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

Top Tips for Handling Wedding Stress

Planning a wedding is an exciting time for couples, but it can also bring a a huge amount of stress. With so many details to consider, personalities to deal with and family issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can work together as a team, manage any wedding stress and have an amazing wedding. 

Here are some of our top tips for keeping calm and making the most of the planning towards your special day.

1. Start Planning Early

The earlier you begin planning as a couple and get on the same page, the more time you have to handle details without feeling rushed. Create a timeline, set deadlines, and break tasks into manageable steps to stay on track.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Financial stress is one of the biggest wedding worries and it can put a LOT of strain on the relationship. This is NOT what you want when planning the best day of your lives. Set a realistic budget early on and stick to it. Prioritize what’s most important to you both and find creative ways to save on less critical elements (check out some of our other blog posts for creative ideas).

3. Delegate Tasks

You don’t have to do everything yourself! Lean on your partner, wedding party, family, or even a wedding planner to help with tasks. Delegating reduces stress and ensures everything gets done efficiently.

4. Focus on What Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but remember that your wedding is about celebrating love and commitment. If something goes wrong, don’t let it overshadow the joy of the day. The aim of the entire day is to be married at the end of it and you will be!

5. Practice Self-Care

Make time for yourself during the planning process. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, yoga, exercise, or a fun night out, taking care of your well-being will help keep stress levels in check. Check out our wedding day stress meditation post and video.

6. Stay Organised

Use checklists, spreadsheets, or wedding planning apps to keep track of vendors, appointments, and deadlines. Staying organised will help you feel more in control and prevent last-minute surprises.

7. Communicate with Your Partner

Wedding planning should be a team effort. Have open and honest conversations with your partner about expectations, concerns, and responsibilities to ensure you're on the same page. Make sure you're checking in with each other and listening to each other. Another great thing to do is to schedule dedicated wedding planning nights so that your entire relationship doesn't become absorbed by the wedding.

8. Have a Backup Plan

Weather, vendor cancellations, and other unexpected challenges can arise. Having a backup plan in place for key elements (such as an indoor option for an outdoor wedding) will help you stay calm if changes are needed. Check out our post ion backup plans.

9. Take Breaks from Wedding Planning

Don’t let wedding planning take over your life. Schedule breaks where you and your partner can spend quality time together without discussing wedding details.

10. Accept That Not Everything Will Be Perfect

Perfection is impossible, and small hiccups are inevitable. Embrace the unexpected and focus on the big picture—your love and the celebration of your new journey together.

Final Thoughts Wedding stress is natural, but it doesn’t have to take over your experience. By staying organised, taking care of yourself, and keeping things in perspective, you can enjoy the planning process and make beautiful memories along the way. 

Remember, the most important thing is celebrating love with the people who matter most.

XX

Top 10 All Time 'Classic' 1st dance songs

In keeping with our recent posts on fabulous wedding songs, here is the 'Top 10 All Time Classics' list for first dance songs. 

Just like the others, these are our picks, so we appreciate that some of you may have some of your own all time favourites. If you have, let us know, we'd love to hear them.

We hope you enjoy listening to them as much as we did putting them together!

Top 10 All Time Classics

10. It had to be you – Harry Connick Jr

9. Unchained melody – The Righteous Brothers

8. Don’t know much – Aaron Neville & Linda Rohnstadt

7. Can’t help falling in love with you – Elvis

6. Endless Love – Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey

5. Because of you – Tony Bennett

4. Sea of love – The Honeydrippers

3. Because you loved me – Celine Dion

2. Amazed – Lonestar

1. At last – Etta James

 

Managing your small children at your wedding

Weddings are a celebration of love, and many couples want to include family members of all ages—including little ones. While children can bring joy and cuteness to your special day, they can also be unpredictable.

If you're inviting kids to your wedding, here are some ways to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

1. Set Clear Expectations

Decide upfront whether you want a child-friendly wedding or prefer an adults-only affair. If kids are welcome, communicate this in your invitations and wedding website, letting parents know what to expect in terms of child-friendly accommodations.

