Things to Consider When Planning a Beach Wedding

Having a beach wedding can be an amazing and romantic experience. The setting, the water, the spectacular photo opportunities, but planning a beach wedding also comes with unique challenges that require extra planning.

If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with your toes in the sand, here are some key things to consider to ensure your beach wedding goes smoothly.

1. Choose the Right Beach

Not all beaches are wedding-friendly. Research locations near you that allow weddings and check for necessary permits. Some councils have certain rules around fees that are payable for example, if you are setting up chairs and interrupting the natural use of the beach etc.

Also consider factors like accessibility for your guests, your privacy, and any other local regulations before you make a final decision.

2. Check the Weather and Tides

The weather plays a major role in outdoor weddings, especially at the beach. Research the seasonal climate, avoid high wind or monsoon-like seasons, and plan around high tide to prevent unexpected water levels affecting your setup. I have definitely done a wedding where the tide came in and all the guests ended up standing in water!

3. Have a Backup Plan

Mother Nature can be very unpredictable, so always have a contingency/backup plan. A nearby indoor or tented venue will help ensure the wedding continues smoothly if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

4. Choose the Right clothing

Beach weddings call for light, breathable fabrics to keep you cool. Brides should consider flowy dresses without long trains that might drag in the sand, and grooms can opt for linen suits or casual beachwear. Encourage guests to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing as well, especially if it's going to be hot.

5. Consider Footwear Options

High heels and sand don’t mix well! Sinking and getting stuck is a real possibility. Brides, grooms, and guests may prefer barefoot ceremonies, sandals, or flats, or of course, thongs! You could even think about providing a designated shoe station where guests can switch into more suitable footwear.

6. Think About Guest Comfort

It can get extremely hot and uncomfortable standing in full sun for long periods. Where possible, provide shaded areas, fans, and plenty of hydration options to keep guests comfortable. If the beach is remote, consider renting chairs and ensuring restrooms are available nearby.

7. Prepare Items for Wind and Sun

Beach conditions can be unpredictable and wind can be a major issue. Secure décor properly, use weighted tablecloths, and consider microphones for the officiant and vows since wind and waves can affect sound quality. Sunscreen and sunglasses can be thoughtful favors for guests as well!

8. Plan for Beach-Friendly Décor

Opt for decorations that complement the natural setting and won’t be easily blown away. Consider things like hessian mats, driftwood arches, seashell accents, and flowers that withstand heat and humidity.

9. Consider Timing

Sunset weddings are popular for beach ceremonies, providing beautiful lighting and cooler temperatures. Midday ceremonies can be too hot and bright, making late afternoon or early evening a better choice.

Final Thoughts: A beach wedding can be an unforgettable and magical experience with the right planning. 

Give guests plenty of notice that they’ll be attending a beach wedding. Provide details about the location, dress code, and any special considerations so they can come prepared. By considering logistics, guest comfort, and environmental impact, you can create a seamless and stunning wedding by the sea. With proper preparation, your beach wedding will be as beautiful and stress-free as you imagined!

The Wedding Gurus x

The wedding day first look - raw emotion as the couples eyes meet

As a celebrant, I am lucky enough to get to spend time with each couple in the lead up to their wedding day. Getting to know them, planning their ceremony and working out the right wording takes time and it is during this time that I usually get a real sense of who they are and how they ‘fit’ together as a couple. 

At some stage in this process we usually get the part where we either have a rehearsal or at least a run through of what will happen on the day and where everyone will stand. This is usually fun and exciting, but I have found that despite going over all the details, it in no way prepares them for the explosion of emotion and love they often feel overcome by at the very moment they see each other on the day.

The celebrant usually arrives at the venue at least half an hour in advance on the day in order to set up and prepare documents etc. In a ceremony with a bride and groom, the groom and his groomsmen are usually wandering around, greeting guests as they arrive and looking generally nervous!

As the moment draws near and tensions build, the bride finally arrives and as I usher the groom and groomsmen into position, the nerves and anticipation of the guests are palpable.

As we wait, the groomsmen are usually giving the groom grief, teasing him and making jokes, but as the bride appears from whatever direction she enters, the mood changes. All eyes are on his bride and I would have to say that in about 80 percent of cases, the groom cries. Not sobbing or bawling, but tears of joy, of gratitude and of how lucky he feels. This is particularly true when the couple have children and the children enter in front of the bride. Even the biggest, blokiest of them all usually succumb (and in fact are often the softest!) Its a beautiful moment and one that I feel so honoured to share with the couple.

Where we have two grooms or two brides, it's pretty much the same, but sometimes they will arrive together or both walk down the aisle separately and sometimes have mixed bridal parties. 

No matter what it may be, the exchange between the couple when they first see each other is magical and I feel so blessed to get to be a part of life's big moments like this.

So, make sure your photographer knows that you want to capture that moment and they are ready top snap when your eyes first meet on the aisle to becoming a married couple.

The Wedding Gurus

xxx

What music should you have for your wedding ceremony

Music is a huge part of your wedding ceremony and to be honest, it really sets the tone and feel for the day. Live music is always amazing, but for some (many) couples, money is just too tight and it can't make the budget. 

It's really important to be clear about what options are available when it comes to the use of music on your big day. 

The following options might help you out:

Option 1.  Use the celebrant's PA system. 

Most celebrants will have their own PA system for you to play your music from (be sure to ask them in your planning meeting). 

On the day and you can just bring along a phone or iPad (or whatever device you have your songs on) to plug into the PA. 

Note: with this option, you may need someone from your group to press the play and stop buttons as the celebrant will be up the front with you and not near the PA and may not have a remote control. The celebrant can easily give the person a quick run through of what to press before the ceremony starts.

If you choose to play from a device, you might want to create 3 separate playlists. This is best done using an app like Spotify premium (no ads!) and downloading the playlist to the device in case there are any wifi issues at your ceremony location.

The playlists can be put into the following categories for ease of playing.

1.     Before – this is a playlist with about 10 songs that can be played in the 30 minutes or so while guests are arriving. This sets a nice tone and feel for the ceremony.

2.     Entrance – this is the entrance song for the bride/groom and bridal party if they are entering in the traditional way. This can be 1 song or 2 if you want the bridesmaids to have a different song from the bride.

3.     Signing – this is a playlist of about 5 songs to be played while the couple and their witnesses are signing the legal documents. It allows the guest to enjoy the moment and the atmosphere.

Option 2. Instead of using the celebrant's PA system, you can bring along a portable speaker of your own to play the music. You can have a friend look after setting it up and pressing play and stop. This options also means that you can test your music etc before the big day and give the friend a run-through.

Option 3. You can book an audio person to handle all of the sound/mic stuff for the ceremony on the day. this means you can relax and not worry about a thing!

Option 4. You can hire a live musician for your ceremony. This creates a fabulous atmosphere and is the best option if you can afford it. 

No matter which option you choose, putting a bit of time and planning into your ceremony music will ensure that you and your guests really set the tone for a fun and gorgeous day.

The Wedding Gurus x