Planning A Beach Wedding: A Guide To Tying The Knot

Planning a beach wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can create a beautiful and memorable celebration. From setting the budget and choosing the perfect location to considering logistics and guest comfort, there are many factors to keep in mind. Beach weddings offer a unique and carefree vibe, often enhanced by the soothing sound of waves and breathtaking views. Whether you opt for a destination wedding in Cancun or the Caribbean, or prefer to stay closer to home, seasonality and weather patterns play a crucial role in your planning. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure your special day is both magical and stress-free.

Budgeting

If you're willing to travel abroad, you might consider a venue in Cancun or the Caribbean. However, pay close attention to seasonality and weather patterns when making your final decision. For example, if you're set on getting married during the summer, planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean at the height of hurricane season comes with some possible risk.

If you're keeping your wedding stateside, you'll still need to consider travel and accommodation costs for yourself and your guests. Beach weddings are often more casual, so you might be able to save on attire. However, if the ceremony is taking place directly on the sand, you'll need to ensure your guests are comfortable. This might include providing shade, cold beverages, and clear instructions on the dress code.

When it comes to decorations, a beach wedding can be a budget-friendly option. As destination wedding planner Claire Durán says, "If you don't have a lot of budget for decorations, just get the sea behind you and you're done." However, don't forget to factor in the cost of permits, which may be required for beach weddings.

Choosing a location

It's also important to research transportation options to your chosen location. Outline the best airport to fly into, and research car rental companies, driving services, and, if necessary, water taxis and ferry services. If you're not sure where to start, your wedding planner or venue coordinator will have suggestions.

When choosing a location, keep in mind that beach weddings are often more casual and carefree, but that doesn't mean yours has to be. Whatever dress code you settle on, state it clearly in your invitation suite and, if necessary, follow up with more specific details on your wedding website. Keep guest comfort top of mind—if most of the celebration is happening outdoors under the hot sun, asking male guests to wear formal tuxedos might be uncomfortable.

Finally, consider the practicalities of the location. It will likely be windy on the beach, so make sure your DJ has a microphone for the ceremony. You'll want your guests to be able to hear what you say. Also, think about providing shade and/or cold beverages, especially for little kids and the elderly.

Dress code

Beach weddings are often more casual and carefree, but that doesn't mean yours has to be. Whatever dress code you choose, state it clearly in your invitation suite and, if necessary, follow up with more specific details on your wedding website. Keep guest comfort in mind—if most of the celebration is outdoors under the hot sun, asking male guests to wear formal tuxedos might be uncomfortable.

If the ceremony is taking place directly on the sand, make sure your guests know this from the start. You could suggest that they wear flat shoes, for example, or that they bring a change of shoes to wear during the ceremony. You could also recommend that they bring a wrap or light jacket for when the sun goes down, as it can get chilly on the beach in the evenings.

If you're set on a formal dress code, consider the weather and the location. If it's going to be hot, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. If it's going to be windy, avoid floaty, full-skirted dresses or suits with loose jackets that could blow around.

If you're going for a more casual vibe, you could suggest that guests wear beach-appropriate attire like sundresses and sandals for women and shorts and a shirt for men. You could also recommend that they bring a hat and sunglasses to protect them from the sun.

Transport

If your wedding is taking place abroad, you'll need to research the best airport to fly into, as well as car rental companies, driving services, and water taxis or ferry services if necessary. It's also worth noting that beach weddings often have a more casual and carefree vibe, so you may want to keep this in mind when planning your transport.

If you're unsure where to start, your wedding planner or venue coordinator will be able to offer suggestions. They can also advise on any potential issues with seasonality and weather patterns, such as planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean during hurricane season.

When it comes to the ceremony itself, make sure your guests know if it will be taking place directly on the sand. This is important for their comfort, especially if the celebration is happening outdoors under the hot sun. You may also want to consider providing shade and cold beverages, especially for little kids and the elderly.

Microphones and power

First, you'll want to ensure that your guests can hear the ceremony. As it will likely be windy on the beach, it's a good idea to rent a lavalier microphone for the officiant and possibly the groom. This will ensure that your guests can hear what is being said. A handheld microphone is also useful for toasts.

Of course, this means you'll need a power source. If you can't run enough extension cords, a battery pack is a quiet option (generators can be noisy). Rent or borrow one and have your DJ or music provider test it beforehand to ensure it can power an hour of music for the ceremony.

If your wedding is taking place directly on the sand, be sure to communicate this to your guests from the start. This will help them prepare appropriate attire and footwear. It's also a good idea to provide shade and cold beverages, especially for little kids and the elderly.

When planning a beach wedding, it's important to consider the seasonality and weather patterns. For example, planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean during the summer months comes with the risk of hurricanes. Budgeting is also key, as it will determine the types of venues and vendors available to you.

Frequently asked questions