How to Plan a Luxury Coastal Wedding: Your Ultimate Guide

Selecting the right venue is one of the most important decisions in your wedding journey. The location will set the tone for your entire celebration, and nothing compares to the magic of the coast. Think golden sands, tranquil waters, and spectacular sunsets, which create an extraordinary backdrop. A study by Hitched even found that more than 70% of couples surveyed in 2024 cited venue as the most important factor in their budget.

At The NICI, every space is thoughtfully designed to enhance the beauty of your coastal wedding. Exchange vows against the glistening sea, toast to your future on our picturesque terraces, and dance the night away, surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic views of the sweeping Jurassic Coast.

To ensure your day is as seamless as it is spectacular, consider these key factors:

The Venue

At The NICI, we offer a range of thoughtfully curated wedding packages designed to showcase your unique style, number of guests, and your personal style. Whether you’re planning an intimate beachside ceremony or a large celebration with all your nearest and dearest, our packages are tailored to provide everything you need for a sensational coastal wedding. With options tailored to suit a variety of preferences and budgets, your perfect day starts right here by the sea.

Ideal for couples planning a relaxed, smaller celebration, our Coastal Package offers all the essentials for a beautiful day, without compromise. It includes full room hire, an arrival cocktail, and either half a bottle of prosecco or two beers per guest. Guests can enjoy a generous grazing buffet while the venue is styled with elegant pampas grass decorations. Our venue, Little Havana, is the perfect setting for a minimum of 40 guests, while Ocean Drive suits celebrations of up to 60. And for weddings with over 60 guests, we’ll even include a DJ to help you celebrate! Priced at just £75 per person, this package is a smart and stylish choice for couples seeking great value and charm.

For those with a guest list of 50 or more, our Palm Package offers a superior experience with all the touches that make your day truly memorable. Begin with a prosecco drinks reception, where each guest will enjoy two glasses and four delicious canapés. A three-course wedding breakfast will follow, complemented by half a bottle of wine per person and a prosecco toast. Your venue will be styled beautifully with pampas centrepieces, Chiavarichairs, refined tableware, and in-house stationery. You’ll also enjoy a menu tasting for two, a dedicated wedding coordinator to support you through the planning process, and an operations team member to support you throughout your big day. As a finishing touch, stay in a sea view suite with a private terrace on the night of your wedding, with preferential rates available for your guests.

For grand celebrations of 50 guests and above, the Wave Package includes everything found in the Palm Package, plus additional flourishes that make your day even more special. Your drinks reception is upgraded with the choice of beer or Pimm’s, and your toast changed to champagne. Styling is also taken to the next level, with bespoke table flowers, charger plates, beige linen napkins, flowing ivory chair drapes, and sweeping table runners, all curated to create a visually stunning setting. Designed for couples looking to impress, this package is the ultimate in wedding day sophistication.

If a Sunday wedding suits your style, the Tide Package offers many of the standout features of the Palm Package, tailored to a more relaxed pace. It’s ideal for couples who want all the charm of a mid-sized celebration, but on a day that allows for greater flexibility and a more personal feel –  without compromise.

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Your wedding should reflect you both are as a couple – it should be personal, sentimental, and a treasured event that celebrates your love. 65% of couples in 2024 prioritised bespoke elements that enabled them to reflect their unique taste and style on their big day.

From relaxed boho-chic to timeless nautical charm, a coastal wedding allows for endless inspiration:

Let the sky and sea inspire your wedding theme with soft pastels for a sunlit glow, colourful sunlit tones, or deep emerald greens for a dramatic effect.

Personalised details can also help to make your wedding unique. Handwritten place, ocean-scented candles, and eco-friendly décor such as biodegradable confetti will add thoughtful, sustainable touches throughout.

With a range of stunning indoor spaces accommodating anything from 12 to 175 guests, from the sleek Ocean Drive, with its ocean views and private terrace, to the intimate Surfside for smaller gatherings, or the best of both with Little Havana, our indoor wedding venues offer the perfect venue for celebrations of any size. You can even introduce additional natural elements, such as driftwood and seashells for table centrepieces or ceremony arches, twinkling lanterns and string lights for a dreamy evening celebration, and floral canopies to create the perfect set up.

A coastal wedding is guaranteed to offer a spectacular backdrop, but thoughtful planning will remain key with the unpredictable British weather! An outdoor wedding will naturally require additional considerations, which should be factored into your planning:

Finalising the finer details will make all the difference to your wedding planning. From personalised décor to a bespoke soundtrack for your first dance, our expert team will help bring your vision to life. Key considerations include:

Many couples are now using wedding apps to keep guests informed in real-time, manage RSVPs, and track every detail with ease.

One of the most exciting parts of planning your coastal wedding is choosing your wedding attire, whether it’s for you as the bride or groom or your bridal party and guests. A coastal setting offers endless opportunities to get creative with colours, styles and choice of florals. Play with light, airy fabrics, charming designs, and a relaxed yet graceful style that complements the natural beauty of the beach and sea.

A coastal wedding calls for attire that is as graceful as it is comfortable. Lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, silk, and lace move effortlessly with the ocean breeze, while soft pastel hues, oceanic blues, bold prints or sun-kissed neutrals complement the theme.