2. Provide Entertainment

Small children can become restless during a long ceremony, so providing entertainment is key. Kids absolutely LOVE bubbles and even crying little ones can be distracted long enough with the magic of bubbles floating through the air. You could also consider setting up a designated kids’ area with coloring books, small toys, or quiet activities to keep them engaged while adults enjoy the event.

3. Hire a Childcare Professional

For a seamless experience, hiring a babysitter or childcare provider can be a game-changer. A designated caregiver can keep an eye on the children, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the ceremony.

4. Have a Kid-Friendly Snack Station

Hungry kids can quickly become cranky. A small snack station with easy-to-eat options like crackers, fruit, and juice boxes will help keep little ones happy and occupied throughout the ceremony.

5. Time Your Ceremony Wisely

If you have your own small children and you’d like to minimise the issues with their sleep times, or unsettled times, try to schedule your ceremony at a time when the children are least likely to be tired or hungry. Mid-morning or early afternoon ceremonies work well to avoid naptime meltdowns.

6. Offer a Quiet Space

Some children may need a break from the excitement. Providing a quiet space where parents can take their kids if they need to calm down will be appreciated by guests and help minimize disruptions.

7. Give Kids a Role in the Ceremony

Keeping children involved can make them feel special and engaged. Assign them roles such as flower girl, ring bearer, or even “mini wedding attendants” to hand out programs or welcome guests. If they are your children, there are lots of ways to include your children in your ceremony, so check out our post on this for some great ideas.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

Kids will be kids, and some noise or minor disruptions are inevitable. Have a relaxed attitude and embrace the charm they bring. Inform your officiant/celebrant and wedding planner about your kid-friendly approach so they can adapt accordingly and just go with the flow.

9. Communicate with Parents

Encourage parents to bring essentials like favorite toys, extra diapers, and comfort items. Let them know if there's a designated space for kids so they can plan ahead.

10. Consider a Kid-Free Reception

If you love the idea of having children at the ceremony but want a more formal reception, consider offering a kid-free reception. Parents can make childcare arrangements in advance while still including their little ones in the important part of the day.

Final Thoughts Having children at your wedding can add a layer of fun and warmth, but it requires some thoughtful planning, and depends on you as a couple and how you see your big day.

By setting expectations, providing entertainment, and preparing for their needs, you can create a kid-friendly wedding experience that keeps both parents and little guests happy. With a bit of preparation, your wedding day will be a beautiful celebration for guests of all ages!

Wedding Planning - Handling things that go wrong on the day

 Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life. You've probably spent months, maybe even years, planning every little detail to perfection. But as with any big event, things don’t always go exactly as planned.

The key to a stress-free and enjoyable wedding day is being prepared for the unexpected and knowing how to handle any hiccups that might come your way.

Check out our suggestion for tackling some common wedding day mishaps with grace and ease.

1. Weather Woes

Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, have a backup plan in place. Rent a portable tent or marquee, arrange for an indoor space you can move to if the weather is bad, or provide guests with umbrellas and blankets in case of rain or chilly weather. If it's hot, have large umbrellas on stands, fans, water stations, and shaded areas available.

2. Wardrobe Malfunctions

A torn hem, a broken zipper, or a missing button can cause last-minute panic. Pack an emergency kit with a sewing kit, safety pins, double-sided tape, and stain remover wipes. Designate a bridesmaid or groomsman, or even a trusted friend or family member as the go-to fixer for any fashion emergencies.

3. Late or Missing Vendors

If a vendor is running late or doesn’t show up, stay calm and where you can, delegate. Have a trusted friend or wedding planner handle the situation for you if that’s at all possible. Pre-confirming all vendors is wise in the weeks leading up to the big day, and have a list of backup vendors just in case.

