Ten Tips For A Stress-Free Beachside Wedding

There is nothing more romantic than a beach wedding on a sandy shoreline complete with balmy breezes and the glittering sea as a backdrop. But cautious planning is a must for all nuptials on the sand. Before planning your wedding at the beach, read these tips to ensure the day is perfect for you and your guests.

Timing: A 3 p.m. beach wedding is not ideal. The sun is hot and the beach could be crowded. Late morning or sunset ceremonies are your best option.

Mother Nature: Hopefully the sun will shine on your wedding day. But in case Mother Nature does not cooperate, make sure to plan an alternate location close to the beach. If the wedding is indeed moved, ask a friend to stay at the beach to direct guests to the new locale.

Photos: Photos taken at the beach can be beautiful. But make sure you choose a photographer who is experienced with beach weddings. Ask to see samples. The strong sun and glare off the water requires special expertise.

Permits: Check with local authorities about special permission or permits needed to hold an event on a public beach. Also ask about overflow parking if the number of guests exceeds the number of parking spaces.

Attire: For the bride and bridesmaids, cocktail length dresses with flat, open-toed shoes are the best options for a walk down a sandy aisle. The groom and groomsmen should be clad in lightweight attire. Unless the weather is cool, tuxes on the beach can be very uncomfortable.

Restrooms: Make sure the public restrooms will be open, especially if you have an evening wedding. If necessary, and if permitted, bring in at least two portable restrooms.

Flowers: Talk to your florist about flowers that can withstand strong sun and breezes. Some fragile flowers could turn brown under intense sun exposure or might break apart in the wind.

Amenities for Guests: You want your guests to be comfortable, so bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Display them in decorative containers on tables.

Caterers: Choose a caterer that can offer advice about what food is best at outdoor weddings. Make sure all containers have covers to keep bugs and sand out of the food.

Favors: Have fun picking nautical or beach-themed wedding favors for your guests! Anchor candles, flip-flop picture frames, or seagull vases are popular options.

As we have seen, a beachside wedding requires a lot of planning because of the special challenges presented by an off-site venue. To ensure that your special day runs smoothly and stands the best chance of being as perfect as possible, take full advantage of the above tips and advice to combat unexpected surprises.