Planning a Beach Wedding
Some Tips for Your Beach Wedding:
Every little girl’s dream at least once: getting married on the beach. But it can be daunting knowing where to start on the beach wedding you've been dreaming about since you were a little girl. From how to choose wedding colors, to which venue, to even knowing if a beach wedding is still your dream. Don’t fret, because I’m here to help ease the stress of planning a beach wedding!!
Where to Say ‘I Do’:
First things first, let's talk lighting. Unless you're going for a moody speakeasy beach hybrid, you're going to want a reception venue with a lot of natural lighting. This carries the beach breeze into the reception and getting-ready pictures which makes the day flow SO well. Natural lighting creates the bright and light ambiance within the reception that is so attractive about beach weddings. What would the beach be without a saltwater breeze?
Secondly, let's talk reception expectations :) I’m talking about the dance floor, cocktail hour, and dinner. There are typically lots of options based on the number of guests you're thinking of having. For a more intimate celebration I would recommend a small club as the venue OR even renting a house on the beach! This would allow for a private and personal ceremony and would be so so easy to get that beach access. This also allows for an easy transition from ceremony to reception because no transportation is required. What a slay!
Lodging:
Where to stay? Everyone needs a place to relax and get some well needed beauty rest after planning the wedding. Welllll, if you rent an AirBNB or VRBO, you already have that place to stay! Granted, you probably don’t want your guests to sleep in the same place as you, so you'll want to find somewhere that’s close to the beach and convenient to restaurants. A rental home is a great option to look into if you're thinking of a smaller wedding party or want something that’s more cozy and casual. Home rentals are typically located in neighborhoods that are within biking distance of a coffee shop or the beach which would make for a great morning of the rehearsal ride to the beach. This could offer you the time to appreciate where you are and where you are going. One chapter ends and a lifelong one begins when you get married, it’s easy to become caught up in the business of planning, but make sure you take time to breathe :)
If you’re not interested in a rental, another great option is a hotel. You can communicate with a few hotels and get a block rate for the rooms when your guests receive the rooms with your name as the rate code. Hotels offer privacy for guests while giving them the lobby and pool area to relax and catch up with old friends and to make new friends!
LET’S TALK COLORS:
If you’re looking for a light and classic beachy vibe, blues and greens are the way to go. My personal favorite hehe. The soft blues and greens complement the sea glass and turquoise waters so perfectly. However, if you’re thinking bolder, try a vibrant pink like Maribeth Vasconcelo did! Whether it's a cloudy or sunshine filled day, bright colors bring an energy that is unmatched. I also LOVE how her new in-laws chose bright pink dresses!:) Bright colors have the ability to bring the vibrance of the couple to the ceremony without detracting from the bride’s moment. Plus pink goes with the beautiful pink flowering Bougainvillea (try spelling that in a spelling bee!) that can be found easily at venues along the beach!
The dress:
The most anticipated reveal for the groom and the guests alike. A light airy chiffon dress with a bohemian lace applique compliments the sea surf. A mermaid silhouette is an obvious choice when next to the water. Think of a classic neckline with the form fitting mermaid shape with a lovely train that flows behind the bride as she walks down the aisle. Another avenue to take is the classic route. A lace illusion top bodice creates an elegant style for the beach. You can also have a dress code for your guests. Tell them a color scheme to stick with or a category such as cocktail or formal. Maribeth had two dresses which was SO fun! She had a classy and elegant lace dress and then changed into a fun and flirty dress!
Overall, a beach wedding is full of fun love and salty air. It’s an easy going environment with a splash of sophistication and energetic celebration. With the warm sun filling the venue for pictures, the sea breeze cooling the guests, and the couple’s love and energy lifting the atmosphere, a beach wedding is an obvious choice for many, and could be for you too! So I’ll see you on the beach? ;)
Xo Sofie
