Planning the Beach Wedding Ceremony

    A beach wedding ceremony is a romantic alternative that should be considered as you go through the planning process. In the following paragraphs I have outlined a list of the major planning details related to a beach wedding ceremony.

1. A beach wedding can be either formal or informal. The more formal the ceremony, the more complex the planning usually is. Decide early in the process and plan accordingly.

2. Many brides dream of a beach wedding and saying "I do" just as the sun sets in the background. Sunset is an excellent time for the ceremony. Mornings are wonderful as well, of course. Beaches are empty then and the light is perfect for photography. It is also the coolest time of the day. Moreover, keep in mind that it is always better to have the ceremony when the tide is not coming in.

3. Rent flooring if your ceremony is quite formal. A large flooring system can be constructed at a more formal affair to allow guests easier access to and from the beach. At informal beach weddings, guests are often asked to gather round in the sand, barefoot, as the wedding vows are said.

4. You can't control the weather, but you must consider a few weather related variables. Try to find a part of beach that is shielded from the wind. Be sure to have a plan B that provides shelter in case of rain or other stormy weather.

5. At a beach wedding ceremony it is good advice to keep the decorations to a minimum. The reason for this is that the powerful visuals associated with the beach and ocean should dominate.. Seashells and starfish are popular adornments, so are other marine-theme items including miniature boats, anchors, oars, etc. An aisle way lined with indigenous flowers is always beautiful and strongly recommended.

6. If you do without the floor, chairs will sink in the sand and can prove to be dangerous for elderly or disabled guests. Be sure to have a plan for the chairs so guests are comfortable, especially if the ceremony will be a lengthy process. And even if you have your guests stand during the ceremony, be sure to have some chairs available.

7. Due to the overwhelming natural sounds at the beach, you may wish to include a sound system, if your budget allows. This may not be necessary if the gathering is extremely intimate.

8. One important detail: be sure to alert all guests to the exact location of the bathrooms. If it takes place on a remote section of beach, you must consider renting toilets if none are nearby.

9. Consider portable instruments with high-pitched notes that travel well outdoors without drowning out the natural sounds of the ocean. For beach weddings, flute or violin soloists are very popular, so are a saxophone, accordion, cello, harp, or guitar. The perfect touch to a tropical setting, of course, is provided by the steel drum.

10. The beach setting provides exciting opportunties for your arrival. A water landing in a large canoe can displace the traditional limousine service. Some couples have arrived via boat, others have landed on the sand in a helicopter.

11. Make sure that whichever beach wedding favors you choose fits in with the decorations and themes of your wedding. Even unique items are not stylish and elegant when out of place.

12. The last thing you want to do is shadow the natural beauty of your beach wedding's surroundings by having your ceremony in a tent. However, a tent should be kept on call if there is not a nearby facility that can be reserved in case Mother Nature does not cooperate.

13. If you have the budget or connections to hold your beach wedding ceremony on private beach property, parking for your guests and permits for the site (if required) should be part of the negotiated fee. If you plan to hold the wedding on a public beach, be sure to find out if permits are necessary.

Copyright Leslie A. Clark and MyBeachFavors.com, ©2006.