4 Outdoor Beach Wedding Tips (7 Bonus Tips)

There’s something incredibly romantic about tying the knot with the ocean as your backdrop. However, to make this special day truly unforgettable, you need to carefully plan it out.

If you are planning a beach wedding but you aren’t sure what your decorations should look like, then you’ve landed in the right place. Holding a wedding ceremony on a beach is very romantic. The beautiful view of the sky and the area surrounding the beach makes the moment magical. Your décor should enhance the beauty of the coast. Below are 4 different ideas that you can utilize for your beach wedding, and all of them should help you throw the wedding of your dreams.

Tip #1 – Choose The Right Beach For Your Wedding

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the perfect beach for your wedding. Two primary factors to consider are privacy and weather conditions.

outdoor-beach-wedding 4 Outdoor Beach Wedding Tips (7 Bonus Tips)

Privacy Considerations

Having your special day on a crowded public beach might not be the best idea. Look for secluded spots or consider renting a private beach. You want a serene setting where your ceremony won’t be interrupted by crowds of beachgoers.

Weather Conditions

Weather is an unpredictable factor, especially at the beach. Make sure to check the weather forecast, and always have a backup plan, like a tent or a nearby indoor venue, just in case.

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Tip #2 – Time Your Wedding Event Perfectly

The time of day you choose for your beach wedding can significantly impact the event’s overall experience.

Considerations for Lighting

The best time for a beach wedding is usually early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead. This will provide the best lighting for your photos and ensure your guests are not uncomfortably hot.

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Timing for Guests

Remember to consider your guests’ schedules as well. If they’re traveling from out of town, make sure to provide enough notice so they can arrange their accommodations and travel plans.

Tip #3 – Focus on Beachy and Coastal Wedding Decorations

Beach weddings offer a beautiful natural backdrop, but the right decorations can elevate your event even further.

Theme Decisions

Will it be a casual boho-themed wedding or a more formal affair? Whatever theme you choose, make sure it complements the beach setting.

Outdoor Specific Decor

Keep in mind that decorations for a beach wedding should withstand outdoor conditions. Consider sturdy items that won’t blow away in the wind, and remember, sometimes less is more with such a stunning natural backdrop.

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Tip #4 – Dress Appropriately For Your Beach Wedding

Attire is an important aspect to consider for a beach wedding.

Bride and Groom Attire

A beach wedding calls for comfortable, breathable fabrics. A heavy gown or a full tuxedo might not be ideal. Instead, think flowing dresses and lightweight suits.

Guest Attire

Inform your guests about the location and expected weather, so they can dress accordingly. They’ll appreciate the heads-up!

best-beach-wedding-attire 4 Outdoor Beach Wedding Tips (7 Bonus Tips)

Extra Beach Wedding Tips

We added a few additional bonus tips to make your beach wedding perfect.

Bonus Tip #1 – Choose a Beach Theme

In most beach weddings, you will see tropical, coastal, marsh, nautical, Hawaiian or a natural nature theme for the reception. With an endless list of decorations to choose from, it’s quite easy incorporating yours with a specific theme. If for instance you plan to go natural on that special day, you should go for natural materials found on the beach like shells.

beautiful-beach-wedding-backdrop 4 Outdoor Beach Wedding Tips (7 Bonus Tips)

Bonus Tip #2 – Choose a Beach Themed Centerpiece

If you start with the first 2 ideas, they can help guide your final decision on the centerpiece. The centerpiece should entail the general theme and color for the wedding. When looking for a centerpiece, you don’t want something that is too big for visitors to see each other at their table, and it also shouldn’t be too small for people to notice. An example of such is a bucket filled with flowers and the outside painted using the theme color, along with surrounding accents like starfish, anchors, or mini tiki umbrellas. Another good idea of a centerpiece is the use of candles inside a jar full of sand. Since the wind might be an issue at the beach, consider an electric candle instead.

Bonus Tip #3 – Get Your Guests Beach Themed Favors

If you want your visitors to remember your wedding forever, give them a thank you gift for attending your special day. You can have these gifts decorated using a beach theme and have them placed on each table where the guests are going to sit. Of course, this would only work for a reception where there are invited guests only. Such presents could be flip flops, a towel or even customized outdoor beach bottles.

beach-wedding-favors 4 Outdoor Beach Wedding Tips (7 Bonus Tips)

Bonus Tip #4 – Pick the Right Color Scheme For Your Wedding

You want choose the colors that you love for your reception. You could go for lighter pastel color varieties like salmon, light yellow, light green, or light blue. If you prefer more of a nautical theme, navy blue or dark blues can resemble the open sea and the sky. Other colors like light brown compliment the natural color of the sand on the beach. If you don’t like these, bright colors like fuchsia and orange shades are also another option. Orange is a good color that compliments the sunset and outshines the rest of the natural colors of the beach. Other color combinations include aqua and orange, beige and pink, or yellow and orange.

Bonus Tip #5 – Consider a Sound System For Your Wedding

The sound of the waves can be louder than you think! Consider renting a sound system so your vows can be heard clearly.

Bonus Tip #6 – Comfort Amenities For Guests

Think about providing comfort amenities such as sunscreen, bug spray, flip-flops, and perhaps even a cooling station if the weather is expected to be hot.

Bonus Tip #7 – Plan For The Wind

My final bonus tip is to remind you how wind is something to consider, you want to choose decorations that won’t be easily affected by a gust of wind. For example, a lot of Beach Weddings now use electric candles, which look real, since the wind tends to blow them out constantly.


FAQs for Throwing a Beach Wedding

What time of day is best for a beach wedding?

Early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat of direct sunlight.

What are some appropriate themes for a beach wedding?

Boho, tropical, and nautical themes all work great for beach weddings.

What should guests wear to a beach wedding?

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Inform guests of the expected conditions in advance.

What extra amenities should I provide at my beach wedding?

Consider providing sunscreen, bug spray, flip-flops, and possibly a cooling station.

Should I have a backup plan for my beach wedding?

Yes, always have a backup plan in case of unpredictable weather conditions.


Conclusion

Planning a beach wedding can be a bit challenging, but with these tips in hand, you’re sure to create an unforgettable event. Remember, at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love in a location that holds meaning to you.

In addition, work with your venue and look at wedding photos from their past weddings. Some décor and accent ideas might work at one venue but not really match another. Look at a lot of pictures and do not be afraid of using websites like Pinterest to guide your decisions. There are thousands of beautiful wedding ideas on Pinterest so it’s a great way to get designs.

I hope you can plan and enjoy the day of your dreams!

 
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