How to Plan a Beach Wedding: Tips and Etiquette

It's not a picnic to organise a wedding. It'll cost you in terms of both time and money. In the end, though, the effort will be well worth it when everyone you care about gathers to toast your marriage. Whether you're having a wedding on land or at sea, choose the venue is the first order of business.

A wedding on the beach, what could be more romantic? Here is your opportunity to make this the most memorable day of your life together. The secret to a successful beach wedding is knowing the etiquette guidelines that must be adhered to on the big day.

Some factors should be considered when organising a wedding on the beach. You must first locate an officiant who is licenced to perform marriage ceremonies in the state where your ceremony will take place.

The marriage licence must be obtained from and filed with the court in the county where the wedding will take place. Finally, make sure there's sufficient of room on all sides and behind the bridal party so that no one's vision is blocked by sand.

Making preparations for a wedding on the beach may be a thrilling and passionate event. However, you should not rush into planning your event, as doing so will only lead to frustration on the big day.

As stressful as it is to prepare any wedding, a beach nuptial might feel like a completely different animal. Couples can easily make mistakes before even making their plans official because there are so many choices to be made, from the ideal location to the style of dress to wear.

Oceanside or Beachside

There are beaches that are visual feasts for the eyes; yet, getting to those beaches can be more of a hassle if they are remote, lost paradises.

Don't forget that your loved ones want to share in your joy on this most important of days, so think about how simple it will be for them to get to the location of your choice.

Keep in mind the many things (furniture, food, sound equipment, etc.) that will need to be transported to the location you've decided upon.

We can certainly accommodate your request to have the ceremony in that long-forgotten paradise. When it comes to planning beach weddings, we are experts. Just more time and careful preparation is all that's needed.

It is also recommended that you find out if there are any additional guidelines that must be met in order to sign your vows on the beach. In certain places, it's required by law, while in others, it's necessary due to beach privacy restrictions, excessive noise, booze, and bonfires.

There is never a shortage of onlookers who want to be a part of the action, and since certain beaches are open to the public, you have no say over who visits for enjoyment.

It is possible to hold a private beach wedding without a permit by renting a villa or other private location.

Dressing For a Beach Ceremony.

Dress comfortably, but not too comfortably. When it comes to the bride's dress, a beach wedding is the perfect opportunity to try something new, from chiffon and lace to crochet and linen. The objective is to maintain an air of sophistication. Expert advice is as follows.

Throw Away Your Princess Dresses.

Dresses with long skirts or lengthy trains might be difficult to move in on the sand. You could waste time trying to find out a way to get around this, or you could just go out and get something that does the same job but is less of a hassle.

Wear Outfits With no Backs or Straps.

Wearing one of them on a beach will keep you cool and stylish. Take advantage of the relaxed dress code associated with a seaside wedding by trying something new with your outfit.

Perfect (and quite attractive) updos

Especially when you're sweating buckets on an overly humid beach. Wearing your hair up on the beach will assist your hairstyle last longer and keep its shape if your wedding isn't scheduled for a good time.

Take Off Your Heels

— Do we really need to elaborate? You can also get beautiful bejewelled sandals made especially for a beach wedding, or you can purchase them online and pick them up at the store. Espadrilles and wedges are also acceptable alternatives.

Be aware that high temperatures can drastically increase the temperature of sand, which could affect your wedding plans. Make sure your aisle runner is thick enough and carefully placed so that you don't have to worry about stepping on warm sand as you work your way down the aisle.

Casual Nuptials

It's not just nerves that cause people to sweat profusely on the big day. Plan for the heat and allow your boys to wear less formal dress to keep them comfortable. Lightweight cotton pants or a linen suit in a neutral colour (think sand or wheat) are great options for a day at the beach.

Get a Tan Without Worrying About Lines.

Remember that you want to prevent tan lines as much as possible before you go tanning while you unwind and take in the atmosphere of your coastal location.

These, however tiny they may seem, can ruin your wedding day appearance, and if you don't take precautions to prevent sunburn, you'll look even worse.

A shoe station where visitors can exchange their footwear for slippers is a handy amenity.

Handy Supplies

• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• Towels
• Bottled water
• Flip-flops
• Hand fans

Traditions for a Wedding on the Beach

When is The Earliest  Should Send Out Cards?

You should inform your guests well in advance of your wedding date if your beach ceremony will also serve as a destination wedding, as this will allow them to seek time off from work and shop around for affordable flights.

Even though it's best to give important guests, such as parents and wedding party members, a full year's notice before the wedding, sending out save-the-dates six months in advance is still more than enough time.

Does Hosting Entail Arranging Transportation And Lodging For Guests?

Although the happy couple will wish to assist their guests in making travel arrangements, they cannot be held liable for the costs of their guests' transportation, lodging, or meals while in town for the wedding.

You can save time and money by reserving a block of hotel rooms near the wedding venue for your guests.

