Having your wedding on the beach? There's nothing more romantic than the sounds of the surf, the sand between your toes, the sultry, salt-tinged air...it's all more amazing than you can imagine. Whether you are planning a destination celebration or saying your I dos on a sandy spot close to home, these 7 tips will assure an unforgettable beach bash.
A huge bonus of a beach wedding is the relaxed feeling -- so do yourselves a favor and leave the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively) to the pros. From a freak thunderstorm to a toppled canopy, wedding coordinators are prepared for every eventuality. Wedding at a resort? Enlist the help of their wedding specialists. Setting up your own seaside spot? Visit the Association of Bridal Consultants at BridalAssn.com for a list of bridal consultants in your area.
Afternoon heat can be brutal in many seaside locales. But even if you're okay standing there glistening, think of your guests. High temperatures are not for everyone, especially older folks and young kids. To avoid the heat (and the crowds), consider a morning or sunset ceremony. Can't schedule your ceremony at one of these times? Go ahead and have it in the afternoon, but find a shady spot on the beach that's likely to catch a cool breeze. Be sure to check what the weather will be like, and inform guests so they can dress accordingly. Also check the tide schedule at TidesOnline.com: Tides coming in are noisier than going out -- not to mention the risk of water creeping up on you as you wed.
First off, you'll want to find a photographer who's shot beach weddings -- shutterbugs not experienced with beach photography may be unfamiliar with the proper lighting techniques. Then be sure to take advantage of the beauty of your natural surroundings: waves crashing in the distance, a sunset backdrop beside the water's edge. For great candids, loosen up! Kick the sand, turn a cartwheel, or simply stroll hand in hand. In addition, make sure to prepare a list of must-have shots.
Typically, beach brides leave the princess ball gown at home with the down coat and snow boots. Seaside weddings call for lightweight attire -- anything else and you'll be weighed down and hot, looking out of place. Grooms often sport linen suits, but if it's really hot, guys can forgo the jacket and wear a loose shirt and pants. For the ladies, light, airy fabrics are key; for comfort, try cotton, crepe, or linen. We think nothing says beach wedding like a simple sarong or white sundress blowing in the breeze.
A beach wedding on the Big Island will be quite different from a seaside ceremony in the South of France, and your menu should reflect that. Incorporate foods and customs of the area. Hawaiian weddings, for example, usually involve local delicacies such as poi and roast pig. Similarly, Caribbean choices include jerk chicken and fresh seafood. When selecting your menu, also consider the temperature -- many foods will spoil in the heat (for instance for your cake, fondant is a better choice than buttercream, which will melt).
Beautiful blooms add bursts of color to any space, including the beach. Consult with a local florist to choose the right flowers for your fete -- direct sunlight and heat are murder to many blossoms. You'll want flowers that last. Those that wilt easily, like freesia, poppies, and bouvardia, are not good choices. But gorgeous orchids, chrysanthemums, and plumeria are surprisingly hardy and hold up well in almost any kind of weather. For beach-theme centerpieces, fill large conch shells or colorful beach pails with your chosen flowers.
Hey, we know the last thing you want to do is scrap your wedding fun in the sun at the last minute, but sometimes Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. Renting a tent is always recommended. For backup in the event of a complete washout, make arrangements in advance with a nearby hotel or hall as an alternate locale. If it does rain, try not to mope. Just go with the flow and enjoy -- you're pledging your love to your one and only and embarking on a new life together. We can't think of anything more wonderful than that.