Beach Wedding Planning Tips

There are considerations unique to a celebration by the water

By Renee Winship

Photo by Michael Graham Photography

A beach wedding can be a memorable experience for everyone involved. These events can be as inexpensive or as pricey as you want them to be, depending on the setting and the details. A few simple tips will get you started and will allow you to decide on the best wedding venue for your party.

Park locations

The location for your wedding will be one of the most important decisions you make. Check out the local state parks, public beaches and beachfront hotels or condominiums. Each choice has pros and cons. State parks offer rugged beauty, but you'll want to ask about the availability of shelter spaces or pavilions, which can be used in the event of inclement weather and double as eating space during the reception. If a tight budget is an issue, public beaches are usually free. Some public beaches have pavilions, but most don't offer indoor space in case of inclement weather meaning that you'll have to rent a tent.

Hotels or condos

Beachfront hotels and condominiums usually offer both indoor and outdoor wedding possibilities as part of a package or venue rental fee. Make sure moving the wedding indoors is a possibility if you choose this option. The downside is the extra expense required for the full-service facility.

Arrangements

The date and location are interconnected, so have several possible dates to consider when securing the location. Make sure the timing and details of each venue of the wedding work with the others in the available time frame. Also, make sure the minister or justice of the peace is available. If you're renting tents, decorations or chairs, locate and order the proper number of each item for the date and ensure that delivery is available to your wedding location at the right time. Check with the photographer to make sure outdoor photos won't be a problem, and make sure the caterer can make the reception in a timely manner if you're having the reception on-site. Also, make arrangements and provide for easy access to the wedding for elderly guests who might attend.

Reception

If you decide to have the reception at the same beachfront location as your wedding, make sure the setting provides an adequate space for your needs. A pavilion or tent will provide protection from the sun, but won't necessarily protect from blowing rain. You'll also need to take food safety into consideration. If the wedding will take place during hot weather, your reception foods will need to be kept cool. The cake will melt if the temperature is too hot. You might want to consider having the reception at a separate indoor location later in the day.