Resorts often demand a certain number of rooms to be reserved for wedding parties. In such a circumstance, the details card in your invitation suite and the wedding website should solely provide the resort as an option for guests' overnight stays.

After a certain number of reservations have been made, you can add more hotel options to your website.

More undeveloped beaches can be intimidating to find your way there. Finding the finest airport to fly into is only the first step; you'll also need to look into transportation options like water taxis and ferries if you don't want to drive. (Your wedding planner or the organiser at the venue will probably have some suggestions if you're not sure where to begin.)

How Should We Inform Visitors That There Will be a Dress Code in Effect?

Although most beach weddings have a more relaxed atmosphere, it doesn't have to be the case on your special day. Make sure your invitations make it clear what the dress code is, whatever it may be.

(Be mindful of your guests' comfort, though; if the most of the festivities will be held outside, requiring men to wear tuxedos may be excessive.)

Tell your guests right away if the ceremony or any other part of the wedding will be held on the sand. ("If guests are travelling to a large resort, they may not assume the wedding will be held on the beach,"

Inform guests to bring sunglasses, apply sunscreen, and wear shoes with low heels so they don't sink in the sand by posting this information on your wedding website and including a paper insert in their welcome gift.

Can We Have a Completely Outdoor Wedding at The Beach?

We totally appreciate how tempting it is to spend every waking second in paradise after you've finally made it there. However, you should still put your guests' convenience first when picking a venue for your party.

If the ceremony is going to be held outside during peak sunshine hours, consider hosting the cocktail hour in a place that can easily transition between indoors and outside, or on a covered patio. After the sun goes down, the temperature drops, so you can serve dinner and have a dance outside without worrying about your visitors getting too hot.

Choosing The Right Service Provider For Your Beach Ceremony

Magic occurs in the here and now, and in the details. There are some things you can do in advance to make sure your beach wedding goes off without a hitch. Here are some questions you should ask any beach wedding vendor before hiring them:

• Documentation of legal marriage. Find out if they can assist you in obtaining your marriage licence and subsequent certificates.
• Connections are always open. Inquire about availability of contact and assistance at all hours of the day and night.
• Determine the bounds of your enquiry by asking about them. Inquire whether there are restrictions on the number of guests or the time of day weddings can be held.
• Services for a fee. Identify the services that have additional costs
• Will there be assistance available? Find out if you have to pay extra for things like meetings, calls, and emails with your wedding planner.
• Find a service provider in the area who specialises in weddings on the beach. Remember that working with nearby businesses can help you get what you need quickly and easily.
• Some businesses will give active-duty military members a discount if they ask for it.

Advice for Arranging a Beach Ceremony

Select Your Preferred Location

Hawaiian islands, Florida's South Beach, New York's Hamptons, and the islands of the Bahamas are just a few examples of the beautiful beach vacation spots that can be found around the world.

If you're having trouble deciding where to have your wedding, think about going back to the site of a memorable trip, picking a location with lots of close relatives, or picking a spot because it offers cheap airfares for most of your guests.

If prime beach access is a priority,  reserving a venue or resort on the water. Holding your event on a deserted beach without any backup plans or staff is not ideal because you will need the support and backups that come with a location.

Make sure you enquire for a secluded area on the beach for the ceremony at each resort you're considering. To have a lot of strangers roaring as you say your vows may sound like fun in principle, but in practise it can be incredibly distracting.

It's no secret that  expansive resorts over tiny hotels.  "The last place you want your wedding is in one of those common locations—the bar, the pool—because then your guests will see it getting put up and when it's almost complete." Then the novelty of their first steps into space would be diminished.

Learn as Much as You Can About The Climatic Conditions.

When exactly does hurricane season begin and end? Does it rain and dry at different times? At what temperatures does it become unbearable to spend more than 15 minutes outside? If you ask yourself these questions, you'll be able to zero in on the ideal season for your beach wedding.

You're taking a big risk if you take advantage of hurricane season's cheaper prices. Because you won't be able to bring anything inside in the event of a hurricane, and  hurricanes are becoming more frequent and powerful as a result of climate change. Instead, you'll have to call off the whole wedding, which will cause your guests to waste money and time on rescheduled travel plans.

Getting the facts about the rainy season is important because it may not be as much of an issue as you anticipate. In the Caribbean, for instance, "it will most certainly rain every day for at least a couple of minutes.

But let's say you're prepared with a tent for the reception and open to having the ceremony at any time of the day. In such situation, the rain won't prevent a fun party.

Gather The Required Documentation For a Ceremony on a Public Beach.

If the beach is not privately owned, you should research whether or not a permit is needed from the local municipality before bringing out the arbour and chairs.

Assure That Your Gathering Will go on, Rain or Shine.

If you can't be sure that the weather will stay clear all night, it's important to have a backup plan ready in case it rains. That doesn't mean you have to move the main event inside, but it does mean you should include in the cost of a tent.

Pack Smartly For Your Trip.

Are you taking a plane? Bring something you simply cannot fathom having at the wedding without. Misplaced bags are the last thing you need to worry about.