30+ Things To Know When Planning a Beach Wedding
Beach weddings are appealing for a variety of reasons, one of which being being out in the open, in a beautiful beachside setting while the wind and waves sing their praises over your union. They are not your conventional wedding, which is usually held in a church or similar expensive indoor venue. That is not to say there aren’t other outdoor wedding types that aren’t appealing, like the garden wedding for example, but beach weddings are definitely in a category of their own.
Tip: If you’re planning a beach wedding the Caribbean is a great location! You can reach a gorgeous beach in paradise within a few hours from US shores! Check out some of the best wedding venues at Beaches Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer. Stay 3 nights or longer and get a free wedding!
Picture: Beachfront wedding at Beaches Turks & Caicos.
The draw of the intimate beach wedding has much to do with the fact that it allows you to execute your day in relative simplicity, though some beach weddings can be extravagant. You’ll get to plan your beach wedding however you want it to be - as dressed up as you choose, leaving out or incorporating elements from a traditional wedding, and you’ll have plenty of room to explore beach and oceanside wedding ideas.
In this article on the Beaches blog:
6 important things to know when planning a beach wedding
7 things to consider for your attire
12 things to consider for the ceremony
4 things to consider when selecting the venue
Things to consider when picking a vendor
BONUS: What’s it like to get married at a Beaches Resort?
6 important things to know when planning a beach wedding
There are a few things you’ll need to consider while getting ready to plan your beach wedding. If you’re traveling for a destination wedding and staying at an all-inclusive resort like Beaches or Sandals, you can ask your wedding planning team most of these questions ahead of time. They will tell you all you need to know about how to get married on the beach and help you with plenty of great ideas to make your big day even more special.
Wondering how to plan a beach wedding? Below are some of the things you need to keep in mind:
1. Make sure the beach is accessible to everyone involved.
Once they've discovered and fallen in love with a seaside wedding destination, many people may overlook the accessibility element. Don't forget to consider your guests' convenience, as well as how simple or difficult it will be to reach the spot from a significant route. This can also have an impact on the ease with which seats, tables, and even food delivery can be put up and transported. Make sure your site isn't too far out of the way, and if it is, make the necessary preparations.
2. Don’t let the sound of waves drown out your vows.
There’s nothing quite as magical as the waves crashing against the shore while taking a romantic walk down the beach. When you’re trying to exchange vows, this is a completely different story. To work around this, get a professional sound system, and look into ways to get it powered up out on the beach. You can also rent or buy a wireless microphone and speaker for use by the officiant. Another option is to invest in a windscreen for your microphone, which will ensure the wind isn’t louder than what you’re actually trying to say. Before you rent or make these purchases, find out if your wedding planner or resort has them available.
3. Make your décor windproof.
You’ll need to tweak your décor to suit the outdoors, especially in windy locations. This means you may want to think twice about super lavish flowers, towering candles, and even windy ribbons and balloons, which may just end up getting blown away by the wind. Use sturdy décor and avoid breakable items. Anything you can’t live without (like name tags, photos, etc.), secure with adhesive, spring, or place something heavier over top to hold them down. In terms of flowers, you also want to make sure you choose varieties that stand up well against high temperatures, and won’t wilt before the ceremony even begins.
Expert tip: Chrysanthemums, calla lilies, king protea, and orchids do well on the beach. Not convinced flowers will fit your theme or just don’t want to risk it? Go for things like fruits or even shells to add some color to the event and enhance the beach theme.
4. Make sure there’s some shade.
Picture: Wedding reception at Beaches Turks & Caicos.
One of the crucial things to think about when planning a beach wedding is health and safety. Just as important as covering for rainy weather, you’ll need to keep in mind that outdoor environments usually mean guests will be exposed to the elements. Especially in hot climates, ensure you keep everyone cool by scheduling your beach ceremony at a time when the sun is most mild – morning or late afternoon is best. You’ll also want to make sure shade is factored in as well, especially for the sake of older people and children. With a beach or other outdoor weddings, it’s best to monitor the weather so you know what to expect. It's a good idea to source a canopy to cover the seating area or get some bamboo poles that can be draped with light, white fabric to help keep everyone cool.