4. Technical Difficulties

From a microphone not working to a DJ’s playlist disappearing, technology can fail at the worst moments. Do a sound check before the ceremony, have a backup speaker, and store important playlists on multiple devices. A good wedding coordinator or celebrant will be able to adapt and keep everything going no matter what! The main objective of the day is to be married to the one you love, so as long as that happens, it’s all good.

5. Family or Guest Drama

As many couples are aware, weddings bring together people who may not always get along. If tensions are high, consider assigning a trusted friend or relative to play peacemaker. Plan your seating arrangements carefully, and remind everyone that the day is about love and celebration, not old grudges.

6. Running Behind Schedule

Timelines are great, but delays happen. Make sure your schedule has a little extra time built in as a buffer for hair and makeup, travel, and photography. If things start to run late, prioritize the most important things and trust your wedding planner or coordinator (if you have one) to help keep things moving smoothly.

7. Food or Cake Mishaps

If your caterer is running late or a cake gets damaged, remain calm (or at least try to!) and be flexible. Most caterers have contingency plans, and your venue may have extra supplies. If your dream cake gets smudged, embrace the imperfection—it’s a great story for later!

8. Cold Feet or Emotional Overload

It’s completely normal for both brides and grooms to feel overwhelmed or nervous in the days before the wedding and especially on the day. Take a few deep breaths, step away for a quiet moment if needed, and remind yourself why you’re getting married. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who will keep you calm and excited, and as the wedding is taking place and you are standing there, staring at the one you love, soak it in. Let that wave of love, excitement and joy for the future engulf you together.

9. Remember the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating love and starting a new chapter.  As I said before, the goal of the day is to be married – and you will be!

Things may go wrong, but what matters most is that you and your partner are surrounded by love, joy, and the people who care about you. Embrace the unexpected, laugh at the little hiccups, and enjoy every moment – both good and not so good!

Final Thoughts No wedding is ever truly perfect, but that’s what makes it uniquely yours. The most important thing is to stay flexible, focus on the love you’re celebrating, and make wonderful memories—no matter what surprises come your way.

XX

Hens Night Game: Weiner in the Hole

This is a fun (and a little rude) hens night game which will have all your guests in tears from laughter.

How to Play:

Each guest has a piece of string tied around their waist with a cocktail frankfurt attached to the end (we reccommend piercing a hole into the frankfurt and threading the string through to ensure it is extra secure - a loose weiner is not good!). 

The string must be long so that the frankfurt is dangling. If it is tied too close to the body, this game becomes too easy! 

Your guests line up and below them on the ground small shot glasses are placed. One glass for each person. 

The aim of the game:

The aim is for everyone to squat or kneel over and get their frankfurt into the shot glass. 

The first person to hold it there and yell "weiner in the hole" is the winner.

There should be prizes, but we'll leave those ideas up to you!

Have fun!!

Wedding Rituals and Traditions - The Dove Release

In this post we've chosen to bring you a look at the Dove Release which can be a beautiful and symbolic addition to any wedding ceremony.

White Doves have been used around the world for centuries to symbolise purity, peace, faith & love. Doves are considered a symbolic release at Weddings because they stay faithful to each other for life and form strong family bonds and share the care of their young. They're also beautiful and a dove release can create a fabulous and significant event to share with your guests.

Please note: It's important to ensure that you get your doves from a reputable and ethical dove handler who is experienced and careful with the birds. 

Celebrant:
"White doves mate for life and much like a married couple, sometimes the doves take flight and follow their own path for short periods of time, not tied to each other every moment of every passing day. But when the darkness sets in, whether their day’s journey has been together or apart, they both return to the safe place they know is home for the night, to each other.

The releasing of these white doves is a blessing to you both on this day. It is a reminder that while your lives, your paths and your other commitments may often lead you in opposite directions, you always have a place to come home to, to find each other and be one."

Release the doves
"As these doves fly they will carry for you and all of your loved ones here present, wishes for peace, love and hope for your future life together."