Groom’s Attire for the West Coast Beach Wedding! We love to see the guys in their wedding suits and tuxes, but many of our West Coast grooms are marrying on the beach – which often involves running through the ocean!  That means a tux may not be the best choice…so what is the well-dressed groom wearing to his beach wedding?

The current trends for grooms feature blues, pale grey and beige – the perfect palette for any seaside event.

The current trends for grooms feature blues, pale grey, and beige – the perfect palette for any seaside event. Those are also the colours that tend to look the best when surrounded by nature. While there are no ‘rules,’ be sure the groom’s look will stand the test of time.

You are invited to more groom tips!

That being said, what most grooms love about a beach wedding is that they can go less formal.  Undoing a few shirt buttons, maybe losing the tie/jacket, or simply being able to wear more casual fabrics. Some grooms still prefer to wear a suit but choose a looser fit that is more comfortable.

Whatever the look…be sure to take a cue from the bride.  What she chooses as her bridal gown will influence how a groom will style. Go for a timeless yet comfortable look and enjoy a wonderful day with family and friends!

Tips for the Beach Wedding Groom:

Always allow the bride to take the lead in how casual your wedding will be – you may have to abandon your plan to wear shorts if your bride has found her dream princess gown!

Footwear can be anything from traditional to sneakers – but always have the appropriate shoes for your style.

Grooms can go sockless but always wear invisible socks with closed shoes.

Cotton and linens or lightweight wool suits are perfect materials for outdoor weddings!

Never wear a formal tux under the beach skies. Always go towards lighter suits.  Remember – it can get hot!

with thanks to Dale of Outlooks at Men (outlooksformen.com)

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15 Gorgeous Bouquets for the Romantic West Coast Bride...We can’t get enough of this trend—the luscious, cascading bouquets that every stylish bride holds. The sky is the limit when it comes to trailing greenery, colour, texture, and design.

Cascading bouquets are a romantic choice, with some brides even choosing to forgo flowers and replace them with succulents. You can choose a monochromatic pastel look or wildly diverse jewel tones. Oversized bouquets undoubtedly bring a stunning wow factor to your floral choices, so be adventurous! 

We especially love the lush look of oversized blooms surrounded by greenery of all shades and sizes. Remember, these bouquets can be heavy, so talk to your florist about your comfort level. You don’t want to be in pain on your wedding day! Large bouquets up the allergy factor, so check with your wedding party and family beforehand or warn them!

Enjoy these bouquets created by talented Vancouver Island and Vancouver wedding floral designers! British Columbia florists have the luxury of endless natural bounty, and we love their creations! For more beautiful West Coast designs, visit Waterfall Bouquets  & West Coast Floral Crowns…

Powell Floral | Summer Rayne Photography

Brown’s the Florist | Funkytown Photography

Petal & Kettle Parksville | Erin Wallis Photography

Wild Valley Floral Design | Erin Wallis Photography

Brown’s the Florist | Lisa Kopp Photography

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Pets at Your Wedding

One would think that the biggest wedding trend these days was lace or multi-colored bridesmaid palettes, but no…it’s pets at your wedding! Wedding photos are pouring in this year, with dogs having a serious role in the affair. There is also the general animal theme, with many weddings held at farms that are opening as wedding venues. One thing is for sure. The results are a big hit with guests and couples alike…though we can imagine some photographers are pulling their hair out!

There are a few things to think about before including your pets in your special day. Is your pet amiable among crowds, or should you have a ‘pet sitter’ for the day? Would it be better for the pet to be carried down the aisle rather than ‘walk’? Have you informed your guests in case they have allergies? Have you checked with your venue to see if pets are welcome? Is your pet safe and comfortable in their ‘wedding attire’ for the day?

Some pets can attend without any trouble, just like any other guest, while others may need supervision in a crowd. If this concerns you, remember you can hire someone to care for your pet during the day. 

If your wedding party is willing…take advantage and get those fun animal moments!

If your pet can’t be part of the ceremony, perhaps choose to do your photos where your pet can be. If your wedding party is willing, take advantage of those fun animal moments! It is equally important to be sure you have a photographer who is comfortable with pets. Scroll through the photographers’ Instagram and make sure they have great pet shots! 

