20 Ocean-Inspired Wedding Decor Trends for 2025

Hey there, ocean-loving lovebirds! If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like a breezy day by the shore—minus the sand in your shoes—then you’re in the right place. 2025 is bringing some seriously swoon-worthy ocean-inspired decor trends that’ll make your big day feel like a coastal fairytale. Whether you’re planning a beachfront ceremony or just want to bring those serene, salty vibes indoors, I’ve got 20 fresh ideas that’ll have you saying “I do” to the decor (and hopefully your partner too). Let’s dive in!

1. Driftwood Archways with Flowing Fabric

Forget boring old metal arches—driftwood is where it’s at. Picture this: a beautifully weathered driftwood frame draped with sheer, flowing fabric in shades of seafoam or soft coral. It’s rustic yet elegant, and it’ll make your ceremony backdrop look like it was plucked straight from a hidden coastal cove. Plus, it’s eco-friendly! Who said saving the planet couldn’t be stylish?

Pro tip: Add some twinkle lights or tiny seashell accents for extra magic. Trust me, your guests will be snapping pics like they’re at a Pinterest photoshoot.

A driftwood archway on a sandy beach, draped with billowing ivory fabric that catches the ocean breeze. Sunlight filters through the fabric, casting soft shadows on the sand below. Tiny seashells and starfish are woven into the fabric, and a few strands of fairy lights twinkle faintly in the daylight.

2. Glass Bottle Centerpieces with Sand & Succulents

Raise your hand if you’ve ever hoarded glass bottles because “they might be useful someday.” Well, friends, that day has come. Fill clear glass bottles (think wine bottles, mason jars, or even vintage apothecary finds) with layers of sand, tiny shells, and hardy succulents. It’s low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and gives off major beachy boho vibes.

Not into succulents? Try air plants or baby’s breath for a softer look. Either way, your tables will look like they belong in a seaside café—just with more champagne.

A long wooden dining table with mismatched glass bottle centerpieces. Each bottle holds layers of fine white sand, tiny pastel seashells, and small succulents. Soft linen napkins and gold-rimmed glasses complete the look, with sunlight streaming through a nearby window.

3. Pearl-Embellished Table Runners

Pearls aren’t just for your grandma’s jewelry box anymore. A sheer table runner dotted with iridescent pearls is the perfect way to add a touch of understated glam to your reception. It’s like the ocean decided to sprinkle a little luxury on your tables. Pair it with simple white dishes and gold flatware, and boom—instant elegance.

FYI, faux pearls work just as well (and won’t break the bank). Your wallet will thank you, and your guests will never know the difference.

A long banquet table covered in a delicate, sheer table runner with scattered iridescent pearls. The pearls catch the light from hanging Edison bulbs overhead, while minimalist white plates and gold cutlery complete the sophisticated coastal look.

4. Hanging Fishing Net Canopies

Want to turn your reception space into a fisherman’s dream? (In a chic way, of course.) Drape fishing nets from the ceiling and weave in fairy lights, dried flowers, or even paper lanterns. It’s a whimsical way to bring texture and movement to your decor—plus, it’s a great conversation starter. “Oh this? Just something I found on the docks.”

For extra drama, hang a few glass buoys or starfish from the nets. Your guests will feel like they’re dining under the sea (minus the whole “breathing water” thing).

A rustic barn ceiling draped with weathered fishing nets, intertwined with twinkling fairy lights and clusters of dried lavender. Glass buoys in soft blues and greens hang at varying heights, casting colorful reflections on the tables below.

5. Coral-Inspired Ceramic Tableware

If you’re obsessed with coral reefs (who isn’t?), why not let them inspire your table settings? Hand-painted ceramic plates and bowls with coral motifs add a playful yet sophisticated touch. Mix and match patterns for a laid-back vibe, or keep it uniform for a more polished look.

Pair them with woven chargers and linen napkins for that perfect “I just vacation in the Maldives” aesthetic. No actual travel required.

A place setting featuring a hand-painted coral-patterned ceramic plate on a woven seagrass charger. A linen napkin tied with twine and a sprig of dried lavender rests atop the plate, with a gold-rimmed water glass beside it.

