Weddings

7 Beach Wedding Tips

Make sure your beach wedding is perfect.

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Having your wedding on the beach is a dream-come-true for so many couples.  As you imagine and realize it, remember that this is the most important day of your life…set on a beach!  You want to be sure that it has your signature, along with multiple ways that you can claim the day as your own.  Go upscale yet easy breezy.

7 Beach Wedding Tips

Got a permit?

Make sure you get a permit far in advance. Different beaches have different rules, so arrive prepared.

Define your style

7 Beach Wedding TipsUsing benches or chairs?  Drape them in linen.  Programs?  Use linen paper.  Suits?  You guessed it – linen is the fabric of the moment.  When selecting flowers, think long and hard before using shells, as this is so obvious that there better be something special to the design.  My advice?  Pretend you’re not on the beach.  Unexpected use of flowers and decor here can help you make your own statement to your wedding day.

Clothing choices

Choose clothes that are elegant, practical, and stylish.  For guys – polished cotton or seersucker in a light palette is best.  Ladies – go for flowing fabrics.  The bride’s gown can lightly touch the sand in bare feet (no train); this will allow your shoes to show at the reception.  Length of bridesmaid dresses should be just below the knee.

Speak up!

Practice, practice, and practice speaking loudly.  It may be very hard for guests to hear while the waves are calling for attention and the breeze is lightly blowing on your (hopefully) perfect day.  Opt for a sound system, if your budget permits.  Ask your sound team for white equipment or have your designers mask it in white so it doesn’t bruise the visuals.

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Avatar of Matthew David Hopkins

Matthew is founder and Creative Director of Matthew David Celebrations and 360 Design Events. His work has been featured in People Magazine, The Knot, Elle Décor, House and Garden, InStyle, New York Magazine, O at Home, Traditional Home, The New York Times, ABC, NBC, WB, MTV, FIT, NYU, etc.

    Reader Discussion: 6 Comments

    1. Avatar of Kimberly Vigil

      Kimberly Vigil

      Thanks for posting this list! Very helpful, much appreciated. 🙂

    2. Avatar of Sandra Brown

      I think keeping "beach wedding" shoe-less will make the event more fun and memorable 🙂

    3. Avatar of Joanne Samonte

      Joanne Samonte

      I have always visualized beach weddings as a romantic and remarkable way of celebrating my union with the man of my life. These are really great tips on making beach weddings truly memorable!

      And yes… securing a permit should be on top priority 🙂

    4. Avatar of Courtney Watson

      Courtney Watson

      I love the idea of “keeping it shoe-less,” I think it will make any beach wedding truly fun and unforgettable. Hmmm…. I wonder how I can note that in my invitation 🙂

    5. Avatar of Jen Spillane

      Jen Spillane

      Great tips, especially to keep the ceremony short, LOL!

    6. Avatar of Zenab Bello-Osagie

      Very  good tips. I think anyone would want to have a wedding on a beach. It’s absolutely magical.

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