Nautical theme, formal wedding?

Itcan look gorgeous and elegant. Stay away from the cutesy stuff. Think yacht club instead of beach club.

Include TOUCHES of the beach and nautical theme in your cocktail hour and reception only. Make sure though if you're saying black tie optional you're actually providing the entire black tie experience, not just expecting people to dress up and buy that level of attire.

Absolutely! There is nothing more classy then navy, gold and white (colors that remind me of nautical). As far as images/props, I would suggest octopus, oysters, knots. It's a lovely theme.

Going to the chapel has got it right. No kitsch. Clean design with minimal b.s. Gold, navy and white. I'm thinking the beach badge escort card might not be formal enough, but the knots would be okay. As a NJ'ian, I think the mini pork rolls are adorable!

Omg, as a new england who loves Taylor pork roll, I'm jealous of your favors! Send me one???

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And I agree with @Going... - think yacht club and you should be good!

Absolutely! I definitely think they will go together seamlessly and beautfully. Also- love the nod to Jersey through pork roll! SOOOO YUMMY

Black tie optional isn't a thing. It's either black tie or it's not.

That is exactly what we are doing! FH works on a yacht and our life pretty much revolves around the boats. I told our coordinator it is "chic nautical" very mild. Navy & white striped ribbon on the cake... knot table number holders, anchors, a lot of it is very subtle.

Thanks everyone!

Yea we definitely don't want cutesy decorations. We want the table cloths to be neutral and keep the centerpieces formal---the only touches will be to the cocktail hour tables (maybe blue table cloths, some tables with lanterns and some with white flowers), the beach badges, and the table numbers.

With the beach badges we want something like this (but the regular octagon shape).

You might want to google black tie. Black tie is more about how an event is hosted than what the guests wear. Centerpiece explains it really well.

Upscale venue, valet service, white glove service, top shelf open bar, and orders taken table side? Check, check, check, check, and check.

It's black tie optional, because I know some family members cannot afford tuxes---to rent or buy---and I would rather them be there than have them feel like they cannot come because they only have a suit.