Brilliant Ideas for a Beautiful Beach Wedding on a Budget

There are so many reasons to have a beach wedding, not the least of which is that it’s really budget friendly! You can find a beautiful waterside location with a stunning view where you can say your vows without spending a fortune, and then you can focus your budget on the décor. Here are some awesome ideas for decorating a beach wedding without breaking your budget.

  • Beach-Themed Bouquet

Simple bouquets tied in sea blue ribbon is always a beach wedding favorite. Also, ask to add a seashell to the handle of the bouquet to add that touch of of the beach. Then you can have a keepsake from your wedding day. 

  • Reception Table Décor with a Beach Twist

If you have palm leaves handy, those can be laid down the middle of the table to create a natural and beautiful table runner, setting the beach theme.

On top of that tropical base, you can place an assortment of shells, driftwood, raffia bows, candles in seashells (or seashell-style votive holders).   Another idea is to use real fishnet on top of a table cloth in your wedding colors. These 5’ x 7’ real fish nets are only $8.99 each or 3/$24, which is super-affordable!

A sea urchin shaped ceramic tea light holder is perfect for setting a beach mood for an evening reception, and these are just $1.79 each . Does it get much better for an adorable beach themed wedding than candle in the same of sea creatures?

  • Sweet Signage

This distressed wood signage can be created for your beach-themed wedding with minimal effort and to maximum effect! 

There are a lot of signs for weddings, but this beach-specific one about sandy kisses is just absolutely perfect.

Speaking of signage, if you plan to use table numbers, consider sending a message in a bottle! You can put pictures of each of you at the age indicated by the table number or just have pictures of you in bottles beside the table number. Either way, it’s affordable and adorable

Instead of having signage pointing guests in the direction of your wedding ceremony, what about decorating the path with colorful burlap bunting? You could also use this idea to decorate chairs at the ceremony and reception.  You can choose to add on a sign from one of our add ons. 

  • Cost-Cutting and Cute Cakes

Who doesn’t love a delicious wedding cake? You can incorporate your beach theme into your dessert as well. Add seashells to your cakes decorations instead of using flowers, or top it with a sweet pair of cute beach chairs that show you’ll enjoy the beach together, forever.

These beach-theme cupcakes are also sure to please! 

  • Setting the Mood

Lighting is exactly what sets the mood for any party, and having a beach themed wedding means you get to use a lot of playful ideas. Candle holders hanging from rope, tiki torches and paper lanterns would all work perfectly to set the beach party mood.  Send off the bride and groom by giving the guests small beach balls to toss at the couple as they walk down the aisle.

  • Making the Party Food Pretty

Lastly, don’t forget the easiest ways to incorporate the beach theme into the reception – with the food and drink selections! Keep your food very tropical in nature with lots of fresh fruits along with whatever you would normally want to serve.

These cute drink umbrellas a perfect way to make sure every drink looks festive and fun. Just $4.79 for 144 of them is a steal and adds such a fun touch to the drinks!

Lastly, don’t forget to do something super-fun for your wedding exit! These small beach balls instead of flower petals are a great idea to toss while the two of you leave the party:

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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