They may look like the real thing, but candy pebbles in small galvanized pails are a sweet and delightful favor for an outdoor wedding -- a note lets guests know they are for eating.

Turn kids' metal beach buckets into custom centerpieces by painting them in the wedding colors.

Instead of numbers to assign guests their tables, use names of seashells. Each type of shell represents a different table. Arrange seating cards and shells on aqua fabric to give the impression of water. On each table, display a card with the shell's name, or fill a bowl with those shells as a centerpiece.

This is a great idea from Martha Stewart Living: Four clam or scallop shells make a beachy set of salt-and-pepper dishes. First, run four shells per set through a dishwasher, secured in the silverware caddy. For the base, turn two shells topside up, and hot-glue them together at the hinge. Glue together the other two shells, then lay them faceup and crosswise over the base, and glue.

Andromeda blossoms call to mind beautiful sea plants washed ashore as they spill from this sun-dappled cascade. Their pebbly texture contrasts nicely with plump parrot tulips, ruffly lady's slipper orchids, dainty hyacinth florets, and trumpeted narcissus. Their shape is repeated in the vintage white lace ribbon that envelops the stems.

These cheerfully colored umbrellas sporting seating assignments dot miniature sand dunes at the entrance to a beach-themed reception.

Transform inexpensive silk flowers into delicate garlands. Just dismantle the blooms to separate the layers of petals, removing any greenery. Overlap edges of petals slightly, and join them using dabs of hot glue. Then glue beads in centers to cover stem holes. String garlands along aisles, at the altar, or across chair backs.

With a few vibrant splashes of color, a white cascade exudes an exotic splendor. Tropical yellow-and-pink cattelaya orchids punctuate ivory clouds of lisianthius and sweet peas. Lithe gloriosa lilies enliven the bouquet. A silk ribbon trails down a tulle gown by Angel Sanchez.

Some may consider seashells the flowers of the ocean. Use them with a welter of floral blossoms to create a remarkable terrestrial bouquet.

This petite dome of white and pink picoteed ranunculuses is encircled by a carefree cuff of translucent capiz shells. The silk ribbon plays off the streaks of color in the flowers.

Perfect for a wedding by the ocean, these scallop shells clasp table designations as if bearing treasures from the sea. Guests pull out their cards to discover their table numbers, which are hidden behind the shells.

Dress tables with sculptural shells and coral-like pieces. Large conch and murex shells with cattleya orchids nestled in their openings and smaller marlin spike shells surround a vase filled with tiny shells and a pillar candle. Painted manzanita branches stand in for real coral.