When you hear the word “wedding,” chances are that you immediately think of a church or a banquet hall. But what about a boat wedding? A boat wedding can be a truly unique and memorable experience for both you and your guests. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering tying the knot aboard a vessel.
1. Wedding Guest List Changes
The guest list may be smaller than you’d originally planned
Keep this in mind when making your guest list and don’t be afraid to invite only your closest family and friends.
Having a wedding on a boat can be an intimate and unique experience. But if you’re worried about shrinking your guest list to fit the space, there are a few things you can do.
First, consider having the ceremony and reception on different days. This way, you can invite more people to the ceremony, which is typically shorter and less intimate than the reception.
Alternatively, you can invite guests to join you for part of the reception, such as cocktails or dessert. This way, they can still enjoy the experience without taking up too much space.
Finally, remember that not everyone needs to be invited to the actual wedding ceremony. If you have close family and friends who live far away, consider inviting them to the rehearsal dinner or brunch instead.
By being strategic about your guest list, you can ensure that everyone has a memorable experience without overcrowding the boat.
2. Incorporating Boat-friendly Decorations For Your Wedding
You may have to get creative with your decor.
A boat wedding is a unique and romantic way to celebrate your nuptials. If you are planning a boat wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your day is extra special.
Since you’ll be limited on space, try to find decor that is both compact and stylish.
First, choose a vessel that reflects your personality as a couple. A classic yacht would be perfect for a traditional affair, while a sailboat would be ideal for a more laid-back celebration.
Next, decorate the boat to suit your theme. Nautical details like anchors and life preservers can add a touch of whimsy, while lanterns and garlands will create a festive atmosphere.
Finally, don’t forget to account for the motion of the boat when planning your decor. Secure any loose items so they don’t blow away, and choose fabrics that won’t billow in the wind.
With a little planning, you can create a truly unforgettable boat wedding.
3. The Food Options May Be Limited on a Boat!
When it comes to choosing the best foods to serve for a wedding on a boat, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Again, because of space constraints, you may have to get creative with your food choices or opt for a more casual meal.
First, finger foods are always a good idea since they can be eaten without utensils. Second, you’ll want to choose foods that won’t spoil quickly in the heat or get soggy if they’re exposed to the elements. With that in mind, here are some of the best foods to serve for a wedding on a boat:
- Vegan miniature quiches
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Vegan stuffed mushrooms
- Vegan crudites with dip
- Fruit kabobs
- Vegan cheese and crackers
- Vegan chicken skewers
- Vegan shrimp cocktail
- Vegan chocolate-covered strawberries
Whatever foods you choose, just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand – it’s bound to be a messy affair!
4. You’ll Need to Consider the Weather for Your Boat Wedding
A boat wedding can be a beautiful and unique event. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best time of year for your boat wedding.
June, July, and August are generally the busiest months for weddings, so you may have trouble booking a venue or finding available vendors.
If you’re set on having a boat wedding, you may want to consider getting married during the shoulder season instead. September and October can offer lovely weather while avoiding the peak wedding season rush.
Another option is to get married in the springtime. April and May are often ideal months for weddings, with mild weather and blooming flowers providing a picturesque setting. Whatever time of year you choose, a boat wedding is sure to be a memorable event.
If you’re planning on getting married during the warmer months, make sure that you have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Similarly, if you’re getting married during the cooler months, make sure that your guests will be comfortable aboard the vessel.
5. Finding an Officiant
While a traditional wedding ceremony is officiated on land, there are many couples who choose to exchange their vows on the open water.
If you are planning a boat wedding, you may be wondering how to find an officiant who is willing to perform the ceremony.
You’ll need to find an officiant who is willing to perform the ceremony aboard the boat. This may take some time and research, so start looking early.
The first step is to contact your local marriage officiants and ask if they have any experience with boat weddings.
Many officiants are familiar with the logistics of performing a ceremony on a vessel, and they may be able to recommend a suitable location.
You can also check with your state’s maritime authority to see if they have any regulations regarding weddings on boats.
Once you have found an officiant who is willing to preside over your ceremony, be sure to communicate your vision for the event so that they can ensure that everything goes smoothly.
With a little planning, you can create a truly unique and memorable boat wedding.
The Best Parts About a Boat Wedding
One of the best things about having a boat wedding is that you can have the ceremony and reception in one place. This saves you time and money on transportation costs.
Plus, it’s a unique setting that your guests are sure to remember.
Another great thing about boat weddings is that they can be very intimate. With only a small group of people on board, you can really focus on each other and enjoy your special day.
Finally, boat weddings give you the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly relax.
Whether you want to sail off into the sunset or just float around in a calm lagoon, a boat wedding is the perfect way to start your life together.
A boat wedding can be a truly unique and memorable experience. Just keep these things in mind and you’re sure to have smooth sailing on your big day. We are feeling inspired by the #boatwedding hashtag on Instagram.
Have you ever been to a boat wedding? Planning one for your special day?
Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to check out our other wedding-planning blogs specially curated to help bring your wedding to life with ease and in budget.