6. Seashell Chandeliers

Move over, crystal chandeliers—there’s a new star in town. Imagine a cascading chandelier made entirely of delicate seashells, casting dreamy shadows across your dance floor. It’s romantic, ethereal, and 100% Instagram-worthy.

You can DIY this with some fishing line and patience (or just hire a pro if you’re more of a “supervise with a cocktail” kind of person). Either way, it’s a showstopper.

A breathtaking chandelier made of hundreds of tiny white and pink seashells, suspended from a driftwood frame. The shells sway gently in the breeze, casting intricate shadows on the wooden floor below. Soft candlelight flickers around it, enhancing the magical ambiance.

7. Ocean-Hued Ombré Linens

Why settle for plain white tablecloths when you can have ones that fade from deep navy to soft seafoam? Ombré linens are a subtle yet stunning way to bring the colors of the ocean into your reception. They’re like a sunset over the water—but on your tables.

Pair them with simple centerpieces to let the colors shine. Too much decor will make it look like a mermaid’s garage sale, and nobody wants that.

A round reception table covered in an ombré linen tablecloth that transitions from deep navy at the edges to pale seafoam at the center. A single glass vase with white hydrangeas sits in the middle, reflecting the colors of the fabric.

8. Nautical Rope Escort Cards

Escort cards don’t have to be boring little paper tents. Tie each guest’s name to a small piece of nautical rope and hang them from a driftwood board or an old oar. It’s functional, adorable, and gives off serious “captain of the love boat” energy.

Bonus: Guests can take them home as mini souvenirs. Just don’t be surprised if they start using them as keychains.

A weathered wooden oar propped against a whitewashed wall, with small nautical ropes tied along its length. Each rope holds a handwritten escort card in elegant script, swaying slightly in the breeze.

9. Starfish-Adorned Aisle Runners

Make your walk down the aisle even more memorable with a runner sprinkled with starfish. Whether you go for real dried starfish or faux ones, they’ll add a touch of whimsy to your ceremony. Plus, they’re way more interesting than rose petals (sorry, roses).

Just make sure they’re secured properly—no one wants to trip over a rogue starfish mid-vows. Unless you’re into slapstick comedy, I guess.

A white fabric aisle runner scattered with golden starfish, leading to a driftwood arch. The starfish glint in the sunlight, and a few scattered petals in soft blush and blue add a delicate contrast.

10. Underwater Projection Lighting

Want to feel like you’re getting married in an aquarium (in the best way possible)? Use projection lighting to cast rippling water effects on the walls or ceiling of your venue. It’s moody, mesmerizing, and way cheaper than renting an actual underwater dome.

Pair it with soft blue uplighting, and suddenly your barn venue looks like the lost city of Atlantis. Magic.

A dimly lit reception hall with walls bathed in rippling blue light, mimicking sunlight filtering through water. Tables are adorned with glowing centerpieces, and guests appear to be dancing under the sea.

11. Driftwood Candle Holders

Nothing says “coastal romance” like candlelight flickering through pieces of driftwood. Hollow out small sections of driftwood to hold tea lights or taper candles for a rustic yet refined look. Group them together for maximum impact, or scatter them along tables for a more organic feel.

Warning: Your guests might try to steal these. Can you blame them?

A cluster of driftwood candle holders on a reclaimed wood table, each holding a flickering white taper candle. The candles cast warm, dancing shadows on the textured wood, with a few scattered seashells completing the scene.

12. Seaglass-Colored Glassware

Trade in your plain glass cups for ones in soft seaglass hues—think muted greens, blues, and frosted whites. They’ll make even water look fancy (and let’s be real, you’ll need that after the open bar).

Mix and match colors for a collected-over-time vibe, or keep it monochromatic for a sleeker look. Either way, your toast will feel straight out of a coastal dream.

A tray of seaglass-colored tumblers in varying shades of blue and green, catching the sunlight. Condensation drips down the sides, and a slice of lemon floats in one, adding a pop of bright yellow.

13. Sand Dollar Place Cards

Skip the paper and write your guests’ names on real (or faux) sand dollars. It’s a subtle nod to the ocean without screaming “beach party.” Plus, they double as favors—because who doesn’t want a tiny piece of the sea to take home?

Pro tip: Use a metallic pen for extra elegance. Glitter is optional but highly encouraged.

