Planning A Beach Wedding In Destin, Florida: A Guide

Planning a beach wedding in Destin, Florida can be challenging if you're not familiar with the area. To ensure your special day runs smoothly, it's recommended to hire a wedding planner who knows the area and has experience planning beach weddings. They can help you with everything from finding the right vendors to creating a timeline for your music and first dances. You'll also want to send out save-the-dates and invitations well in advance, and include helpful items and specific directions in welcome bags for your guests.

Choosing a wedding planner

Planning a beach wedding in Destin, Florida can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Hiring a wedding planner who knows the area and has experience planning beach weddings can save you time, stress and money. Here are some things to consider when choosing a wedding planner:

Firstly, look for a wedding planner who has experience planning beach weddings in Destin, Florida. They will have local connections and insider knowledge to help you create your dream wedding. For example, they will know experienced Destin wedding vendors and be able to recommend accommodations to fit any budget and group size. They will also be able to suggest colour schemes and themes that are suitable for a beach wedding, and coordinate with your bridesmaids, florist and other wedding suppliers.

Secondly, make sure your wedding planner knows how to handle the unexpected. Beach weddings can be unpredictable, so your wedding planner should be able to suggest special decor for beach weddings and have back-up venues in case of rain.

Thirdly, choose a wedding planner who offers an all-inclusive experience. This might include catering, flowers, rentals and more. Your wedding planner should be able to help you plan your wedding menu and carefully consider your budget, serving portions and service fees.

Finally, your wedding planner should be able to coordinate all the logistics on the day, including music and entertainment. They should make sure the correct songs are played at the right time for your first dances and reception, and that your guests have accurate addresses and directions for all bridal events.

SunQuest Beach Weddings is one company that offers wedding planning services in Destin, Florida. They have local connections and can provide recommendations for accommodations, photographers, DJs and entertainment options to meet any budget.

Picking a photographer

When it comes to picking a photographer for your beach wedding in Destin, Florida, it's important to choose someone with experience shooting beach weddings. The lighting and backdrop of a beach wedding can be very different from a traditional indoor wedding, so you'll want to make sure your photographer knows how to capture the unique beauty of the setting.

SunQuest Beach Weddings, for example, offers an in-house Destin wedding photographer with experience shooting beach weddings. They can provide you with a variety of photography packages to choose from, and their team of local wedding professionals will guide you every step of the way.

When selecting a photographer, be sure to ask about their experience with beach weddings specifically. Ask to see examples of their work in similar settings, and consider whether their style aligns with the vision you have for your own wedding photos.

It's also important to consider the photographer's reliability and whether they have experience working with weddings in the Destin area. This can be especially important if you're planning your wedding from afar and are unfamiliar with the local vendors. A reliable photographer will be able to provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your special day is captured beautifully.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from other couples who have had beach weddings in Destin. They may have insights or suggestions that can help you make your decision. Ultimately, choosing the right photographer for your beach wedding in Destin, Florida, comes down to finding someone who understands your vision, has the necessary experience, and can provide you with a stress-free and memorable experience.

Planning the menu

When it comes to food, you'll want to choose dishes that reflect the beach setting. Fresh seafood is always a popular choice for beach weddings, and there are plenty of local options to choose from in Destin. You could also consider having a barbecue or picnic-style menu with sandwiches, salads, and fruit. If you're looking for something more formal, you could opt for a seated dinner with a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian options.

Don't forget to plan for drinks as well! Offer a variety of options, including wine, beer, and soft drinks. If you're looking for something extra special, you could create a signature cocktail for your wedding, perhaps featuring local ingredients or flavours.

Finally, don't forget to include some late-night snacks for your guests. After a long day of celebrating, they'll appreciate a bite to eat before heading home. Some popular options include pizza, sliders, or a dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats.

Picking a colour scheme

Planning a beach wedding in Destin, Florida can be challenging if you're not familiar with the area, so it's a good idea to hire a wedding planner who knows the local vendors and can help you create a colour scheme that fits your vision.

Start by "pinning" pictures of colour schemes and themes that you like. You can then use these to coordinate with your bridesmaids and show your florist and wedding planner.

When choosing a colour scheme, consider the colours of the beach and the ocean as a starting point. Soft blues, greens, and neutrals can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, while brighter shades of blue, green, and yellow can add a fun and playful touch. You can also incorporate natural elements like shells, sand, and driftwood into your colour scheme.

If you want a more formal or elegant look, consider a colour scheme of soft neutrals like beige, cream, and white, with accents of gold or silver. This can create a sophisticated and luxurious feel. You can also add a pop of colour with your flowers or bridesmaids' dresses to create a more modern look.

For a unique and memorable touch, consider incorporating a colour scheme that reflects the local culture and history of Destin, Florida. This could include colours like coral, turquoise, and orange, which are often associated with the beach and the ocean, but with a unique twist. You can also add local flowers and greenery to your colour scheme to create a truly Destin-inspired wedding.

Creating a wedding website

Planning a beach wedding in Destin, Florida can be challenging if you're not familiar with the area. One way to make the process easier is to create a wedding website. This can be a one-stop shop for all the information your guests will need, and it can also be a fun way to share your wedding plans and build excitement.

When creating your wedding website, it's important to include all the essential details your guests will need to know. This includes practical information such as dates, times, and locations for all wedding-related events, as well as accommodation recommendations and things to do in the area. You can also include your wedding itinerary, so guests know what to expect on the day.

To make your website truly useful, consider including specific directions to each event location. This is especially important if your wedding is taking place on the beach, as guests may not be familiar with the area. You could also include helpful items in welcome bags, such as a small map or a list of nearby attractions.

Your wedding website is also a great place to share your wedding theme and colour scheme. This will get your guests excited about the big day and can also be a fun way to involve your bridesmaids in the planning process. You can use your website to coordinate with your florist, wedding planner, and other vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Finally, don't forget to include some personal touches on your wedding website. You could share your story as a couple, add photos, or even include a fun quiz for your guests to get to know you better.

Frequently asked questions