Comments on: Ask Abby: Pier Decorations

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:30:58 +0000

Wow, thank you for all the beautiful ideas, the white flowers fits in really well and I love the idea of flowy fabric billowing in the breeze!

I agree that we should let the beauty of the place speak for itself, I’ll use the design elements suggested to create the aisle and “altar” space, otherwise keeping it simple and natural. We’re getting married in the daytime, otherwise the lanterns and candles would have been lovely…

Just found out there will be a tall ships festival at the time of our wedding so should look beautiful!

Thanks again for all your help!

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:58:20 +0000

I’m getting married in a gazebo on the waterfront (http://www.decidio.com/local-businesses/v-52-officiants/virginia/Alexandria/law-office-of-virginia-vile-74298.html) and am facing a similar decorating dilemma. We’re going to decorate the last two dock posts by floating flowers in large clear dishes (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90124402). We also got two small lanterns (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/26472200), but I’m not sure candles will stay lit with all the wind. For the gazebo itself, I bought wide, sheer white ribbon to wrap around the front two pillars, and very thin white and silver ribbon to hang in swags from the ceiling. Aside from that, just rose petals strewn on the dock. We’ll greet guests with champagne as they arrive. I agree, with a beautiful outdoor setting, less is more.

By: Cara

Cara — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:08:40 +0000

I agree with the idea of decorating the end of the pier with panels of white silk or sheer linen (either gathered or left loose) with enough spacing to see the water beyond. Also pillar candles in hurricanes lining both sides of the pier could be stunning, inexpensive and eco-friendly.

By: Heather Canada, ABC

Heather Canada, ABC — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:55:22 +0000

Without knowing the scale of the pier, I’m thinking Wedding Feather Banners if they wouldn’t overpower the area. They could be attached to the posts along the pier, or just at the end to create a nice “alter.” This website has a list of companies that carry them: http://www.funkites.com/weddingbanners.htm.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:03:01 +0000

Varying sizes of Seaport lanterns would tie in with the “pier” theme but with simple white candles would be contemporary.
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12583/index.cfm?pkey=coutdoor%2Ddecorative%2Dlanterns
White voile bunting would create a celebration look without the “4th of July” aspect.
http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/products/white-voile-bunting
Create a focal point by flanking either side of where you will stand at the “altar” by having varying sizes of wooden pillars and setting hurricane lamps filled with flowers.

By: Annie @ Marry You Me

Annie @ Marry You Me — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:45:30 +0000

You can order a life saver ring with your names and wedding date on it, and use it as a “guest book” that everyone can sign. I also like the idea of keeping all the florals white.

By: Candice Dowling

Candice Dowling — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Day or night? Definitely some type of lantern hanging down the pier with candle light inside. Something modern and unexpected. Think metal. If lanterns are not your thing tall vases filled with water and floating candles. I’d bring in any natural elements from the surrounding landscape with your floral design — but with a modern twist. Keeping all the florals white would help to alleviate the dreaded red white and blue look you are not after.

J Crew Goddess dress is A-MAZING. You could also channel a bit of the fabric’s flowey feeling and use white draping along the pier. The effect would be totally dramatic — especially with a little wind and candle light!