5. Finger food storage: keep it cool!
If you aren’t getting married at a resort, food storage is a serious consideration. Food that’s supposed to be refrigerated will spoil quickly in high temperatures, so you’ll need to pick wisely. This is also worth keeping in mind for cake selection – cakes made with buttercream may fight a losing battle against the heat. As a rule, don’t pick anything that’s going to melt or spoil fast.
Expert tip: If you’re concerned about food, you can also consider getting married on the beach, and having the reception at another location, like a nearby restaurant.
6. Select proper beach wedding attire.
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life and you’re going to want to dress like it; except that you’re on the beach, so you’re also going to want to wear something that doesn’t cause you to overheat. Here are some tips and idead for staying cool, and still looking beautiful:
7 things to consider for your beach wedding attire
1. Go for a lighter dress.
Long gowns may present challenges out on the beachfront. They may look dreamy, and you may even be able to get down the aisle mostly without issue, but the trouble may start when you try navigating the beach to take photos. If you’re wearing a super long train this can be a nightmare. Look for something lighter, or at the very least, ensure your dress can bustle easily.
2. Wear lightweight fabrics.
The last thing you want is to wear a dress with lace trim and find out only when you get to the altar that your dress has picked up all sorts of debris from the beach along the way. It’s better to go with fabrics like chiffon or charmeuse, which will give you an airy feel, as your gown will be able to flow freely.
3. Skip the veil.
Veils aren’t worn by all brides, but they are an absolute must for brides who want to keep it all the way traditional. In windy temperatures, an extra-long veil can have you fighting a not-so-cute windy battle. Avoid this by going for fresh flowers, or a fascinator instead.
4. Try an updo.
Fancy updos have a way of changing your entire look. They go with just about everything, and for a beach wedding updo is a great idea to prevent your hair from taking on a life of its own during the ceremony. If you’re really set on wearing your hair down, think about hiring a stylist who will be on location throughout, just in case you need a touch-up.
5. Ditch the heels.
Avoid the hassle of wearing heels in the sand; look into getting the perfect espadrilles or wedges for your beach wedding. If you plan early enough, you’ll be able to customize your shoes, so they’re fancy enough to make you forget that you aren’t wearing heels.
Expert tip: No matter which shoe option you choose, getting the right aisle runner will help keep your feet cool on the way to the altar. Thick flower petals or fabric work like a charm.
6. Stay tan line free.
Tan lines may be a nightmare, especially on a wedding day when there is nothing you can do about them. Wear sunscreen (waterproof sunscreen is advised) every time you go out in the sun to protect your skin before your wedding. You don't want sunburn or tan lines on your wedding day, and neither does your bridal party. To avoid tan lines, you and your wedding party can plan bathing suits for the trip according to what everyone is wearing on the big day.
7. Say no to penguin suits.
It's less necessary to appear fancy on the beach and more vital to keep cool. Allow the groom and his best men to dress more casually, such as in lightweight cotton pants or Bermuda shorts. These less dressy options are a fantastic on-theme and cool idea.
8. Wear an invisible undershirt to prevent sweat patches.
Beach weddings will make you sweat, and not only from the nerves! Wear an invisible undershirt to prevent any sweat patches showing up in those wedding pictures.
Are you a guest considering what to wear to a beach wedding? We've got you covered! We also cover the most frequently asked questions about beach wedding attire later in this post.
12 things to consider for the beach wedding ceremony
1. Get a beach permit if needed.
Though this isn’t always required, it is worth your time to do some research, so you avoid any unnecessary problems down the line. Find out about noise regulations in both private and public settings, so you can make the proper arrangements.
2. Plan wisely, and avoid crowds.
Picture: Beach front wedding at Sandals Barbados.
One of the things you should seek to find out in advance is when the beach is the most crowded. You’ll want to avoid this time to ensure you have enough privacy, so your wedding doesn’t turn into a circus. Usually you’ll find beaches quieter outside of weekends and holidays. Some beaches in Hawaii for example don’t allow event set-ups on public beaches. In places like this, you’ll need to instead rent a beachside villa, so you’ll still be able to take photos on the beach after your wedding ceremony.
