How To Plan A Beach Wedding

By Author: Sarah Harris
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Beach weddings have been gaining in popularity in the United States in the past couple decades. Weddings in front of an ocean just seem to have a special allure to some people. There are things to know when trying to plan a romantic beach wedding. The main advantages to a beach wedding are the price, planning time and location. Generally, beach weddings are much cheaper than chapel weddings. Planning a beach wedding is generally easier with less logistics to worry about than traditional weddings. They also have such beautiful scenery.

The first thing to consider when planning your beach wedding is the location. Beaches are notorious for the high winds that arrive from the ocean. Consider a location that is sheltered by rocks or a natural cave. Be mindful of tides too. Check with local authorities to see if you will need to obtain a special permit for your wedding. Usually this is not required.

You will need to find a wedding officiate to perform your wedding ceremony. There are companies that specialize in beach weddings, so this step shouldn't be terribly difficult. Usually you can purchase everything you need ...
... for your wedding through one company.

An outdoor canopy is essential to avoid any rain that might be falling or seagulls that have a habit of dropping some unpleasant surprises. Decorate the canopy with twinkling lights and use hurricane candles for lighting. Furnish the canopy with the necessary furniture such as chairs, altar if wanted, podium, microphones, speakers, etc. Be mindful of how many guests are going to attend and plan accordingly.

Many times, a full-blown reception can cost too much or be too much of a pain to plan. Instead, plan your wedding so it will conclude just as sunset is starting. Have some wine and cheese for your guests to snack on while they watch the beautiful sunset and converse with friends. Not only will this save you money, it will save a whole lot of work for you and your wedding party.

Keep in mind the weather. Oceanfront areas have a bad reputation for weather changing on a dime. If your wedding is suddenly struck with severe weather, you must have a backup plan. This usually involves moving to an indoor area nearby to conclude the wedding ceremonies. When planning your weather date, try to pick a day that is forecast-ed to have nice weather with no chance of rain.
About Author:
Sarah Harris owns the popular wedding blog Wedding Planning Advice where you can find information about planning a beach wedding.