What’s it going to be? Fiji or Florida?
A “romantic” beach wedding sounds appealing—especially if you love burying your toes in the sand and wearing nothing but a two-piece and a veil (or perhaps a bandana). But beach weddings have evolved. They don’t have to look like they were designed exclusively for beach bums anymore.
Beach weddings have gained respectability. Lawyers and nuclear scientists alike have said “I do” on the dock. So if that’s your idea of a romantic union, go for it. The key is careful planning—preferably with someone experienced in this kind of event. If you want your beach ceremony to go off without a hitch, it’s best to hire a professional.
Key Considerations
Whether you opt for a formal or informal beach wedding, there are at least five crucial factors to consider if you’re planning to marry “au naturel.” Assuming you’ve already chosen the perfect beach for exchanging vows and rings, some key considerations still need to be addressed.
- Tide – Tide is everything—no, not the detergent. We’re talking high and low tides. Would you really want the officiant to be swallowed by a giant wave just as they’re about to pronounce you husband and wife? We think not! Be sure to ask your wedding planner if they monitor tide schedules closely.
- Weather – If you’re holding both your ceremony and reception outdoors, there’s a chance you’ll end up wet. While it’s beautiful when the sun sets and seagulls return to their nests, what if it rains? Consider making backup arrangements with your wedding planner for sudden weather changes. You could wake up to a sunny, glorious day only for ominous clouds to roll in as the ceremony nears.
- Photography – Outdoor photography presents its own set of challenges. You’ll want a photographer who’s experienced in beachside shoots and knows how to make everyone look their best. We recommend having the ceremony on the beach, but perhaps the reception indoors, so you can have the best of both worlds. With a skilled photographer, you have nothing to worry about.
- Public Attention – In a traditional wedding, only your invited guests can gaze at you with adoration. But on a beach, every Tom, Dick, and Harry may be watching you, and you can’t really shoo them away since you don’t own the beach.
- Accessibility for Guests – A beach wedding could be challenging for some guests. If it’s out of town, some may not have the means to make the trip. Others, particularly elderly guests, may find standing in the sun or having sand blown in their faces uncomfortable. Be sure to provide detailed maps and information on accommodations for out-of-town guests who may be worn out from the journey.
- Food Handling – Oh, the seagulls! When food is laid out in the open on a long table, your caterer will need to provide special covers to protect it. Food can’t be exposed to the sun for too long, and those pesky seagulls are notorious for swooping in. How would your guests feel if they reached for the guacamole dip and a seagull was perched on the edge, ready to dive in?
Checklist
If you’ve hired a professional beach wedding planner to handle the details, you won’t have much to worry about. However, in addition to the wedding wardrobe, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and wedding programs, there are a few other things that should be on your list:
- First aid kit – This is essential if the beach is on a remote island, far from the nearest clinic.
- Sunscreen/windscreen – A must to avoid a red nose and a burnt back.
- Beach umbrellas – Be sure to specify these items to your caterer or wedding planner.
- Comfortable beachwear for guests who might want to enjoy the sand. Also, have a variety of flip-flops available in different sizes.
Beach Weddings – “Leave it with Us”
Professional beach wedding planners are just that—professionals. Especially the seasoned ones. After five years in the business, they’ve seen and heard it all. They can handle even the most unusual requests without batting an eye. Many advertise their services with a reassuring promise: “Just tell us your dream, and we’ll take it from there.”
Typically, beach weddings last most of the day. If your guests are traveling a few hours to join you, they’ll expect more than just a brief ceremony. Make sure the whole experience is worth their trip. Aside from the ceremony and reception, think about your guests’ comfort and convenience. It’s all part of intelligent planning.
For example, the beach itself might not be enough to keep everyone entertained. Ask your planner if the area is close to a public park or if there’s a resort with a pool. Can you charter a boat for a leisurely tour around the island? Is the boat equipped with life vests, and is the captain licensed? If there’s a nearby golf course, guests might appreciate a chance to play a round after the reception. These details can be useful to share with your guests ahead of time so they can pack accordingly.
And don’t forget the sound! If you’re hiring musicians for outdoor entertainment, inform them about the potential noise from the waves or other distractions. Violins might produce beautiful music, but if they’re drowned out by the roar of the ocean, you could lose the dramatic effect.
A woman who had a yacht wedding shared that the event would have been nearly perfect—if not for the sea traffic. As they cruised past other yachts, drunken partygoers shouted lewd jokes, causing the bride to blush, the minister to cringe, and the guests to lose focus. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected that makes a wedding truly memorable.