3. Arrange sturdy seating.
Aluminum chairs, oak benches, different forms of foldable seats, and even chic waterproof ottomans can improve visitor comfort. All of these are sturdy enough not to be blown away by the wind or sink and collapse in the sand. In certain circumstances, you may just need to provide seats for the elderly and children. It all depends on the type of wedding you're planning and how long the ceremony will be.
4. Accentuate the beach’s natural features.
The beach is beautiful enough as it is, so you won’t need to go overboard with your decor ideas here. Instead, focus on accentuating the natural features in a way that will help bring your wedding to life. It doesn’t all need to be seashells and palm leaves; you can use the various hues of the ocean or sand to create a theme, adding elements like stones, dune glasses, and more.
5. Add in colors to contrast the light color of the sand.
If you’re wondering what colors are best for a beach wedding, we recommend adding some color that will contrast with the sand to make the setting more vibrant. Think green, orange, or coral tones.
6. Shop local for destination weddings.
When sourcing your décor for a destination wedding, try to purchase things from local vendors. This can help you avoid hefty importation fees, or delays that can happen if your items get detained by customs for any reason.
7. Prepare for windy conditions.
If it can blow away, it might. Prepare for a windy day, even when not expected. Secure everything you can beforehand to avoid this. Use heavier items to weigh things down, like programs and place cards, or just get heavyweight stands. You can also tie programs neatly to chairs. If you plan on tossing dried flower petals, wait to do this, once guests arrive.
8. Prepare a shoe station.
No one wants to spend the day with sand in their shoes. With a shoe rack, guests can trade their fancy shoes for flip-flops. Make provisions at the station for guests to be able to wipe or wash the sand off their feet before making the swap. You’ll want to include a seating area, towels, a place to store shoes, and a bucket of water.
9. Have refreshments on hand.
As with any beach day, staying hydrated is important and there's no better way to beat the heat than with cold drinks. A table set up with lemonade, ice water, or a signature cocktail will go a long way in keeping your wedding guests satisfied and refreshed.
10. Prevent bug bites.
You’ll want to keep insect repellant close at hand for any outdoor ceremony, particularly beach weddings. Try to get a good brand with ingredients that aren’t harmful, and won’t stain your dress.
11. Prepare guests with a welcome package.
You’ll want to ensure everyone is informed about where the wedding will be taking place. Especially if the beach is a long, beautiful stretch, this will help your guests plan accordingly. Just in case anyone comes less than prepared, you can include items like travel-sized sunscreen, hand towels and fans, and bottled water in a fun welcome package.
12. Have a backup plan.
Beach weddings are best kept short and sweet. Just in case the weather changes, have a backup plan. It’s a good idea to have a canopy or tent on hand to keep everyone cool and dry or ensure your plan B option is somewhere indoors.
4 things to consider when selecting the best beach wedding venue
1. Pick a location: close to home or a destination wedding in the Caribbean?
When it comes to planning your wedding venue, you’ll need to decide if you prefer something closer to home (perhaps somewhere you’re familiar with but never gave much thought to), or whether you want to travel and have a destination wedding.
2. Pick a date. Keep guests with kids in mind!
If you’re traveling with family, this is likely to be a discussion you’ll need to have in a comprehensive way, incorporating breaks from schools, etc. Once all the details are ironed out, you’ll be able to pick a venue that is most convenient for you, in terms of being able to get everyone there, and considering whether the venue will be able to accommodate you and your family comfortably.
3. Choose a beach wedding venue.
Picture: Over-the-water wedding chapel, available at Sandals Montego Bay (Jamaica), Sandals Ochi (Jamaica), Sandals South Coast (Jamaica) and Sandals Grande St. Lucian (Saint Lucia).
Planning a beach wedding will require you to think of every little detail. Are you getting married on a public beach, or is the beach you’re planning on using for your wedding a part of a resort? If it's part of a resort, you’ll need to request a wedding information packet from the resort, especially if you’re planning on staying there. If it’s a public beach, you can get information from local authorities wherever that beach is located.
