Anyone who loves the beach has most certainly considered a beach wedding and why wouldn’t they?With the stunning ocean backdrop, the warm sun on your skin, and the sound of the gentle rolling of the waves a beach wedding is sure to delight both the bridal party and its guests. But make no doubt, while they may be beautiful, beach weddings require careful planning to make sure that things run as smoothly as possible. Here are some things to consider before booking your seaside wedding.
Is the beach public or private?
Of course you want your big day to be special and most likely a private affair. Before choosing your destination, be sure to do some research on local beaches. You may think you’re okay with a public beach, but when you arrive you find the crowds of noisy sunbathers off putting.
In this case, you’ll want to pick a beach where you can hold your ceremony privately. If it’s possible, single out some private beaches or seaside homes. If your destination of choice is public, consider having your wedding in the off season or scheduling your wedding on a weekday to avoid the crowds. You’ll also want to make sure that you acquire a permit if needed. Check with the city to make sure you follow all rules and regulations regarding beach usage as you may not be allowed to bring alcohol, play music, or start bonfires.
How do you pick out the perfect dress for your beach wedding?
When you plan to get married on the beach, you’ll want to search for a simpler dress. Avoid heavy fabrics and long dresses as they are hard to walk in on the sand and they may become cumbersome as they whip in the wind. Instead, opt for shorter and lighter dresses to optimize comfort.
Ditch the heels.
Heels on the beach? That’s just not practical. You’ll want to opt for a comfortable pair of sandals or forgo shoes all together.
Ditch the veil, too.
If it happens to be a windy day on the beach, a long and heavy veil will surely drive you and your photographer crazy. If you really want to accessorize, consider weaving flowers through your hair or opting for a simpler headpiece or headband. In addition, you may want to opt for an elegant updo to keep the hair out of your face.
How should the groom and bridal party dress?
You want to keep your dress as light and bright as possible, so be sure to do the same for the rest of your wedding party. Avoid dark, formal tuxes in favor of light colors and fabrics like cotton. A nice pair of khaki pants or a khaki tux and a white shirt will impress.
How do you pick out decorations?
You’ll want to be sure to choose decorations that compliment the natural beauty of the seashore such as seashells and other nautical decorations. In addition, make sure your decorations are durable and can stand up to the wind and pounding surf. Avoid anything that will break easily or can be carried off in the wind.
Invest in a sound system.
There’s no doubt about it, the beach can be loud. With the wind and the rolling surf, you’ll want to invest in a sound system to make sure that your vows can be heard. It’s also a good idea to bring along a wind screen to cover the microphone.
Keep the ceremony short.
With the heat and humidity, you and your guests can become uncomfortable very quickly. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep the wedding ceremony short.
Make sure you have a contingency plan.
Just like any other outdoor wedding, there’s a chance that you might have to battle with the elements. If it turns out to be a rainy day at the beach do you have a back up plan? Is there somewhere else you can get married or is there a way to cover your venue with a tent or canopy? These are all things you’ll want to consider before committing to a seaside ceremony.
Make sure to reserve a hotel block or beach house for guests.
If your beach wedding is a destination wedding, you’ll want to make sure that all of your guests have somewhere to stay. If your wedding party is smaller, you may beable to get away with renting a beach home for a few days. If not, make sure you book enough hotel rooms for all your guests.
Consider having a wedding planner do the hard work.
Plenty of resorts and resort towns have expert wedding planners who will do the hard work for you. The best part? They specialize in these destination weddings. If your heart is set on a beachside wedding, but the logistics just seem too complicated, hire a planner! Whether you plan your wedding yourself or reach out to the pros, if you keep these tips in mind, your seaside affair will be sure to impress!
