How to Plan a Beach Wedding
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls in Planning an Outdoor Ceremony in the Sand
Nov 26, 2008
Over the past decade or so wedding ceremonies have begun to leave the traditional churches, chapels and synagogues, and have headed to less conventional venues. Some have simply moved outdoors to pastures and meadows, while for others a beach wedding ceremony is just their style. Beach weddings can be quite beautiful and memorable, but here are a few tips on how to make the memories good ones instead of nightmarish.
Beach Wedding Theme
Since the wedding is being held at the beach a Hawaiian or Tropical Caribbean theme would be appropriate. Use the bold colors of the tropics for flowers and dress styles (including the bride and groom) with a tropical flair, and you are sure to have a wedding that will be remembered for years to come. If the wedding is in the evening, then the aisle can be lit by Hawaiian Tiki torches, or even by candles floating in water.
You could also go with a Surfer themed wedding for daytime with surfboards arranged to form the promenade archway and the wedding arch. They certainly will not fly away in a wind gust.
Beach Seating and Flooring Ideas
If it is at all in your budget, you should consider temporary flooring for solid footing beneath the chairs. If the wedding is an informal one, then use beach chairs for the guests to sit in. This eliminates the necessity to put flooring down underneath the chairs. Make sure the area where the ceremony is to take place is on a solid platform. If the ring drops into sand it might be lost for a while.
Wedding Photographer Preparations
It is imperative that you have a photographer that is prepared for outdoor photos no matter what the lighting. Be sure to give your photographer clear details, so he is ready for a cloudy day or a sunny day. Some photographers will suggest having your ceremony when the sun is setting because people are less likely to squint at these times, so you will have some decisions make on this matter.
Planning for Possible Beach Wedding Pitfalls
Plan for the Sand
The biggest factor when having a beach wedding is dealing with the sand. You know what sand can do, and how it can get into everything. Also remember that it is somewhat elastic and can be difficult to walk on. Make sure that all of the women in both the wedding party and on the guest list plan on wearing no spiked heels. Try to suggest wedged heels or even low heeled sandals for beach walking comfort.
Plan for the Wind
Having a beach wedding means that you realize weather conditions dictate whether or not the actual ceremony can take place. While rain might mean a cancellation, strong winds can be a disaster just as well. Just because the weather forecast is for a "clear" day, this won't take into account that it may be overly windy. Also remember there is always some wind at the beach every day.
Try to plan for the ceremony to take place a little bit after noontime. This is the one time at the beach where winds would be at their weakest since the water temperature and temperature of the land are typically equal. Do not forget to also check the tide while you are at it. If you plan for a later or earlier ceremonial time then be aware that the tide just might come in right in the middle of saying "I do."
Anchor Everything Down
This means everything! Tents are usually anchored, but people often forget the flower stands, the dais, and the wedding arch. Also do not forget the guests. Try to suggest that they do not wear any loose garments, no matter how much in fashion they might be. Women's hair styles should be wind proof. Short cropped hair is best, but if not feasible then wearing the hair in an "up do" style will suffice.
Planning a beach wedding does take some major consideration. If you follow these simple suggestions you can have a beach wedding that will be beautiful, unique, and long remembered by all that attended.
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