Go to Wedding information Beaches Resorts
Go to Wedding information Sandals Resorts
Don’t just get your heart set on a destination wedding location based on word of mouth alone. Do your research; ask questions, check reviews, watch videos, and search for photos online if it’s a foreign location, tour the venue if you are close enough to do so.
4. Book the beach venue upfront, if it’s part of a resort.
The last thing you want after planning your beach wedding is to arrive on the day and start setting up, only to realize you didn’t go about securing permissions in the right way. Particularly if it’s a resort, you’ll need to book the venue in advance.
Things to consider when picking a vendor
Need some help getting your beach wedding planned and organized professionally? Get in touch with a beach wedding vendor. There are plenty of options inside and outside the US!
Before choosing a beach wedding vendor you’ll want to ensure the venue will help facilitate the process of acquiring your marriage license and certification, especially when organizing a destination beach wedding. You’ll also want to find out if they can support 24/7 communication, if there is a guest limit or restrictions to do with scheduling; find out which days are available. All of this will help when you get further into planning your big day.
Some vendors charge extra for sunset weddings or weekends, so make sure this information is clear. Find out if your prospective vendors charge additional fees for meetings, conference calls, or emails. You’ll also want to know whether their package includes professional photography and video.
Expert tip: Some beach wedding vendors give discounts for active military, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel. Even a 10% discount can save you quite a bit of money on a big expenditure like a wedding.
BONUS: What’s it like to get married at a Beaches or Sandals Resort?
The perfect beach wedding requires thoughtful planning and great ideas, and that’s what you can expect once you book a wedding-included (with conditions) vacation with Beaches. For one thing, you’ll have someone there with you to walk you through the entire process, which helps so you never feel overwhelmed. Here’s what you can expect along your beach wedding planning journey with Beaches or Sandals.
See what’s included in your beach wedding at Beaches.
Let the wedding concierge agent help you find the best options
One of your first points of contact will be a Beaches wedding concierge agent, whose job it is to collect all the necessary information from you, so your wedding experience can begin. The agent will speak to you about your beach wedding ideas and help you choose a resort and a venue within the resort to have your wedding. Don’t worry, there’s nothing rushed about the process, you’ll be able to take your time to make the best decision for you and your family, over multiple sessions. Based on availability, the concierge agent will make booking arrangements on your behalf for your dream Caribbean wedding.
See all Beaches all-inclusive resorts (family friendly)
See all Sandals all-inclusive resorts (adults-only)
Good to know: All Beaches and Sandals resorts are located on a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise waters. Some couples choose to get married with the family at one of the Beaches resorts and spend their honeymoon in a Sandals resort afterward.
Close to Beaches Ocho Rios, you’ll find adults-only resorts Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation. Nearby Beaches Negril, you’ll find Sandals Negril - both located on the beautiful Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica. Beaches Turks & Caicos is the biggest Beaches Resort featuring one of the largest water parks in the Caribbean and the world’s most beautiful beach - but doesn’t have a Sandals Resort nearby.
Fill in the details with your personal wedding planner
Once the initial process is complete, you’ll be introduced to your personal wedding planner. They will tell you everything you need to know for planning a beach wedding. You’ll be able to make your first appointment with them at this time. Expect to receive a welcome letter by email.
You will revisit some of your ideas for weddings on the beach and get to planning the finer details of your wedding with your wedding planner, who will help you make any final decisions. Your wedding planner will also give you documents and tools, some of which will highlight all the services available for your Beaches wedding. The goal is to achieve perfection in your wedding, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
At this point you’ll also be able to book accommodation for yourself and your group. Ask about available add-ons or wedding inclusions, which can enhance the classic free wedding package available with your booking. You can also choose to trade your free wedding (if you qualify for one) for $500 worth of credit towards your customized wedding. This credit can be used for décor, the reception, entertainment, activities, photographer, DJ, and other wedding preparation including select options at the spa.
