Selecting Your Beach Wedding Location

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you choose the right beach to host your ceremony and, possibly, reception. However, there are many variables to consider when making your decision, so you'll want to visit as many of these places first if possible. Here are the most vital things to think about when making your comparison.

Weather

As is the case with all outdoor events, Mother Nature may have plans of her own. However, hosting a beach wedding comes with some added considerations. Not only do you have to worry about elements like wind and rain, but you could have to contend with more serious events, such as hurricanes or thunderstorms. Also, be aware that the beach is typically cooler than the rest of the mainland, so watch daily temperatures in your spot of choice to get an idea of what to expect.

Accessibility - Public or Private

Ideally, you'd host your beach wedding on private property so that you don't have to worry about random people showing up and photobombing the wedding party. If you don't know anyone with a private location, you could consider hosting it at a resort. While that may be easier for a lot of reasons (accommodations, reception area, catering, etc.), you do want to think about the cost for guests. Will people have to stay at the resort, or can they stay elsewhere nearby, just in case it's cheaper?

Another thing to consider with accessibility is how guests and vendors will get down to the beach itself. In some cases, you may have to worry about stairs, steep hills, and other obstacles. If that is the case, make sure to plan accordingly. Again, visit your locations beforehand if possible to get a sense of the layout.

Permitting

If you're not having your wedding at a resort, then you will probably have to get a permit. Also, if you're hosting the ceremony in another country, you'll need to lookup local laws and regulations as well. We highly recommend getting this process started as soon as possible so that you're not scrambling with just a week or so left. Remember that bureaucracies can take a long time to issue permits and other documentation. Not only that, but you may be limited in how many guests you can invite, so you need to have a plan if that is the case.

Time of Day

Since your beach wedding will be outdoors, you will want to have the ceremony during the day. However, depending on where you are, that can be problematic because of the sun and heat. Ideally, you can create covered areas for guests to cool off, as well as avoid too much direct sunlight. Typically, the early afternoon is an excellent time, or a morning ceremony might work out better, temperature-wise.

Another thing to consider regarding the time of day is how it will affect your wedding pictures. In most cases, taking photos during the "golden hour" of sunset is best, but you probably don't want to have your ceremony at that time, since it will be harder to see what's going on. If possible, you can have an earlier ceremony and take pictures later in the day as you like.

Seating

Realistically, you will have to taper down your guest list for a beach wedding. While you can bring chairs for large groups, you'll also have to worry about the wind blowing them over, or getting sand all over your guests. Again, having your ceremony at a resort can help alleviate some of these problems, but you're still limited compared to having your event inside. Along with the chairs themselves, you'll want some kind of cover and protection for your guests if possible.

Parking

Depending on where you plan to host your beach wedding, your guests may have trouble finding spots to park. For example, if you have a small private beach on someone's property, most parking options will be on the street, which means that people may have to walk for a while to get to the destination. Another potential issue could be if you have the wedding at a resort and guests have to pay for parking on site. In some cases, it might be best to arrange for a shuttle service to facilitate a smooth arrival for most of your guests.

Sound

Even if you have a small, intimate ceremony, you will need to contend with waves, wind, and other beach noises. Because of these elements, you'll need to invest in a sound system. While you don't have to go all out with a multi-speaker setup, you'll need something that can make it easier to hear what is being said. You don't want your vows drowned out by a particularly ornery seagull. When looking at a sound system, you'll have to consider where it can be set up, as well as how it will receive power. In most cases, you'll likely have to run an extension cord from a portable generator.

Beach Wedding Tips: Clothes and Personal Accessories

Now that we've taken care of the location and the vendors, what about you and your guests? Yes, a beach wedding is going to be beautiful and stunning, but you also want to make sure that everyone is comfortable the whole time. Here are some considerations to make to ensure that your event is both gorgeous and relaxing.

Sunscreen

Even if you have portable tents and shelters put up, you and your guests will need to wear sunscreen. Ideally, you'll be able to have some that will last all day and won't create too much of a glossy effect on your skin. The worst-case scenario is that you and your spouse wind up with severe sunburns on your body the next day. Also, your wedding party will likely need more coverage than average guests since they'll be outside most of the day as well.

Light and Comfy Clothing

Beach weddings are not the time or place for dark, drab outfits. The bride has it easy since she will be wearing white, but the groom shouldn't have to suffer. Your location is ideal for light, pastel colors and shades, so lean into them as much as possible. Also, you can go with a much more casual look for everyone involved. For example, instead of a full-size dress and black tuxedo, you can opt for a slimmer, shorter dress (remember, sand), and a button-down shirt with khakis. When you're on the beach, the standard rules for formality are no longer a necessity.

Footwear

Just as you'll want to ditch the stuffy clothing, you'll need to avoid uncomfortable shoes. Instead of heels or high-end loafers, you can both get away with flip-flops or bare feet if you want. Also, consider the needs of your guests. If possible, you can create a shoe depository so that everyone can experience the ceremony bare-footed without having to worry about tracking sand back.

Umbrella

Yes, you'll want to take most of your pictures out in the direct sun, but what about when it's time to change memory cards or positions? A beach umbrella is an excellent accessory to have so that the happy couple can get some respite from the heat and sunlight. Not only that, but it's easier to reapply makeup or do touch-ups in the shade. Also, it can help keep the wind from becoming too much of a disaster.

Hair and Makeup

Since you'll be wearing sunscreen, you want to go light on the makeup. Also, your hairdo should be wind-resistant as much as possible. You want your photos to look stunning, not like epic fails. Tight buns and hair clips are going to be much better than long, flowing locks that can get into your face. Again, you'll probably have to do some touch-ups throughout the day, so make sure that your hair and makeup are easy to manage.

The Perfect Beach Wedding Happens When You Plan Accordingly

Now that you're prepared and know what to expect, you can be sure that your event will go smoothly. That being said, it's always a smart idea to have backup plans and alternatives (i.e., what happens if it rains?), just in case. Beach weddings are special and momentous occasions, but the right plan will be the difference between a glamorous event and a total disaster.