Beach Weddings...

Having a Beach Wedding?

With the high request we've recieved for beach weddings this year and the coming year...I've created this post to point out some details we as your planner keep on point for your beach wedding ceremony. But in the event you didn't hire a wedding planner, here are some details you won't want to overlook.

~As with any outdoor wedding, you will be at the mercy of the weather as well as the topography. You will want to take steps to protect yourself, and you will also want to have a "Plan B."
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Beach umbrellas can be colorful and make nice features; how about an artfully arranged slew of them, including, of course, one for the bride, groom and officiant? Canopies work well, too, and if you are having a Jewish wedding you'll be using a chuppah at any rate. Make sure whatever you use is sturdy enough to withstand any surprising weather on your wedding day. As for Plan B... make arrangements with venue or establishment for your wedding party to take refuge and continue the ceremony in case of extreme weather. If you have chosen the remotest possible beach with no shelter within reach, you will want to bring a tent as backup.

~Wear light make up

~Bring some sandals for yourself and if the budget is flexible, provide some for your guests (high heels in sand, may be a liability)

~Provide umbrellas (in case of rain) or Parasols (for some shade) and/or fans for your guests

~Provide light refreshments and water to your guests

~Ask your officiant to have a good sound system to conduct the ceremony, if he or she doesn't provide it, ask your wedding planner recommendations on someone to hire that provides that service. A beach wedding probably wouldn't work well for an extremely large group. It is hard to hear outdoors, and the more people there are, the farther some of them must be from the ceremony. You don't want to scream "I DO!" Worse, you may experience some noisy surprises, such as motorboats, other people may chance by, they may happen to be drunk, rude or just plain noisy, and unless you're on a private beach, there's nothing you can do about it. If you're intent upon a beach wedding, try to keep the guest list (and the duration) short for the ceremony itself, have your reception indoors.

~Bamboo mats; a mat will be desirable for the bride and groom if rings are to be exchanged; you don't want to drop that ring in the sand!

Happy Planning!