Beach wedding

How to plan the perfect beach wedding
With the good weather in our country, civil weddings that take place on the beach are very frequent.

These intimate ceremonies are loved by the couple and their guests, but they need some legal procedures and the help of a professional to organize them, so that nothing fails and everything goes well at the ceremony.

I leave here some of the procedures that as a bride you should take into account, so that the organization of a wedding on the beach is a dream wedding without mishaps or setbacks.

1 – Dress appropriately

Forget the possibility of wearing a long dress at the ceremony.

A ball gown will be a good option for a ballroom, where “You can make it down the aisle in a full gown and a long train,” notes Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner without any problems. However, “walking on the beach and taking pictures in a long dress will certainly not be easy.
If a long dress is part of your options for the ceremony, make sure that with the chosen model you can move easily.” Think light. “Dresses with lace trim can be difficult because they collect debris from the beach,” says Kate Bentley of Happily Ever After Wedding Planning & Design in Key West, Florida. “Instead, choose a lightweight fabric like chiffon or charmeuse so your dress will flow in the ocean breeze.” Nix.
the veil

“When getting married away from home, think twice about wearing a long veil,” warns Stacy Mulcare of Ceremonies of St. Louis. John. “If it’s windy, it will be a nightmare for you and the photographer.”
Instead, accessorize your hairstyle with fresh flowers Consider an updo. “Think about the elements when deciding on a hairstyle,” says Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events in Los Angeles. “A tried-and-true updo will keep you looking flawless all night long.” Larissa Banting from Costa Rica Weddings suggests doing a shoot at your location.

If letting your hair down is the only option, Helmstetter recommends investing in the services of a professional, who can do minor touch-ups throughout the day. forget the heels
Sand and high heels just don’t go together. “Wear flat-soled sandals, espadrilles, or wedges—shoes that don’t sink into sand,” says Banting.
Hem the dress with or without shoes, depending on which option you choose. “
Remember that the sand can get very hot. Have a runner made out of fabric or thick flower petals to help keep your feet cool.

Avoid tan lines

“Be very careful of unwanted sunburn and tanning marks,” advises Somchit Srimoon of Thailand Weddings. “Apply waterproof sunscreen constantly, especially while swimming.” Adds Tara Soloway of Luxe Destination Weddings: “That goes for the bride, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom.

Everyone knows what they’re wearing in advance, so there’s no excuse for everyone attending the ceremony not to plan to protect themselves during the event. “

Let Your People Go Informal “While many brides envision their groom in a tuxedo, black wool is a no-no in tropical climates,” says Helmstetter. Adds Allister Simmons of Bridal Suite Bermuda Weddings, “We save the ‘penguin suits’ for our beautiful chapels and churches. Lightweight cotton pants or even shorts are great options for the beach.

At the Ceremony Stay natural
A beautiful ocean backdrop doesn’t have to be dressed up too well. Instead, highlight the natural beauty of the setting. “A beach wedding can be about shells and starfish, but it can also be inspired by the harmonious color palette of sand, dunes, rocks and water,” says Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York. “Decor should be simple; avoid going overboard with flashy flowers. ”
add color
To make your setup really pop, Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events suggests, “Choose colors that contrast with the sand and surf rather than blend in, like corals, greens, and other vibrant hues.”
go to location
Celebrity wedding planner Colin Cowie recommends hiring local vendors as much as possible.
“Otherwise, you could find your ceremony decorations stuck in customs.” Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge adds, “When it comes to food, look for vendors who are mindful of local markets and respectful of the beach environment.”
get a license

Research the paperwork needed to hold your beach ceremony, especially if it’s public. “Also, ask ahead of time about noise rules and make sure you follow them,” advises Kumer-Moore.

ensure privacy
“Beaches are more crowded on holiday weekends, so avoid them unless you want the general public in attendance,” advises Janet Renner of Royal Hawaiian Weddings. And remember, not all beaches are private. “All beaches in Hawaii, for example, are public”, recalls Evonne Wong from Events by Evonne in Hawaii. “We are not allowed to install awnings, chairs or hall runners. If you want decoration, we suggest renting a beachfront property, where you can have a secluded ceremony and still take pictures on the beach. ”
prepare your guests
Make sure your guests know your event will take place on the sand, says Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites in Cape Coral, Florida. Mention your plans on the invitation or wedding website and get your guests ready for the sun by including the necessary items in their welcome bags. Celebrity wedding planner Preston Bailey suggests bottles of good quality sunscreen, bottled water, towels and fans to beat the heat. Right time. Photography. When dealing with beach wedding photos, lighting is especially important. Barbara Fancsik of Eventual Moments Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, suggests ending the ceremony an hour before sunset. “That way, you’ll still get great action shots in natural light, as well as sunset portraits.”
Set up a shoe station
Don’t let your guests spend the day with sand in their shoes. “Provide a shoe check where guests can exchange their shoes for flip-flops and wipe the sand off their feet,” recommends Tara Guerard of Soiree by Tara Guerard. “May include a bench, towels, and a bucket of water.”
Provides shade
“Shade is your guests’ best friend,” says Soloway. “Consider creating a canopy to cover the living area; for example, you can buy some rustic bamboo poles and lay a thin, loose white fabric over the top. ”
offer refreshments
To keep your guests hydrated during the ceremony, Soloway advises, “Prepare a table with ice water, lemonade, or a signature cocktail that guests can enjoy while waiting for the ceremony to begin.”
Sit down

Keep insects away
“Insect repellent is a good idea no matter the season or beach location,” says Srimoon.
Just make sure it’s a brand that won’t stain your dress.
Wishes
You’ve spent a lot of time writing your vows and customizing the ceremony, so make sure your audio doesn’t get lost in the surf.
“Rent a wireless microphone and speaker for your officer to use,” suggests Iraida Gonzalez of Belize Weddings.
Ask if your official, resort or DJ can provide this equipment and do a pre-ceremony sound check to ensure there is no unwanted feedback.
Keep the ceremony brief
Given factors like heat and audibility, Mulcare advises limiting the amount of readings and presentations during the ceremony — and make sure all attendees can speak clearly and loudly.
Have a backup plan
Unfortunately, the weather has a mind of its own, so be prepared with a solid plan B. “To keep the beach party going, have an awning or tent ready,” suggests Cowie. “Or find an indoor space where the entire ceremony can go smoothly.”
For Reception Anchor Decoration
The wind can knock over tall floral arrangements, blow out candles, and send other table elements flying. “Stay away from glass vases, which can break easily in sand,” warns Bussen. If tall centerpieces are your dream, Helmstetter recommends having the florist secure them to the table with heavy objects. “She can always cover this mechanic by lining the vases with ti leaves, palms or other natural elements.
For lighting, “use hurricane lanterns or LED candles, which are flameless and long-lasting,” says Bussen.
When protecting cards from windproof places and objects, a little creativity can go a long way. “Tie seahorses to each place card,” suggests Helmstetter, “and decorate your menus and napkins with maracas or coconut shells.” Rent a portable toilet or guarantee a toilet space in the immediate vicinity of the ceremony
If getting married on a public beach, find out if there are restrooms. If not, Natalie John of Dreamy Weddings & Tours suggests: “
Rent a luxury portable restroom for a few hours, especially if there’s a lot of drinking during the reception.”
To help you and your guests fight the wind chill, Bussen advises: “Get a basket of comfy, color-coordinated pashminas to warm the ladies’ shoulders.”

How many brides around here dream or have already got married on the beach?

Let us know your experiences in our comments.