For brides, flowing silhouettes, delicate embroidery, and minimal embellishments create a timeless look. Flowing A-line dresses, boho-inspired designs, or even off-the-shoulder gowns can perfectly suit a beach setting alongside a detachable train for effortless elegance and practicality. Grooms and male guests should also opt for light linen suits or relaxed tailoring, paired with smart shoes, embracing a sophisticated, casual feel. 

Overall, footwear should be as chic as it is functional. Barefoot ceremonies on the sand, espadrilles for garden receptions, or elegant block heels for the terrace all ensure effortless movement throughout the day. For guests, sandals or stylish flip-flops are always a comfortable choice.

However, it will be important to remember that evenings by the beach can be chilly, even in summer. Consider a stylish shawl, jacket, or cardigan, as well as ample sun protection throughout the day.

For an outdoor coastal wedding, both humidity and breeze can impact your ‘wedding look’. To ensure you remain flawless all day long, choose styles that will stay in place throughout your celebration. For hair, consider loose waves, braids, or updos that allow for natural movement. Alternatively, for more of a ‘boho feel’, opt for soft curls or a relaxed updo with floral finishes, such as a tiara or elegant halo for a natural, romantic touch.

When it comes to makeup, go for a natural, long-lasting look with a light foundation and a splash of colour on the lips and cheeks. Waterproof mascara will also be a must, as well as a setting spray to keep everything in place so you can stay looking polished while out in the sun or near water.

At The NICI, we believe extraordinary food is at the heart of the wedding experience. Your coastal wedding menu should reflect the bounty of the sea and your favourite signature dishes together.

Using the finest locally sourced ingredients, our chefs craft menus inspired by the sea, creating dishes as vibrant as our stunning coastal setting.

Begin your reception with freshly caught oysters, a tangy seafood ceviche, or delicious salmon canapés, all served on our ocean-view terrace. Indulge in buttery lobster, seared scallops, or a succulent seafood platter, followed by light, refreshing desserts featuring refreshing tropical flavours.

In homage to your beach location, complement the feast with handcrafted cocktails – think zesty mojitos, refreshing margaritas, or rum-infused creations that capture the essence of the coast. For a non-alcoholic alternative, tropical mocktails with coconut, lime, and passionfruit can provide a sophisticated touch.

Sample Menu

From the sound of the waves to the warmth of the sun, every element of your wedding day will contribute to a magical atmosphere. Providing entertainment and activities that reflect a chilled seaside atmosphere will, therefore, be essential.

In 2024, some of the most sought-after vendors were photographers, hair and makeup artists, florists, and exceptional entertainment, including DJs and videographers.

Live acoustic music during the ceremony, a jazz trio for cocktail hour, or an energetic DJ will keep guests dancing under the stars and add a touch of sophistication. Add unique touches like a private fireworks display or garden games throughout the day to keep all guests entertained throughout the day.

Coastal wedding photography is key to preserving these much sought after candid shots. The golden glow of sunset, windswept kisses on the shoreline, laughter shared under starry terraces—every flash is a masterpiece waiting to be captured.

At The NICI, every space has been thoughtfully designed to create picture-perfect moments, from lush gardens to oceanfront terraces. With the growing popularity of social media, many couples are also hiring content creators to capture short-form videos and behind-the-scenes moments for TikTok and Instagram Reels, allowing you to relive the magic in a more modern way.

Choosing a photographer who understands the coastal environment – the brightness of midday sun and the delicate light shifts as the sun begins to set, will be key. Here are some of our top tips:

Whether it’s live music, engaging experiences for guests, or capturing the perfect sunset shot, we provide the perfect backdrop.

Amidst the excitement of planning your dream coastal wedding, always remember to take care of the legal and logistical requirements.  Additionally, while no one likes to think about unexpected challenges, investing in wedding insurance provides valuable peace of mind, particularly for a coastal wedding. Coverage can include:

At The NICI, our Weddings Team support couples in managing every aspect of their wedding, from securing permits to coordinating logistics, so you can focus on celebrating your day in style.

Your wedding is one of the most magical moments of your life—why not extend the celebrations? At The NICI, we offer a laid-back yet refined setting where you and your loved ones can relax, indulge, and soak in every moment leading up to your big day.

Arriving a few days early? Unwind before the big day with a spa day, complete with soothing massages, a 30-metre heated outdoor pool, and relax in our beautifully landscaped gardens. After a day of pampering, spend quality time with loved ones over alfresco dining at South Beach or Old Harry Rocks Bar and Restaurant, sip cocktails as the sun sets, and wake up to breathtaking ocean views in our stylish honeymoon suite. For your guests, our luxurious accommodations provide the perfect way to continue the celebrations, offering a truly spectacular coastal experience from start to finish.

A coastal wedding is more than just a celebration — let the waves set the rhythm of your special day, where the sunset provides the perfect backdrop and the laughter of loved ones fill the air as you embark on this extraordinary new chapter.

At The NICI, our weddings team is ready to guide you through our idyllic seaside spaces, discuss your vision, and help you create a wedding that perfectly reflects your needs and requirements — all while you enjoy a glass of bubbly!

Book a tour, and let’s start planning your dream coastal wedding today.

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