Beach weddings are a fun and relaxed way to say your I do’s, but there are a few details which
if overlooked, could result in anything but a relaxed wedding experience.
If you are are thinking about being a beach bride, do yourself a favor and print this article for
future reference.
Like most outdoor locations, a beach permit is required to secure your date, location and time
slot. If you don’t, bear in mind that you’ll have no recourse if another bridal party arrives with
their permit in hand. You’ll be standing around for the length of their allotted time which could
be thirty minutes or more. This could result in not getting married at all if your officiant, who
may have other weddings that day, needs to leave in order to meet another obligation. Most of
the time the permit is free, or for a very modest fee so make sure you call the beach town’s
municipal hall to take care of this critical detail. Ask about which beaches have pavilions or
gazebos in the event of inclement weather, and while you’re talking with the town clerk, this
would also be a good time to ask for a list of reliable officiants known to do weddings in that
town. Summer dates get snatched up fast, so don’t hesitate to book your officiant as soon as
you have confirmed a date and location.
Unity Sand Ceremonies are a favorite feature of a beach wedding. Make sure you have ordered
or purchased your glass vessels in plenty of time and open the package to confirm that you
have enough containers for each of the ceremony participants. If you are using beach sand,
make sure someone sifts it beforehand so you are not pouring nasty things like cigarette butts
or worse. (I’ll leave that to your imagination.)
Need I remind anyone of parking scarcities in beach towns? It might not be a bad idea to have
guests arrive at a central location where parking is not an issue and have a driver escort them
to the beach location. For smaller beach weddings this is very doable, and it would be a much
appreciated courtesy. At the very least, apprise your guests to bring plenty of quarters for
parking meters as some localities still use them.
If you have a long walk on the beach, make certain you are wearing shoes that are easy to
negotiate on sand and lastly, bear in mind that you will be getting married amongst people in
minimal beach wear and people who feed seagulls. Focus instead on the waves and the
solemnity of the moment and you will shine in the beauty of the sun.