10 top tips to give your wedding coastal grandmother style
If you spend any time on social media, you can't fail to have noticed the hottest trend this summer; that of the 'coastal grandmother' lifestyle. Inspired by Diane Keaton’s look in Something’s Gotta Give and the breezy aesthetic of wealthy ladies wearing white linen in their beachfront properties, the term 'coastal grandmother' was coined by @LexNicoleta on TikTok, who declared: “If you love Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, cozy interiors, and more, there’s a good chance you might be a coastal grandmother."
As with most trends, 'coastal grandmother' is filtering through to the wedding industry, where the look lends itself perfectly to relaxed celebrations full of white flowers and greenery, light breezy dresses and coastal-inspired decor. Wondering how to give your wedding the 'coastal grandmother' touch? Read on for our top 10 tips.
1. Coastal wedding stationery
Your invitation suite sets the scene for your wedding and gives guests a taster of what's to come, so it's the perfect place to start. The coastal grandmother aesthetic is understated yet elegant so keep the graphic design pretty simple, with rustic elements like handmade paper and a nod to the beach with subtle coastal imagery.
Photography: Marni Wishart
Stationery and photo: The Bridal Press
Stationery: The Bridal Press | Photo: Amber Dawson Photography
Photographer: Kylee Yee | Invitations: Vidhi Dattani
2. Coastal wedding dresses
When shopping for your coastal gran-inspired wedding dress, the two keywords to keep in mind are light and breezy. This is no place for stiff fabrics and formal styles, you want soft and sheer fabrics that billow in the breeze and feel comfortable to wear. Simplicity is key so keep embellishments to a minimum.
Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier | Photographer: Vanessa Rose Photography
Dress: Berta | Photography: Serenity Photography
Dress Designer: Sorelle Bridal | Photographer: Marshall Arts Photography
Dress: Berta | Photography: Serenity Photography
Dress: Alon Livne | Photography: McSween Photography
Dress: Galia Lahav | Photography: Serenity Photography
Dress: Stesha Ho | Photographer: Harriette Earnshaw
Gown: Alon Livne | Photography: McSween Photography
3. Bridal bouquets
Coastal grandmothers adore flowers and their bridal bouquets have a loose and informal just-picked-from-the-garden look. Think hydrangeas, roses, ranunculus and other seasonal varieties, with fragrant herbs and greenery. Keep to a neutral palette with touches of blue.
Photographer: Alexandra Vonk | Project Planning & Styling: Tuscan Tours and Weddings | Floral Design & Styling: Corcortez
Photographer: Michael and Carina Photography | Floral designer: Fleuressence
Florals: The Flora Club | Photography Amanda Callaway
Floral design: Flourish Flower Farm | Photography: McSween Photography
Photographer: Abigail Berge | Floral designer: Rose and Laurel
4. Coastal wedding ceremony
Your wedding ceremony should take place outside, preferably with a sea view. A floral arch or simple arbor is the perfect backdrop to the wedding ceremony, in a neutral palette that compliments the natural landscape.
Floral design - Designs by Hemingway | Planning: Taryn Stark Weddings & Events | Photography: Lauren Fair
Photographer: Isabel Johansen Photography | Floral Designer: Amber Reverie
Photographer: Lost Coast Photography | Planning and Styling: Alyann Events | Floral Design: Max Owens Design
Photographer: Marshall Arts Photography | Florist: Kate Fiore Floral Design | Wedding planner: Timeless Styled Events
Photographer: Amanda Callaway | Stylist / Planner: Charmed Events | Floral designer: Wild Club
Photographer: Kylee Yee | Floral Designer: Slate Floral
Planning and design: Le Muse Events | Photography: Aiza Photography | Florist: Gorgeous and Green
Florist: Kate Fiore Floral Design | Photographer: Marshall Arts Photography
5. Coastal wedding reception
Your wedding reception is the perfect place to really embrace the coastal grandmother aesthetic. Watch movies like It's Complicated and Something's Gotta Give to get inspired, and check out the beach house in Grace and Frankie on Netflix. It's all about creating a clean look and a cosy atmosphere, with a lots of greenery and subtle rustic details.
