Beyond Catering – Tips For A Perfect Outer Banks Beach Wedding

Outer Banks Weddings - Beyond Catering

The fantasy of a beautiful beach wedding in the Outer Banks is shared by many brides-to-be, and making it come true for them is what our catering team’s main goal.

But an Outer Banks wedding involves more than amazing food – and here are some tips we gathered for an overall unique obx wedding experience:

Location: Think about booking a private beach. This allows you time for your wedding and your reception – so you and your guests can dance into the night under the stars. In the Outer Banks, some hotels will reserve their beaches exclusively for your party, and several of the bigger rental homes have private beach access.  If you can’t find a private beach have a public beach party. But the best is that even though only a small portion of your family and friends can make the trip, and you’re at the beach, you can always invite a few new-friends in the way of other hotel guests and well-wishers?

Invites: How about sending the invites on an old glass bottle for that message-in-a-bottle feel? Or for an easier and less expensive alternative, find stationary with sand dollar or tropical floral designs.

Decor: Make use of the Outer Banks natural beauty and design 3 heart shapes in the sand with shells, pebbles or driftwood – one for the bride and groom, one for the officiant, and a big one for the guests . Or, have your vows written in the sand for all to see. Watch as the entire decor fades aways as the tide comes in and the party goes on!

Flowers: There are several florists in the Outer Banks who can help with wedding flowers perfect for the beach, but why not wear Hawaiian-style lei flowers instead of a bouquet? Or carry a shell encrusted candle. For a more traditional approach but still keeping to the beach theme, why not encrust shells on the bouquet and flower decor?

Bridal Attire: Here’s a very contemporary approach: wear a grass skirt with a bikini and Hawaiian garland. Or, a floral dress or a sarong and bikini is equally “beachy” and it will definitely fit the Outer Banks lifestyle. Look for shell jewelry (or pearls)! Go barefoot (that’s a must at the beach – at the very least, wear one of those simple yet fashionable Hawaianas flip flops .)

Groom’s Attire: Floral shirt and Bermuda shorts with a Hawaiian garland round his neck. Or he could pull a David Beckham and wear a sarong and vest top. Barefoot or sandals.

Catering: Of course, catering for an Outer Banks wedding is our specialty, and we have several different menus. But how about this classic: White and milk chocolate shell decorations make for a beautiful beach-themed cake. Plain sponge cake is light and luscious in the beach humidity. Consider a seafood spread – prawns, lobster and other seaside favorite. For those looking for authentic cuisine, our specialties include more exotic seafood like delicious ceviches, calamari, and even an aromatic paella.

Favors: For a destination wedding, even if the Outer Banks is not that far from home, it’s not uncommon (and thoughtful) to give guests their favors upon arrival. A goodie bag containing sunglasses, sunscreen and flip-flops will be just what any beach-tripper needs. Consider including some classic OBX t-shirts and shot glasses

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