Invitations
Choosing your wedding invitations will be your first major decision concerning your wedding. In order to save money and give you a fun do-it-yourself project, consider making your own seashell themed invitations.
WeddingClipart.com has many invitation templates, borders, and seashell clipart images to download and add use for your project. By using your home computer, inkjet printer, specialty papers from your local office supply or craft store, you can produce unique, professional-quality wedding invitations.
If your specialty papers do not already come with envelopes, look for complementary ones that will accommodate your finished product. Paper can have either a gritty or a fine texture, so consider what you want the finished invitations to look and feel like to your guests. Consider your chosen color scheme, usually an ivory white, and try to have all of your supplies gathered together prior to beginning your project.
Additional embellishments are available at local scrapbooking and craft stores. Confetti in the shape of seashells can be added to your envelopes, or you can glue on special items, including tiny gold starfish, sand dollars, or clamshells to your invitations.
Wedding Site
Ideally, a seashell themed wedding would take place on the seashore. Since that is not necessarily possible, consider making your wedding site feel like the shore.
If your wedding will be outdoors, bring in sand and make a beach. Use a canvas backdrop and have a talented artist paint a seascape for you. Add decorative nautical touches, such as coiled lines, an old wooden boat, and a fishing net covered in colorful seashells. A gazebo can be covered in fishing net and intertwined with seashells and flowers. Have brass lanterns or mini lights lining the railings.
For a chapel wedding, consider adding seashells via ribbon printed with seashell images and seashell candleholders. Your floral arrangements can be shape like seashells and shell-laden netting can be utilized as a decorator item. Consider saving the majority of your decorations for the reception area if you are concerned about overwhelming this venue.
Reception
At the reception, your creativity can come alive. Focus your attention on the overall feel of the room. Colors, scents, lighting, music and food should all compliment each other without getting lost amid the excitement. When decorating for your reception, use the following items to enhance your seashell theme.
- Balloons: in a color that complements your theme, these can be printed with your names, wedding date, and seashell images.
- Floral arrangements: to add color, these can be produced in many shapes including that of a starfish or clamshell, or in garlands, or in bouquets with seashell accents in galvanized buckets, or seashell printed baskets.
- Seashell shaped confetti: comes in an array of colors and can be scattered on tabletops for a festive feel.
- Seashell candleholders: etched glass votive holders with a soft seashell pattern.
- Seashells: all shapes, colors, and sizes are readily available in bulk at craft stores and through online retailers.
- Driftwood: small, interesting shaped pieces can add interest to tabletops. You can even burn your wedding date and names into them, then use them as wedding favors.
- Seashell leis: purchased in bulk online, these are an inexpensive way to welcome your guests to your reception.
- Seashell patterned napkins and tablecloths: find a subtle pattern that does not overwhelm the table decorations.
- Half clamshells: for serving dips or sauces with your food.
- Fishing net: the perfect way to drape seashells around the room.
- Miniature lights: a lovely addition to any room, these come in all colors and even in seashell shapes.
- Canvas: make chair slipcovers or favor bags and then use clipart inspired, iron-on seashell transfers to decorate them.
To locate items to use for your decorations or favors, search your local shops, warehouse stores, and online retailers. Many unique items can be found for your seashell theme wedding and most are inexpensive. Cake toppers, place card holders and candies all sporting the seashell theme are just a taste of what can easily be found. Consider enlisting the help of your family and friends in a treasure hunt for your items. Locating them together will only add to the fun of planning your wedding.