If you’re thinking about having a beach wedding, we say “Go for it!”. The beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places a couple can choose to start their life together. However, we have done quite a few beach weddings, and we’ve learned that there are definitely a few things you’ll want to consider as you plan…
By Pure7 Studios
1) Time of Year
The time of year you decide to do a beach wedding can change things a lot. Price, availability, weather, tourists, and the guests you desire to attend should all be considered when deciding what time of the year to get married at the beach. It’s your wedding, but if you want the people you love there it is courteous to consider their traveling expenses (as well as your own), and time of year does play a part in vacation planning in regards to budget.
2) Time of Day
When planning an outdoor or beach wedding, you need to know what time of day is best for the ceremony when it comes to light (for photos and video) and temperature (for the comfort of you and our guests). Even on a perfect day, there are less desirable times to be outside (unless you’re in a bathing suit). On the Emerald Coast, the typical ceremony start time is 90 minutes before sunset, but seeking the advice of a wedding professional in your area for expertise is recommended.
3) Private or Public Beach
If you want privacy you need to make sure you pick a venue that can accommodate. Not all destination or accommodations have private beaches.
4) Ceremony Length
Being on the beach takes people away from shade, drinking water, and bathrooms so keep that in mind when planning out the ceremony. Even if you do create shade or offer water and restrooms, you don’t want all of your guests and wedding party standing and sitting in sun, heat, wind, or rain for too long.
Image by Pure7 Studios
5) Sound for the Ceremony
Depending on when and where you decide to do a beach wedding, it could be a bit noisy. The natural sound of waves crashing and a breeze is wonderful – unless you’re trying to hear people you love saying their I Do’s. We recommend using a professional sound system with wireless microphones and speakers to make sure that your guests don’t miss the vows while sitting at your ceremony. Your wedding coordinator should be able to help you secure with with ease.
6) The Guests
Sand isn’t the easiest to get around on so if your wedding is on the beach, identify guests who won’t do well on the sand (grandparents, wheelchairs, etc.), so you can come up with a way for them to attend safely and comfortably. In addition, make sure to let all guests know the ceremony is taking place on the beach so they can dress accordingly.
7) The Photographer and Videographer
It’s important to choose a photographer and videographer who have plenty of experience in documenting beach weddings. The weather and lighting on the beach is always unpredictable, so you need to make you have hired someone skilled and prepared to preserve your best moments no matter what curveballs Mother Nature may throw. The photos and wedding video are the only thing you get to take with you in addition to your new spouse. We want to love them just as much as you love your partner!
8) Tan Lines
If you are getting married on the beach you’re either a local (and probably in the sun a lot), or planning a destination wedding (and coming for a long weekend or week). Brides-to-be need to wear plenty of sunscreen and make sure their swimsuits and wedding dress have similar straps. You don’t want end up burned or with bright tan lines on your big day. We recommend the same thing for bridesmaids.
9) Having a back up plan
Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. What are you going to do if it’s too windy/rainy come the big day? The golden rule says that those who have a back up plan rarely need it – so look into it and think of it as an insurance policy!
So there you have it! A few of the things that you need to consider if you’re planning on having a beach wedding! Are you considering having your wedding on the beach?
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Erica Manthey
Latest posts by Erica Manthey (see all)
- 9 Things You Need To Consider For A Beach Wedding - October 1, 2015
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