Seaside Serenity: Tips for Planning a Perfect Beachfront Wedding
Destination weddings have become a popular choice among many couples. The industry grew at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2018-2022. One of the most famous destinations for such weddings is places with beachfront views. Mexico is among the most popular places for destination weddings, due to the presence of beaches, great scenic beauty, and culture.
When it comes to weddings, a beachfront ceremony is a popular choice. But there are plenty of details to consider when planning out this type of celebration. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pulling off an unforgettable beachside wedding.
Choosing the Ideal Beach Location
Choosing the ideal beach location for a wedding is an exciting but important decision. Beach weddings offer a romantic and picturesque backdrop, but there are several factors to consider to ensure your big day is perfect. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the ideal beach location for your wedding:
- Define your vision: Start by discussing your wedding vision with your partner. What style do you want? Do you envision a casual, intimate ceremony, or a grand affair with many guests? Do you want a sunrise, sunset, or daytime wedding? These decisions will help narrow down your choices.
- Research beach destinations: Begin researching beach destinations that align with your vision. Consider the climate, accessibility, and local regulations. Popular beach wedding destinations include the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Florida Keys, and various coastal areas worldwide.
- Legal requirements: Check the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination. This may involve obtaining a marriage license, residency requirements, and other paperwork. Some locations have waiting periods, so plan ahead.
- Visit the location: If possible, visit your chosen beach location before finalizing the plans. This will allow you to see the beach, consider the weather, and explore potential ceremony and reception venues.
- Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the location for both you and your guests. Ensure there are nearby airports, hotels, and transportation options.
- Permits and regulations: Find out about any permits or regulations required for beach weddings in your chosen location. Some beaches may have restrictions on the number of guests, noise, or alcohol consumption.
- Privacy: Consider the level of privacy you desire. Public beaches may be beautiful but crowded, while private beaches or resorts offer more seclusion.
- Venue options: Explore your venue options. Some beach locations offer all-inclusive wedding packages at resorts, while others may require more DIY planning. Consider the proximity of the ceremony site to the reception area.
Timing and Season
The next thing to consider when planning your beach wedding is the weather. It can be difficult to predict what will happen with the weather, but it’s important to do so before making other decisions.
If the weather looks good on paper but real life shows otherwise, don’t fret too much. Many venues have backup plans for bad weather days that include indoor spaces where guests can gather together until conditions improve outside again.
For protection from drizzle, UV rays, dust, etc., you can use tables with an umbrella. According to Premier Table Linens, umbrellas can offer protection from light rain or drizzle, ensuring that the event can continue without disruption. This is especially valuable for outdoor weddings when the weather can be unpredictable.
Additionally, they can provide shade, which is particularly important for outdoor weddings in sunny or hot weather. Guests can stay cool and comfortable, making the event more enjoyable.
To ensure that this is applicable, you need to have outdoor tablecloths with center umbrella hole. This is something you can ask your wedding planner to take care of. Using tablecloths with center umbrella holes will allow the planner to set up umbrellas if required.
Catering and Refreshments
You’ve picked the perfect venue and you’re ready to get started on your beachfront wedding. But to make this event successful, catering and refreshments are some important things you must consider. At least 61% of couples revealed that food and beverages were one of the most important factors in the wedding planning process.
You may think that this is an easy decision. After all, food is one of the most important parts of any good party. But when it comes down to choosing what kind of food will be served at your reception, there are quite a few options available:
- Buffet style or plated? Do guests serve themselves or do servers bring their plates over from behind a table?
- What kind of cuisine will be featured? How many courses will be offered? Will there be vegetarian options available as well as meat dishes?
- What will be the cost per plate or person? Cost is an essential consideration in catering and refreshments, as it can impact your overall budget. For weddings having 1 to 50 guests or above 100 guests, the average catering cost is $80 per person. For weddings, with 51 to 100 guests, the average is $70 per person.
Beach Wedding Photography
If you’re planning a beachfront wedding, it’s important to have a professional photographer on hand. While you can use your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera, these devices aren’t designed to capture the beauty of your special day. The right photographer will know how to work with natural light, making all the difference in creating stunning images.
How do you find this person? You’ll want to look for someone who understands what makes for great photography and has experience working at beaches. It also helps if they offer packages tailored specifically toward beach weddings.
You must also consider the cost of hiring a professional. According to brides.com, wedding photography prices are between $1,000 to $50,000 or higher in the United States. This will depend on the experience and skills of the photographer.
Permits, Regulations, and Clean-Up
Check with your local authorities to ensure that you have all of the necessary permits. Most states require a permit for outdoor weddings, so check with the county or city where you want to hold your wedding.
If there are special circumstances, you may need additional approvals. Also, keep in mind that some locations will require liability insurance coverage and/or security guards during celebrations with alcohol served on site. These requirements should also be discussed with officials who can help guide you through all aspects of planning an event like this one.
Different locations will have different regulations to abide by. For instance, at the City of North Myrtle Beach, set up time before the event must not be more than 30 minutes. Additionally, the setup should be dismantled as soon as the event is over. The wedding must be planned at least 25 feet away from the beach access point.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to consider when planning a beach wedding. It’s important to take your time and do your research so that you don’t end up with regrets or surprises on your special day. We hope these tips have helped make things easier for you.