A wooden table with rows of sand dollars, each bearing a guest’s name written in gold calligraphy. A few sprigs of dried baby’s breath are tucked between them, adding a delicate touch.

14. Wave-Patterned Silk Napkins

Upgrade your napkin game with silky fabrics printed with gentle wave patterns. They’re elegant, unexpected, and way more fun than plain linen. Tie them with twine or a pearl bead for that extra oomph.

Your guests will be so impressed, they might forget to actually use them. Napkins are basically decor at weddings anyway, right?

A stack of wave-patterned silk napkins in shades of blue and white, tied with twine and a single pearl. They rest on a wooden table beside a seaglass-colored plate, with sunlight highlighting the fabric’s sheen.

15. Floating Ocean-Inspired Centerpieces

Take your centerpieces to the next level—literally—by suspending them from the ceiling. Think glass orbs filled with sand and tiny shells, or dried flowers hanging at varying heights. It’s like a jellyfish bloom, but less sting-y.

This works especially well in venues with high ceilings. Just make sure they’re secure—no one wants a face full of sand mid-dinner.

Transparent glass orbs filled with layers of sand and seashells, suspended at different heights above a reception table. The orbs catch the light from candles below, creating a dreamy, floating effect.

16. Rope-Wrapped Bar Front

Give your bar a nautical makeover by wrapping the front in thick nautical rope. It’s an easy way to add texture and theme without going overboard (pun intended). Pair it with a chalkboard menu written in sailor’s script, and you’ve got yourself a bar that’s ready to set sail.

Bonus: It’s a great conversation starter for guests who’ve had one too many cocktails. “Did you know knots have names? Let me tell you about them…”

A rustic wooden bar with its front wrapped in thick nautical rope, secured with brass tacks. A chalkboard above lists signature cocktails in elegant script, and a bartender pours a drink into a seaglass-colored glass.

17. Mermaid-Scale Table Numbers

Who says table numbers have to be boring? Cut acrylic or wood into wave shapes and paint them with iridescent mermaid-scale patterns. They’ll shimmer in the light and make even Table 12 feel special.

FYI, these also make great photo props. Your bridesmaids will fight over who gets to take them home.

A wave-shaped acrylic table number painted with iridescent mermaid scales, resting against a folded linen napkin. The scales catch the light, shifting from blue to green to gold as the angle changes.

18. Driftwood Cake Stand

Your cake deserves a throne, and driftwood is the perfect material for it. A custom driftwood cake stand adds organic texture and pairs beautifully with a simple, elegant cake. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose that giant piece of driftwood you’ve been hoarding since your last beach trip.

Just make sure it’s sturdy—cake disasters are only funny in movies.

A rustic wedding cake with smooth white frosting and minimal greenery, displayed on a driftwood cake stand. The stand’s natural curves and weathered texture contrast beautifully with the cake’s clean lines.

19. Ocean-Scented Welcome Bags

Greet your guests with welcome bags that smell like the sea. Fill them with mini candles, soaps, or sachets scented like saltwater, coconut, or fresh linen. It’s a sensory detail that’ll transport them straight to the coast.

Pro tip: Add a mini bottle of sunscreen for that extra “beach vacation” feel. Your out-of-town guests will appreciate it.

A woven seagrass welcome bag filled with ocean-scented goodies: a small candle, a bar of soap, a linen sachet, and a tiny bottle of sunscreen. A handwritten note tied with twine rests on top.

20. Seashell Confetti Toss

Ditch the rice and paper confetti—tiny seashells are where it’s at. Fill small muslin bags with miniature shells for guests to toss as you make your grand exit. It’s eco-friendly, adorable, and way more memorable than boring old bubbles.

Just be prepared to find shells in your hair for days. Consider it a souvenir.

A couple running through a shower of tiny seashells, laughing as their guests toss them from muslin bags. The shells glint in the golden hour light, and the ocean waves crash in the background.

And there you have it—20 ocean-inspired wedding decor trends that’ll make your 2025 celebration feel like a dreamy coastal escape. Whether you go all-in with driftwood and seashells or just sprinkle in a few subtle touches, these ideas will bring the magic of the ocean to your big day. Now, who’s ready to start planning? (And maybe take a beach trip for “research purposes”? I won’t judge.)