The Picture-Perfect Beach Wedding: More Complex Than You Think!

The vision can be stunning – a sun-kissed bride, a dashing groom, with the rolling sea behind them. In an age when celebrity weddings attract so much attention, the beach wedding popularized by today’s stars has grown in popularity. However, many otherwise savvy brides may have little understanding of all the variables that are involved in planning and executing such an event.

Believe it or not, a beach wedding is not any easier to plan than a traditional church wedding – in fact, in many respects, it may be more difficult.  While they may look quite simple to the casual observer, beach weddings are actually quite complicated events.  Here are some of the major factors to consider when thinking about holding a beachfront wedding:

Perfect Tide Timing – Tides rise and fall according to their own timetables. Thankfully, the schedules are fairly predictable, even though there may be some day-to-day changes. Be sure to find out when the tides are typically in and out before scheduling your wedding. Otherwise, you could be in for a rude wedding day awakening.

Minding Mother Nature – The last thing you want is to be forced to move your wedding at the last minute because a hurricane is blowing through the area. While you might not know the exact moment when Mother Nature’s wrath might strike, you can at least work to avoid holding your wedding during hurricane season. Since, though, there is always the possibility of rain, be sure to have a rain plan ready. For instance, you might choose a covered patio or a gazebo as an alternative location for your festivities.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a gorgeous day for your wedding, you’ll also want to practice some sun-sense. Brides should lather on the sunscreen, and you might even want to provide little bottles of sun protection to each of your guests. Also, choose to hold your wedding at a time of day when the sun is most merciful, so that you won’t be squinting through your wedding photographs. In addition, don’t forget to plan for the wind – make sure you have little weights on your veil to prevent it from flying into your face.

Overcoming the Ocean’s Roar – The ocean is certainly scenic, but it can actually rival a factory floor in terms of noise. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that you have a PA system in place so that the minister, bride, and groom can all be heard. Amplified sound can be challenging, though, since electricity can be tough to come by on the beach. The solution may be using your own generator or using extra-long extension cords so that you can get power where you need it.

Avoiding Foolish Footwear – It’s unthinkable for some women to arrive at a special event without their trusty heels. But, when you have to contend with sand, wearing high heels is a fashion faux pas. In fact, it can be a safety hazard, particularly for those who are older or who have physical limitations. It’s best, then, to advise guests to wear sandals or flip-flops – you can include a reminder right on the wedding invitation.

Occupying Your Youngest Guests – For children, beach time usually means play time. Therefore, it can be virtually impossible for them to stop scampering about when the ocean beckons. To help occupy little guests and keep them from becoming a distraction, why not provide each child with his or her own bucket and shovel? That way, you can direct their energies toward something entertaining – but quiet!

Private Beaches Are Best – You may like the idea of sharing your special day with the world, but the rest of the world can be quite loud and distracting.  If you hold your wedding on a public beach, you will have to contend with the possibility of some unwelcome distractions. Consider contacting a realtor to see if you can rent a property that will give you access to a private beach. That way, you’ll also have a place for members of the bridal party to stay the night before the big event.

Consider Cost – Contrary to popular belief, beach weddings may not be any less expensive than weddings at other locales. You’re still likely to want traditional wedding amenities, such as a fabulous reception for entertaining your guests. Also, you still might want to hire a wedding planner to make sure that your wedding day runs smoothly.

Finally, beach weddings can certainly seem an attractive option for brides who like thinking out-of-the-box.  Just keep in mind all the variables that can detract from such a lovely wedding portrait, and plan accordingly.

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Author: Sharon Vaz (37 Articles)

Sharon Vaz is the author of Sand, Sound and Soul: The Complete Guide to the Unity Sand Ceremony. She has helped thousands of happy couples around the world enjoy the meaning and beauty of the unity sand ceremony. She is also creator of UnitySandCeremony.net, a website dedicated exclusively to providing brides and grooms resources for planning the perfect sand ceremony.