Your beach wedding ceremony and reception are being taken care of
The ‘hard’ work is done when it comes to the venue, and you can now focus on your guests and attire for your blissful Caribbean wedding. All you need to do is make sure everyone else is ready for the trip of a lifetime. Once you and your party arrive on the property, everything else will be handled from there.
Tip: Book at least 60 days before your wedding to receive a complimentary garment bag for your wedding dress shipped right to the doorstep of your room!
Let’s get married in paradise!
The ‘big event’ is only just beginning when you arrive at the resort. The team will be anticipating your arrival, and once you and your family get there, they’ll do everything in their power to ensure your vacation and your beach wedding go as planned.
In addition to seeing all the details of your wedding going smoothly, you’ll feel pampered at Beaches with your spouse, while the kids have the times of their lives, with activities galore and the water park (it’s all included in your stay after all!). With Beaches, the more people you bring with you for your destination wedding, the more perks you stand to receive from the resort.
Your honeymoon starts right after
What better way to start your honeymoon than waking up in an all-inclusive resort - where everything is taken care of! With unlimited 5-Star Global Gourmet dining at up to 21 specialty restaurants per resort, unlimited cocktails, spectacular swimming pools and water parks, just about every land and water sport you can think of, and luxurious suites, Beaches is the perfect place for your honeymoon. Remember: it’s all included in your stay!
Prefer to have your honeymoon at an adults-only resort designed for couples? Book one of the amazing luxury honeymoon suites at one of the nearby all-inclusive Sandals Resorts. While the kids and family are having a blast at the beach and in the water parks, you can have a romantic time off and get pampered.
Sandals guests are welcome to enjoy all amenities (including restaurants) at their nearby Beaches Resorts, so feel free to spend a few days with family as you wish.
Expert tip: Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation are both a 15-minute drive from Beaches Ocho Rios. Sandals Negril is located less than a 3-minute drive from Beaches Negril, both located on the beautiful Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica.
Whether you choose a simple and intimate beach wedding close to home, or an extravagant beach wedding on the long white sands of the Caribbean, you can’t lose when you plan your wedding on the beach. There is nothing as unforgettable as a beautiful ceremony on the sand, surrounded by the ones you love. It’s what dream weddings are made of.
Call Beaches’ bridal team at 1-877-232-2437 to start planning your dream wedding today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about beach weddings
Do you need special permits to have a beach wedding?
You will not always need a special permit to organize a beach wedding. It is still worth finding out to be sure. Though you may not need a permit, you should find out about limitations or restrictions that may exist relating to alcohol, music, the number of guests, and bonfires. If you do have to get a special permit, find out what it covers, and how far ahead you need to get approval. If you’re staying at a beach resort, these details will typically be arranged by your wedding team.
What to do in the event of bad weather?
Bad weather is a big seaside consideration. It’s important to ensure you have tents or another type of covered section where guests can shelter if the weather takes a turn for the worst. Also consider having a plan ‘B’ option of another location just in case an outdoor beach wedding isn’t conducive on that day.
How much is a beach wedding?
Beach weddings can be much cheaper or much more expensive than church or hotel-based weddings - it all depends on where the beach is and who it is owned by - plus all those additional extras, like decor, food and drink, the dress, and the size of the wedding party! At Sandals, if you stay 3 nights or longer your beach wedding is free!
Do you have to pay to have a wedding on the beach?
It depends. Most beach wedding locations are free. If they aren’t, the fee is usually small.
Best time for a beach wedding
Morning: 8 AM to 10.30 AM
Early morning weddings can be unconventional for some, yet they appear to work well for many couples. Getting an early start implies that everything will go smoothly, and the ceremony will not be long. For beach weddings, most beaches are less crowded early in the morning, and it may even be cooler at this time of day. With temperatures that aren't scorching, you and your guests will be more at ease, and you'll be able to transition effortlessly into a brunch or lunch celebration.
Mid-day: 11 AM to 3 PM
One of the pluses with a mid-day ceremony is that not only will you get to wake up a little later, you’ll have more time to get ready in the morning. For people with large wedding parties, this is a better option compared to the early morning ceremonies as it gives everyone time to get their hair and makeup done, and to get the little ones dressed and ready to go. If you’re planning a dinner reception afterward, the mid-day ceremony allows for a break in between that isn’t too short nor too long, so things will flow as they should.
