How to Plan a Beach Wedding: Tips, Ideas, & More

Do you have visions of your wedding, including the sun, sea, and breaking waves? A beach wedding can allow you and your partner to highlight your mutual love of the beach because you're virtually a mermaid. (Repeat that five times quickly.)

There are particular concerns while organizing a beach wedding, just like any other vacation wedding. Finding a sunny place and choosing your favorite towels aren't the only steps involved. Fortunately, we can assist you. See below for beach wedding planning advice, ideas for decorations and themes, and pictures of brides who used Flowersarch to realize their ideal beach wedding.

How to plan a beach wedding ceremony

Find your venue

For your beach wedding day, you might already have a significant destination in mind, such as the location of your first vacation with your partner or the nearby beach where you spent your childhood shell collecting. However, several variables may influence the ideal location for your ceremony. Consider the following elements while selecting your dream beach wedding ceremony.

• Accessibility. Will a ceremony on the sand be accessible to visitors with mobility issues? If not, think about holding your ceremony at a location with a view of the beach, such as a resort or even a beach rental home.
• Privacy. You probably want to be somewhere other than where the people are, but Princess Ariel might. Additionally, privacy is only sometimes guaranteed at public beaches. Therefore, a private rental firm or resort can have more remote possibilities if you avoid visitors and gawkers.
• Amenities. Although private beach wedding providers may offer extra benefits like setup and cleanup or renting items like chairs and wedding arches, public beaches are still very affordable.

BEACH WEDDING PLANNING TIP: HOST AT A HOTEL

For optimal convenience, some Flowersarch couples, like Abby and Nick, recommend holding their wedding day at a hotel or resort. One significant benefit of destination weddings is that guests won't have to wait for shuttles or reserve rental cars to get to your location. Additionally, they offer surf views from both inside and outside, a great fallback option.

Pick the season carefully.

Where you live will determine the best time of year for a beach wedding. For example, a beach wedding in the summer could be too hot for you, but a beach wedding on the Gulf Coast in the fall might expose your plans to hurricane season. If you haven't already, find out when weddings are "on" or "off" at your beach and make plans appropriately.

Go for morning or evening ceremonies.

At a seaside location, the time of your ceremony can have an impact in addition to the season. Steer clear of hosting in the early afternoon or at other hotter times. To avoid the worst of the sun's rays, schedule your ceremony for the morning or evening.

Consider faux flowers 

The ocean's heat and humidity can cause genuine flowers to wither quickly, even in milder climates. Additionally, natural floral arrangements can be challenging to set up and take down; after all, who wants to haul a bulky floral arch across shifting sand?

However, your wedding can be full of floral accents. Think about replacing them with something else, like artificial flowers. No extra care or watering is necessary for faux flowers. They can also have the same appearance as the original object.

Going fake at a beach wedding has additional benefits, such as:

• No wilting in the sun. Fake flowers don't have a time constraint like real flowers do. They won't wilt or lose petals if you leave them in the light for as long as needed.
• It is super lightweight to carry. Faux flowers don't absorb water; therefore, they're lightweight. As a result, they are more straightforward to set up at a seaside location and carry down the aisle without wearing out your arms. Just be sure to fasten them firmly!
• Travel-friendly blooms. You don't have to worry about scheduling a local florist because faux floral arrangements can go with you in your bag or carry-on.

How to plan a wedding reception on the beach

Consider moving off the sand.

Officially, you have exchanged vows. The beach party is the only thing left to do! Your optional is not required to be held at the exact location of your ceremony. You should spend some time indoors to cool off with beverages and hors d'oeuvres. Here are some possible neighboring venues for a beach wedding reception:

• A pub or restaurant beside the shore
• A motel or rental home on the beach.
• A boating club or marina

Tents are your friend.

If the ceremony was held outside, Your guests might want a respite to cool off at your reception. In situations like this, a tent is your best friend. On hot days, tents are a simple way to provide shade from the sun on the beach or along the shore. They can also act as a windbreaker in the evening. Another piece of advice is that tents can be used as a backup for outdoor beach wedding celebrations on wet days.

