Dos and Don'ts When There Is a Beach Wedding In Your Future

Added: 09/29/2006

There are so many wonderful wedding themes that an eager bride and groom may embark on, that the typical wedding of yesteryear is falling more and more by the wayside. After all, who wants to be like everybody else? Quite possibly the most romantic wedding theme available anywhere is the one where Mother Nature provides the decorations and the colors: the beach wedding.

Are you a free spirit? Do you enjoy the sun in your face and a breeze gently tousling your hair? Do you find symbolism and joy in simple little pleasures, such as digging your toes into the warm sand? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for a beach wedding. It is important to keep in mind that this kind of wedding theme is not for everyone. As a matter of fact, high-strung, type-A personalities may not enjoy this setting as much. In addition to the foregoing, if you are a bit more of the stuffy type who feels that high heels are a must, that a moist hem of a wedding gown spells disasters, and that beach wedding decorations would have to include copious flowers, candles, and other accoutrements, then you probably want to look for a different venue.

Are you ready for a beach wedding? Do you want to be the couple that leaves the majority of the beach wedding decorations up to Mother Nature? Do you believe that a sunrise or sunset is the perfect color combination for your backdrop? Does the idea of having seagulls witnessing your vows excite you? If so, you might really be the couple who is ready for a once in a lifetime beach wedding, and here are some dos and don’ts to consider.

•A beach wedding is an outdoor event. Know the weather patterns of the beach where you are considering holding your event. Keep in mind that the temperature at the beach is usually a bit lower than it is even five minutes inland, so you will want to get temperature information that was actually taken at the beach to be your guidepost. Similarly, check with the local weather stations what the rainfall at the beach looks like. While some beaches have definite warm seasons, they also may have definite cold and overcast seasons. Knowledge is power, and you will want to schedule your nuptials during a time frame that is favorable for good weather.

•The hallmark of a successful beach wedding is the relaxed atmosphere. While many ceremonies appear high-strung, rehearsed down to the last step, and have copious accoutrements, this kind of ceremony is purer in that it focuses on that which is important – your vows – and does not worry about the peripherals, such as candle stands, flower arrangements, and other items. While they may still be found, they are no longer one of the main focal points.

•Do come prepared to go barefoot.

•Do not come wearing your high heels. They won’t do well in the sand.

•Do understand that the wedding gown hem might get a little wet.

•Do not panic if it gets wet a lot.

•Do find an officiant who is willing to meet you at the beach. It might be a good idea to the paperwork ahead of time.

•Do get a park and beach permit, if you have a large number of people coming. You do not want the beach patrol telling you to leave just as you are ready to say your vows!

•If possible, time your ceremony to coincide with the sunrise or sunset for the maximum effect.

•If possible, consider having your ceremony close to a restaurant or hotel where you may hold your reception.
Do let the photographer know about the theme of the wedding, so that he can bring the proper kind of equipment.

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