Beach
Weddings
Outdoor weddings are a popular option these days and a white sandy beach
already has a beautiful backdrop with the blue sky and sea so there's no need
for many decorations.
A sand ceremony is ideal and special vows can be said while the happy
couple pour two vessels of coloured sand into a third container to symbolise
the couple's lives coming together forever. The mixed sand is then perfect to
support a candle at the reception party.
Do remember all of the furniture you use is not fixed so be prepared for
gusts of wind that could knock things over. And consider using a sound system
so your guests can hear the vows as nervous voices do not travel well in the
open air.
Timing
A beach wedding is a relaxed setting. It's not formal; you've shunned
the restraints of walls so don't plan a long service as you would have in a
church. Keep the ceremony short and have more time with your guests.
Avoid the midday sun as the bright light is not helpful for photographers
and your guests will be uncomfortable in the heat. A better time to exchange
vows is just before sunset when it’s cooling down and you can have your
photographs taken when the light is at its most flattering.
As tempting as it may be, don't spend your time leading up to the
ceremony sunbathing as wedding photos are for life so you don't want to be
sunburnt.
Location
You could go to your local public beach, a hotel with a private beach or
you could even take over a whole island such as Desroches Island in the Seychelles.
If you choose a public beach, check with the local authorities if permission is
needed and remember you may have extra onlookers who could appear in your
photos.
Embrace your chosen location as a Caribbean beach lends itself nicely to
rum punch with friends and a steel band playing Calypso into the evening. A Hawaiian
beach wedding could mean a bright Hawaiian shirt for the groom and a holoku
Hawaiian white gown for the bride. Australian beach weddings go hand in hand with
a barbecue and a Greek Island wedding could have some lively plate smashing to
follow!
If you choose a hotel beach do check what services they can offer such
as hairdressers, make-up artists, florists and private catering. A hotel with a
spa is great idea to keep you and your guests busy before the ceremony.
Clothing
Pamela Anderson married Tommy Lee in 1995 in a beach wedding
wearing a tiny white bikini but that's probably not the look most brides will
want to go for. Bejewelled corsetry is also not a good option for hot climates
so think about loose, cotton, linen or silk clothing which can be beautifully
stylish and much more appropriate. Plus white is best in hot locations.
Think about whether the groom really should wear a suit and tie as
you've chosen a relaxed wedding venue so let him be able to breathe in the heat
too.
Brides should avoid heels as they will obviously sink in the sand or if
you simply can't do without them then wedges can work. Barefoot is even better
and there are some lovely 'barefoot bridal sandals' available which are beaded
foot jewellery.
Guests
Beach weddings lend themselves to smaller congregations so many couples
decide to have a party for friends when they return home. Those who do attend,
and have travelled to join you, are likely to spend your honeymoon with you too
so choose wisely.
Personalised flip flops are a cute idea to give to guests and make sure
you have bottles of water and sunscreen available for all. A small container of
sand from the beach makes a lovely wedding favour.
Memories
However you plan your big day, a beach wedding can be just as special as
a traditional ceremony and will start your married life together with some
wonderful memories.
Laura Porter has written this article for ISIC, the mother ship of SEAS-IT. She also writes an online London travel guide for About.com
(part of the New York Times Company) and is a Visit Britain Super Blogger
too. She fits in further freelance writing while sustaining an afternoon tea
addiction to rival the Queen's. You can follow her on twitter at @AboutLondon.