Photographer: Liz Andolina | Stylist / Planner: Natasha Gates Events | Floral Designer: Silks A Bloom
Photographer: Jainé Kershner Photography | Tent: Elite Party Rentals
Photographer: Michael and Carina Photography | Stylist / Planner: CCS Events | Floral Designer: Fleuressence
Photographer: Lilli Kad Photography | Stylist / Planner: Botanica Style Co | Floral Designer: Botanica Style Cocoas
Photographer: Amanda Callaway | Stylist / Planner: Charmed Events | Floral designer: Wild Club
Photo: Amanda Callaway Photography
6. Coastal centerpieces
Keep your tables simple and uncluttered with an abundance of flowers, candles and natural linen. The coastal gran look is all about effortless elegance so focus on creating the vibe of an intimate dinner party for your guests and stick to a clean color palette of white, ecru, blue and green.
Production: Type A Society | Florist: Le Bloomerie | Photography: Huffstutler Photography
Photography: Marni Wishart
Photographer: David Abel | Floral designer: White House Flowers
Photographer: Marshall Arts Photography | Florist: Kate Fiore Floral Design | Wedding planner: Timeless Styled Events
Photographer: Kylee Yee | Floral Designer: Slate Floral
Photographer: Jainé Kershner Photography | Floral Designer: Park and Bloom
7. Coastal bridesmaids dresses
Like your own bridal dress, go for light, soft fabrics for your best girls, and stick to a coastal color palette of white, blue, dove grey and sand. A collection of mis-matched dresses in the same color palette is a great way to go, especially if you have lots of bridesmaids.
Photographer: Kylee Yee | Floral Designer: Slate Floral
Photographer: David Abel
Photography: Sidney Leigh Photography | Floral Designer: On A Limb Florals
Photographer: Abigail Berge | Floral designer: Rose and Laurel
Photographer: Liz Andolina | Floral Designer: Silks A Bloom
Photography Amanda Callaway | Bridesmaids dresses: Weddington Way | florals Flowers by Denise
8. Shoes for a beach wedding
The running theme for coastal grandmother style is understated elegance. The focus on chic yet comfortable is particularly important when it comes to your bridal shoes, so go for low or block heels in a plain sandal style or simple pump. Bonus points for blue!
Photographer: Michael and Carina Photography
Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Photography: Anna Gianfrate
Photographer: Tara Hodges | Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Photographer: Kylee Yee | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Shoes: Something Bleu | Photography: Redamancy
Shoes: Bella Belle | Photographer: Fabrizio Vigano
Shoes: Gucci | Photography: Marshall Arts
9. Wedding welcome basket
Welcome baskets are such a nice treat for out-of-town guests attending your wedding and a great way to embrace the coastal theme. Think local artisan produce, like breads, jams, chutneys, cheeses and chocolate; postcards of the local area; handmade ceramics; beverages; candles and toiletries.
Photographer: Lost Coast Photography
Photography: Jenny Quicksall
Photography: Amanda Callaway
Photography: Aaron Delesie | Planning: Amy Nichols Special Events
Coastal wedding cake
What kind of wedding cake would bakery owner Meryl Streep make in It's Complicated? We reckon it would be elegant vanilla sponge filled with homemade meyer lemon curd and adorned with fresh flowers and herbs plucked from her garden. Simple and delicious!
Photographer: Isabel Johansen Photography | Cake Designer: Flour & Flourish
Photographer: Jane & Co. Photograph | Cake designer: Dream Cakes
Cake: Twisted Sisters Cupcakes | Photography: Marshall Arts
Production: Type A Society | Florist: Le Bloomerie | Photography: Huffstutler Photography. | Cake: Frosted Cakery
Cakes Alexandras Cakes | Photography: Shay Photography
Photographer: Kylee Yee | Cake: Beautifauxl Cakes
