between a beach wedding and a traditional venue is managing the elements. While helping many couples celebrate their unions, we’ve seen everything – from gentle sea breezes to unexpected gusts of wind – and we’re well equipped to help you plan accordingly.
Here are some practical styling tips:
- Skip the petals on the aisle – they’ll blow away. Use a woven rug runner, or mark the aisle with low arrangements or shell-lined lanterns.
- Weigh down everything – signage, lightweight tablecloths, even ceremony programs. Acrylic or timber signage works better than paper.
- Avoid tall centrepieces – go for low, grounded floral arrangements that won’t tip in the breeze.
- Have a shaded option – for summer weddings, shaded lounges or parasols are a thoughtful addition.
- Opt for sturdy furniture – wire, wood, or rattan work best for sandy settings. Avoid anything too delicate or uneven.
If you’re planning your wedding through our events team, we’ll walk you through all of these factors during your site visit to help ensure your setup is both stunning and secure.
Beautiful Ceremony and Reception Flow
From your first step down the aisle to your final toast under the stars, every part of your day should feel cohesive and memorable.
Ceremony ideas for a beach backdrop:
- A simple timber arbour draped with fabric and native florals
- Seagrass aisle runners with small clusters of blooms at each seat row
- A semi-circle of benches or low chairs to give guests an intimate view
Reception styling tips:
- Use ambient lighting like festoon lights, hurricane lanterns, and tea lights in glass holders
- Create a feature lounge area with coastal cushions and throws – great for photos and guests needing a break from dancing
- Use place cards weighted with shells or sea stones to prevent them from flying away
- Add woven textures throughout: napkin rings, placemats, baskets for blankets
Our team at Coast Port Beach can help with layout suggestions based on guest count and your desired flow, ensuring a smooth transition from ceremony to cocktails to dinner and dancing.
Lighting Is Everything
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, lighting becomes the key to atmosphere. Consider:
- Warm festoon lights strung overhead or along the perimeter
- Fairy lights wrapped around pillars or woven through floral installations
- Candles in hurricane jars or tall vases to protect from the wind
- Portable LED uplighting to enhance feature walls or coastal textures
When positioned right, lighting not only makes your venue feel magical – it also elevates your photos and helps guests stay comfortable long into the evening.
Style It Your Way, Naturally
A beach wedding is about connection – to nature, to each other, and to the moment. When styled thoughtfully, your décor can heighten all of those connections and reflect your unique love story.
At Coast Port Beach, we offer a canvas that’s already stunning. From there, it’s about choosing the elements that bring your vision to life without overwhelming the natural beauty around you.