Some pets seem to love being ‘flowered up,’ but be sure that nothing irritates your pet. The bow tie seems most popular, but some pets go full-on formal with jackets and boots!

Taking the time to ensure all your ducks are in a row beforehand will prevent problems on the big day and keep everyone (on two legs or four) happy! 

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10 West Coast Wedding Floral Crowns

We love summers here at West Coast Weddings because that is when photographers drop their sneak peek photos from that weekend’s weddings! One trend that we are enjoying is the gorgeous floral crowns.  Once reserved for the hippie bride, bridal wreaths are everywhere. Traditional brides combine floral crowns with veils, while bohemian brides wear them atop loose curls.

Head wreaths for brides are a way to create a more casual look for the formal bride. There is no reason why you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Are you wearing a cathedral veil for a church ceremony? Why not change it out to a floral crown for those beach photos? Or have your wreath ready for the pre-wedding photos?

Floral crowns can come in various sizes, from dainty rings of flowers to more adventurous bursts of greenery and colour. Wreaths and coordinating bouquets can create the most beautiful bridal portrait, so go ahead and have one made just for the photos.  Some brides are excited to don a floral wreath for woodland engagement photo sessions.

Floral crowns can create a lovely and ethereal look for the traditional or non-traditional wedding!

No matter the style or colour, floral crowns create a lovely and ethereal look for a traditional or non-traditional wedding. Let your imagination soar, and enjoy the beautiful results!  We chose ten West Coast wedding floral crowns to help you design your wedding day wreath.

We invite you to more West Coast wedding florals!

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Victoria Harbourfront Wedding

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We were so proud to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation while showcasing the best of Vancouver Island’s wedding and event professionals at this year’s Champagne + Cake Show. West Coast Weddings Magazine presented the show along with Blue Lily Event Planning, Decorate Victoria, Truffles Catering, and Lee Entertainment. And, of course, our iconic venue sponsor, Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. 

New at Champagne+ Cake Show!

Ceremony setups in the Hatley Park Gardens, peacocks strutting their stuff, and ocean views off the front patio. Live hair and makeup demos, floral displays, tablescapes, and cake cake cake! DJs spinning tunes, couples dancing to our cellist, or singing along with our live music. We loved the mini dance lessons. Photographers, artists, filmmakers, planners, decorators…everything you need for a wedding or event. The food is, as always, a big part of the show. We hope you sampled the Mexican or Thai food, had some coffee, and tried the mocktails. 

Fashion was all through the castle. Models descended the staircases wearing the latest designs and immediately became stars as our photographers snapped! The best part was the brides who found their gown at the dress sale held by The Bride’s Closet with 50% off. Can’t beat that. 

The pièce de résistance of Champagne + Cake Show 2025 at Hatley Castle is…Hatley Castle Park! The gardens are gorgeous this time of year. Many wandered through the Italian Gardens set up for a ceremony. Others took advantage of the sunshine and lounged on the front patios. 

Thank you to everyone for supporting a good cause at the Champagne + Cake Show 2026 at Hatley Castle! See you next year!

Featured Image: Ross Kyker Photo

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Wedding Venue Showcase: Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa

The Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa is an ideal getaway for a destination wedding in the world-renowned Gulf Islands. A spectacular oceanfront West Coast resort that is close to the major centers of Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle, yet a world away. We loved our trip, visiting where beach and oceanfront ceremonies are held and the dinner and reception settings. Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa aims to create a memorable wedding day for couples and guests in the West Coast setting.  True boutique wedding specialists with romantic elopements for two and elegant affairs for up to 100 guests (64 overnight guests).

If you are a couple looking for a property where you can hold events the day before and the day after, this is it. All of your guests can stay in Oceanfront comfort, and you can have the entire resort for the weekend. If you have any fishing enthusiasts among your guests, they will be over the moon! The walks along the ocean, the sunset views, and the local village vibe all add to a magical place to have your special day. It’s a complete Galiano Island resort experience! And pet-friendly – which is super important for those who wish to have their ‘kids’ with them.

A spectacular oceanfront West Coast resort that is close to the major centres of Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, yet a world away!