Late afternoon: 3.30 PM to 5 PM
The scorching sun has gone down a bit by this time, and in its place will be slightly softer rays and less intense temperatures. You’ll have some of the same benefits of the mid-day ceremony, with a bit more of a party atmosphere towards the end as sunset approaches. For many couples, later afternoon ceremonies are seen as traditional, and allow you to head straight to your dinner reception.
Sunset: Depends on the time of the year
Start your ceremony at least an hour before sunset, so you can ensure there’s enough time for photos. Try to get some action shots, as well as sunset portraits. The benefits of sunset ceremonies include softer lighting (great for more intimate and romantic photos), cooler temperatures, and an amazing view. With this type of ceremony, you can also head straight to dinner afterward with friends and family.
What’s safe/environmentally friendly to throw at the couple at a beach wedding?
Biodegradable options are ideal. You may have to check with your resort (if you are staying in one) to see which options are available. Popular choices for couples include bubbles (a party favor bottle for each guest), biodegradable/sugar confetti (you can DIY), dried flowers (lavender/rose petals, etc.), bird seed (complete with a cute carrying sack), or mini beach balls.
What to wear to a beach wedding?
If you're wondering what do you wear to a beach wedding as a guest, the most important thing to remember is to follow any guidance from the bride and groom about attire and how formal the ceremony will be. The casual and breezy atmosphere of the beach may seem like the perfect excuse to dress down, but it's important to strike the right balance between comfort and style.
For women attending a beach wedding, outfits you can wear include dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, and even two-piece ensembles. For men attending a beach wedding, your outfit choices may include a traditional suit and tie, and slacks with a dress shirt.
We’ve answered more frequently asked questions about what to wear to a beach wedding below:
Can you wear white to a beach wedding as a guest?
In recent times, there has been less of an aversion on the part of guests in wearing white to weddings. Even more so with beach weddings, which are usually a lot more casual. If you’re really set on wearing white, wear something that is not going to take away from the bride’s moment in the spotlight. It’s her wedding after all, and you’re there as a show of support. If you’re not certain, you can go with off white, or perhaps try something with a white lace overlay.
Is it a good idea to wear black to a beach wedding?
Usually, there isn’t any issue with wearing black to a wedding, but at a beach wedding, you may quickly regret this choice. Black tends to seem a little bit more formal in some cases, and you may feel out of place out on the beachfront. There is the common school of thought that black clothing is not ideal for staying cool in hot weather, so you’ll need to determine this for yourself.
What material is good for a beach wedding?
The most popular fabrics for beach wedding dresses include linen, chiffon, satin or charmeuse, tulle, lace, and taffeta. Lightweight fabrics in light colors are ideal.
What do grooms wear to a beach wedding?
This is all down to personal preference and your style choice. It is common for men to wear a short-sleeved shirt without a jacket, but it should be dressier. Consider lightweight collared shirts with colorful prints or a basic white shirt. It is also common to wear lightweight shorts like chinos or loose-fitting linen shorts.
Get ready to say 'I do' by the sea!
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding experience, a beach wedding can be a great choice. With the sand, sun, and sea as your backdrop, you can create a romantic and intimate ceremony that reflects your style and personality. Whether you choose a casual or formal event, a beach wedding can be as simple or elaborate as you desire.
For the most stress-free beach wedding, it's essential to plan carefully and prepare to navigate the challenges of an outdoor event. Having a beach wedding planner can be a lifesaver when it comes to helping you manage the details and logistics of your big day. Luckily for couples planning their nuptials at Beaches Resorts, there is a dedicated wedding planner for each ceremony whose goal is to bring the couples’ vision to life.
With this list of 30+ things to know when planning a beach wedding, you're well on your way to a successful celebration. Just remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other, no matter what happens. While planning a beach wedding can be challenging, it's also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your partner, family, and friends. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your beach wedding, no matter what the day brings.
