Planning A Beach Wedding

A sandy beach, the sound of waves, the smell of fresh air and a gentle breeze blowing through your hair. Although romantic and memorable, there are details to pay attention to if you are planning a beach wedding.

Before choosing a specific location for your beach wedding, check weather climates for the date you want to get married on. It would be more than a memorable wedding if you reserved your wedding date for hurricane season!

When you decide on your beach wedding location, check whether it is a public or private beach. There may be limitations for either when holding weddings and receptions on the premises. Be sure to ask a county or city clerk if there are any permits needed for your wedding and apply for them several months ahead of time.

Think ahead when planning a beach wedding. For instance, sitting chairs directly on the sand is not a good idea, because they will eventually start to sink. Instead, consider renting special flooring to place the chairs on. Also consider renting canopies to shelter any wind hazards that may come up suddenly, providing umbrellas to shade your guests, if having a day wedding, and offer bottled water if the temperatures are hot.

Be sure to let guests know what to wear to your beach wedding. Depending on the weather, you may consider having them dress casually to keep them comfortable in the midst of the hot sun and suggest them bringing jackets in case a chill is in the air at night.

Parking is another consideration to take in when planning a beach wedding. Some beaches place their parking a large distance from the beach itself. If you are having elderly couples, young children or individuals who have limited mobility, you may want to rent golf carts and have “ushers” drive the guests down to the beach. Portable restrooms are another good idea for your guests if there is not a close restroom location near your wedding site.

As is with anything, have a backup plan when planning your beach wedding. Rain and winds can play havoc on a beach wedding and upset the entire ceremony. So, find a nearby building that can be rented, church or hotel. Usually if you are planning a wedding on a resort beach, they will have a party room, specifically designated for weddings and receptions.

If you are planning a reception for your beach wedding, use these ideas to create lasting decoration memories. Buy pail and shovel sets from a local toy department. You can find these very cheap and usually will come as sets. Fill them with bright flowers, fruit or candy. Buy candles with embedded sea shells already molded into them and set them on a dish, surrounded by sand. Another great idea is buying different shaped bottles. Fill with colored sand and stick tapered candles from the tops.

By using common sense and planning ahead, you can create a beautiful, lasting memory that will give you and your new husband a new start to a lifetime of happiness.