There are two amazing oceanfront Wedding Ceremony spots, both with spectacular views.  A world-class restaurant for the reception with the ocean as your backdrop with room to dance the night away. The owners are very proud that they can offer some of the best cuisine on the West Coast with a great selection of BC Wines and craft beers. You can also have your reception outside on the oceanfront and move into the reception rooms as the night progresses. There are lots of options! We asked about the gazebo and the majestic tree in front of the beach – yes, also both popular spots!

 

The Galiano Inn Spa in the Gardens

Galiano Inn can also offer a first-class spa with massage, manicures, pedicures, facials, and an Eucalyptus Steam Room, all steps away from your room. The Madrona Del Mar Spa cottages are tucked into the beautiful garden area beside a babbling brook and fountain, which makes a massage here quite a relaxing and rejuvenating experience! The spa is the perfect way to get everyone relaxed and pretty for special events, and it takes a big ‘to do’ off your list. 

The Gardens at the Inn

We especially loved the Gardens at the Inn. The Flores Del Iris Gardens are rather famous, and guests are encouraged to wander through and enjoy the blend of wild and formal plantings. Galiano Inn works hard to be community-oriented and environmentally friendly. The Gardens are part of this effort, and you can often find local events taking place (International Women’s Day was being celebrated through local artists while we were visiting!). They also host the Kunamokst Mural, which most wedding couples pose in front of at some point! The Inn is a photographer’s paradise with beautiful gardens and beaches steps away from each other and waiting for those epic shots.

Fine Dining Along the Oceanfront

Galiano Inn is incredibly proud of its culinary offerings. Under its Executive Chef, the Atraveda Restaurant has become a peak experience for Pacific dining. They don’t shy away from dietary preferences or restrictions, so you can offer your guests diverse options to suit them without losing their authentic local tastes. The Chef will work with couples to create their menu and liquor pairings. 

Galiano Inn Wedding Guest Accommodations

The accommodations are excellent—we loved the views of the Ocean and the open-concept feel of full kitchen amenities. The suites have washers/dryers, a deck suited for summer and winter use, a large table and chairs for dining, a barbecue, a soaker tub, and a fireplace. We had the fireplace toasting us during our stay while we listened to the West Coast waves in the background—truly wonderful. Of course, there are other room types available for all your guests. Outside the Inn is a fun bakery for your sweet tooth and a bookstore filled with reading treasures. We think coming on the ferry as a foot passenger and leisurely taking the four-minute walk to the Inn is a fantastic travel option. The ferry ride is out of this world – weaving between the Gulf Islands and passing by boats. What a way to welcome your guests and begin creating special memories together!

Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa is a short ferry ride from Victoria, Sidney, or Vancouver. If you want to have your special event or wedding at Galiano Oceanfront Resort and Spa, visit their website and talk to their helpful Event Planner. They are full of advice, have all the vendors you need at their fingertips, and can’t wait to help you celebrate. 

If you are looking for a chill vibe, elegant oceanfront views, and intimate romantic memories, then Galiano Oceanfront Resort and Spa is the place for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Modern Twists on the Wedding Boutonniere for the Stylish Groom!

Boutonnieres used to be the boring part of the wedding floral – predictable and about as interesting as watching paint dry.  These days, though, there has been a resurgence in creating classic or unusual floral designs for the guys.  They bring personality and a modern twist. So, how do you choose boutonnieres, and what design elements should you look for?  (Cover Image: Marnie Recker Photography | Kenmar Flower Farm)

Colour

The men in the wedding party probably won’t get too concerned about what colour the boutonnieres are, but we can always live in hope! More grooms are getting excited about their look on the big day, including their flowers. So, send your groom over to Pinterest, and something will catch his eye. Don’t worry if it isn’t ‘matching’ your wedding palette. You can work with a floral designer to make it perfect for your aesthetic.  What colour are the groom’s and bridesmaids wearing, and what colours will be in the ladies’ floral?  Ensure the tones match or combine well across the colour spectrum.  No pale pastels on the guys, only to have jewel tones appearing across the aisle!

