From Ocean Views to Lobster Hors D’Ouevres, How to Throw the Ultimate Beach-Inspired Wedding

If you were to ask Boston couples where they’d most want to host their dream destination wedding, chances are you’d hear Cape Cod more than once. It’s the pinnacle of New England beauty with its crystal blue waters and nearly 600 miles of khaki coastline dotted with lighthouses, wildlife, and charming (to say the least) venues around every bend and bluff.

If you’re looking to make that Cape Cod wedding dream into a reality, it can help to discern your vision and begin piecing it together. We spoke to one of Cape Cod’s most quintessential wedding venues, Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, who shared the key parts of throwing the perfect Cape Cod wedding. Here’s what you need to know according to Director of Events Lindsay Sullivan.

Find a top-rated culinary and beverage team

Great food, as you have likely heard time and time again, is of the utmost importance at any wedding. “I think food is probably one of the more memorable parts of a wedding experience for guests, and something they’re going to talk about days, weeks, years after they attend the wedding,” says Sullivan. That’s why it’s important to find Cape Cod wedding venues like Wychmere that are known for their flawless food and service.

One thing Wychmere focuses on when it comes to wedding cuisine is food that reflects the region and surroundings. That’s why they source their ingredients locally—even specialty dessert setups like Cape Cod icon Sundae School ice cream bar are more than just a sweet treat, they’re a signature of Cape Cod culture and nostalgia.

When you work with Wychmere to plan your wedding day menu, you’ll speak with Executive Chef Chris Kolwicz, who leads a team of talented chefs who are prepared to make meals that suit your lifestyle and flavor preferences. “If there’s something that’s important to that couple, a special dish or something they’re interested in, we’re definitely open to customizing and figuring out a way we can provide that for them,” Sullivan says.

According to Sullivan, Wychmere’s most popular food picks have been passed hors d’oeuvres like their two-bite lobster roll and clam chowder shooter, and entrees like the seared scallops and their seared petit filet mignon and short rib Wellington ravioli.

In addition to the food menu, optimizing the bar setup at their Cape Cod wedding will also be one of the top ways to ensure the couple’s guests have a great time. Sullivan says there are several options for creative satellite bar setups depending on your favorite drinks and flavors.

“We do a martini bar, we do a whiskey bar, and we even have options for a mini brew bar—so there’s tons of options for beverages,” Sullivan says. All their spirits are top-tier, and they have a list of house wines as well as an upgraded wine list that the couple can choose from to make sure all guests can enjoy their favorite drinks.

Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect match

Since you’ve found your perfect match in a partner, it’s time to find the same in a wedding venue. That means you deserve the vibes and views that are a precise reflection of your preferences.

If you’re not sure what that perfect venue looks like for you, the easiest way to find it is to tour a location that has different spaces you can compare. Wychmere, for example, has three jaw-dropping options where you can hold your perfect wedding.

Each of the venues can be customized to meet your specific color preferences. “Couples can really come in and do what they want with a space with colors and florals,” says Sullivan. She recommends using linens, chargers, and glassware to make the space your own.

Dune (pictured above) is Wychmere’s newest space. It offers panoramic Nantucket Sound and beach views that will take your breath away. “The palette is neutral, but there are some modern finishes,” says Sullivan. “It’s not so modern, but it’s also not so Cape-Cod-classic.” Dune is two floors, with the included indoor-outdoor rooftop space practically begging for a sunset cocktail hour or ceremony.

Harbor Room runs adjacent to the harbor, thus offering harbor views as well as timeless design elements. “It’s more classic Cape Cod,” says Sullivan. It is still more of a neutral palette, with the hardwood floors, the soft whites and grays, and then some wooden beams.” Harbor Room also comes with exclusive access to the Hydrangea Room and the Veranda through stunning French doors donned in sailcloth drapes.

Ocean Room has stunning views of both the harbor and Nantucket Sound, as well as a rooftop that overlooks Wychmere harbor and can be used for a ceremony or cocktail hour.

While your guests are dancing the day and night away, you and your partner (and your photographer) will likely want to check out some of the best wedding photo opportunities that Cape Cod has to offer. Every nook of Wychmere is a photo opportunity, from the docks lining the harbor, to the beach, to the dunes that surround the property. “[The dunes] are beautiful for sunset,” Sullivan says.

Sign with a venue that’ll do the heavy lifting

When you plan your wedding at a Cape Cod venue like Wychmere, Sullivan explains that their professional events staff will guide you through the process from the jump. “We start with an introductory phone call to get to know more about them personally and their wedding vision,” she says. “We’ll go through what our role is, give them a sense of the timeline from when they’re booking to the day of their wedding, and the next steps.”

Sullivan and her team at Wychmere will take the reins with the more granular parts of planning—keeping vendors on top of deadlines, letting you know of any formalities you’re needed for—but they’ll also collaborate with you throughout the venue design and food selection process to make sure your precise vision comes to life.

When the big day comes, Sullivan says, the venue managers and events team take over in unison to make sure all aspects of the day are perfect, and you can enjoy your day without a glimmer of worry. Ultimately, you’ll be handing over the weight of wedding planning when you sign with a highly professional venue like Wychmere.

But not only that, you’ll be putting your wedding dreams in the hands of people who genuinely want to see them come to life. “We really care so much about each client,” says Sullivan. “And when it’s all said and done and that dance floor opens, it’s a really nice feeling to see everyone so happy.”

This is a paid partnership between Wychmere Beach Club and Boston Magazine