Megan Edelman Photography | Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie

Design

Be sure to choose boutonnieres that look balanced on the guy’s lapels.  Top-heavy creations will not only crease the suits but generally look odd in photos; yes, size matters! Please ensure the boutonniere is not as large as the groom’s face!  Discuss with your florist how the stems will be finished. No green floral tape should be showing! Design choices also include using just one bloom or using several smaller blooms.  Greenery can also add to the look or be used as the entire design. The trend these days is leaning toward larger or pocket boutonnieres or even entire lapel arrangements. Dream large!

LumiPhoto | West Coast Floral Design

Outside of the Box

Some grooms and groomsmen are not in the mood for the floral boutonniere.  No worries! There are many options for a floral alternative – think succulents, pins, berries, vintage keys, watches, feathers, etc.  Anything that might be personally meaningful or original.

A trendy look these days is the floral lapel or floral pocket. These are truly unique and perfect for the super stylish groom. The sky is the limit, and Pinterest is your best friend. Just be sure that your guy is comfortable with a more splashy look. 

Jen + Brian Photo and Film | Wildflower & Twigs

Logistics

Don’t forget that the boutonnieres need to be wherever your men in the wedding party have photos taken before the ceremony.  The father of the bride needs his delivered with the bride’s flowers.  And guys….please…the boutonnieres are pinned above the heart (on the left!!) and not too high (the flowers should not be touching the face!).  A good florist will include a backup boutonniere if Aunt Edna hugs the groom too enthusiastically. These details are often overlooked but become very important in the middle of your photographs.

Choose your boutonnieres wisely; they will become a unique part of your wedding and something your guys will be excited about wearing on their lapels.  We loved these boutonnieres, which span the classics to the whimsical.

Clare Day Flowers/Ophelia Photography

Sophisticated Floral Design | Erica Ann Photography

Lisa Kopp Photography | Brown’s the Florist

Cheyenne Shemnai Photography

You are invited to more west coast wedding inspiration! 

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A Greenhouse Romance… Photographed by Myrtle & Moss Photography, this romantic greenhouse shoot was inspired by the romantic greenhouse at Starling Lane Vineyard and the overcast moody side of the west coast.

It was always a dream of Designer and Planner Brittany Sagal to create a greenhouse wedding that was ultra-romantic and a little bit moody. With romanticized soft florals and a one-of-a-kind dress by Daalarna provided by the White Peony, we were able to create a unique west coast wedding that speaks to the soft moody vibes we live and breathe on the island.

We used delicate touches of hanging florals, just whispering in the background around the ceremony to create a frame for the couple’s ceremony while replicating the rain we experience almost every day through florals.

The tablescape was simple yet delicious – highlighting amazing custom desserts and blackberries (something that grows wild here on Vancouver Island).

To top it all off, we were able to bring the Bubble Bus on board to create custom drinks that tasted so delicious!

By mixing cement tones with pops of blush and eggplant we created the perfect west coast day that could easily be replicated for a real wedding.

If a greenhouse romance with it’s soft and moody vibes are making you feel inspired, then these talented vendors have your back during your west coast weddings.

DESIGN + PLANNING: Brittany Sagal Event Design  | PHOTOS: Myrtle & Moss Photography  | VENUE: Starling Lane Vineyard  | FLORALS: Bespoke Blossoms | PAPER SUITE: Petite Paperie Design Co.  | GOWN: Daalarna Couture at The White Peony  SUIT: Outlooks for Men | DESSERTS: July’s Girl Cake Co.  | RINGS: Barclay’s Fine Jewellers | HAIR: Adorn Hair by Amanda Johnson  | MAKEUP: Makeup by Erica Harris  | BAR CART: The Bubble Bus Co. | DÉCOR RENTALS: Tabletop Curated Rentals | Trend Rentals & Design Studio | Ivy Rae Creative 

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PLANNING + PHOTOS: Amber James Photography  | MODELS: Ashley + Braeden | HAIR: Willow Salon | MUA: House of Beauty  by Karley Reynolds | FLORALS: Florence Oak | TENT: Island Glamping Adventures  | ARCH: From the West  | DÉCOR + STYLING: Sarah Gies Wedding Décor | PAPER SUITE: Petite Paperie Design Co. | CAKE: Sugar Fix Cakes | HAIR JEWELERY: Pretty Things Co. Canada | SUIT: Outlooks for Men | VENUE: AirBNB 

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