Repurpose your decorations

You don't have to purchase brand-new decorations to style your beach wedding celebration. Try using your wedding arch as a backdrop for your head table instead, or make a simple wedding centerpiece by arranging bridesmaid bouquets in vases. It's a fantastic option to have a beach wedding celebration on a tight budget, particularly if you're hosting near the location of your ceremony.

Curate your beach wedding menu.

Your food can also assist your guests feel like they're at the beach. A seaside wedding reception should include the following:

• Seafood. Cliché? Perhaps nothing compares to enjoying a zesty ceviche or a delectable lobster roll while watching the tide come in.
• Cold desserts. To stay cool, serve chilled treats like sorbet, shaved ice, or ice cream with your wedding cake.
• Tropical cocktails. There's never a better moment to indulge in your favorite fruity cocktails, such as pina coladas, margaritas, or mojitos. Give in to your inner traveler.

How to decorate for a beach wedding

Select your beachy color palette.

The exciting phase is about to begin: deciding on your beach wedding day's style. Selecting a color scheme might be a brilliant place to start because it can work well with and improve the mood of your wedding.

BLUSH & PEARL

Do you want to feel like a beach Barbie? Think of pearly pink hues. This color scheme's shimmering embellishments make us think of the sun glinting off the ocean, and the blush blossoms are stylish and feminine, making them ideal for opulent beach parties.

DUSTY BLUE & NAVY 

Having a color scheme that echoes the pounding surf waves at your venue makes it logical. Even if your reception is off the coast, combining blue hues, such as bold navy and delicate dusty blue, can create a sense of beach appeal.

DUSTY ROSE & NAVY

Combine navy blue with a lovely dusty pink to break up the blue and achieve the best of both worlds. It helps you find the ideal harmony between feminine elements and marine richness.

WHITE & SAGE

The classics are incomparable. White and sage are neutral colors that enhance a beach wedding location without detracting from the stunning surroundings or ambiance. It's perfect when you want to add more flowery flair without going overboard.

Choose beachy accents 

While color is essential, you can also emphasize the beachy vibes with additional accent pieces and decorations, such as:

Seashells

Is a beach wedding day complete without at least a few seashells? We don't believe so. Consider sprinkling seashells on your tablescapes or at the bottom of your wedding aisle as part of your displays. In the sand, they might be a fantastic substitute for flower petals!

FAUX PEARLS

Decorative pearls are a great way to create a more elegant look. A similar effect may be achieved using glass balls, as in this exquisite tablescape.

EXOTIC FLOWERS 

In addition to their color scheme, the flowers you choose can evoke feelings of the beach. For example, this opulent DIY Cascading Bridal Bouquet's beautiful orchids remind us of flowing water.

TROPICAL GREENERY 

Remember the accents! Use foliage such as ferns, Montserrat, or palm fronds to add a tropical flavor to your flower arrangements.

Use beach-friendly materials

Regarding decorating, some materials are better suited for the beach than others. For example, if sand occurs to blow on this acrylic sign, it is simple to clean. Naturally, the fake flowers are also suitable for hot weather!

Additional items that are suitable for beach use for your decorations include:

• Driftwood. At home on the beach and rustic. It's perfect for tables, arches, and signs.
• Bamboo. Another natural, strong material that works well for decorative displays, like free-standing floral arrangements, and structural elements, like arches.
• Lightweight fabric. Lightweight textiles like linen and cotton are good choices for tablecloths and draperies. 

Tie your arch drapes down.

Speaking of light fabric, draperies on bridal arches tend to billow in high winds, and you don't want the fabric to blow in your face while you exchange vows. What is the simplest solution for the wind problem? Fasten your drapes.

Only the lower half of the drapes on this driftwood arch will flutter in the breeze because they are firmly knotted in the middle. The complementing floral swags add even more high-end style.

Add chair decor 

Consider placing tiny floral arrangements, such as these white and sage aisle decorations, on your wedding chairs to complete your aisle. The ribbons, which hold the sage greenery firmly in place on the chair's edge, will look lovely when they flutter in the wind. Additionally, you can put them on some chairs. You may improve your aisle by adding them to the outside edge without any work.

Use natural materials for your tables.

Try to include seascape-inspired decorations in your tablescape designs. For example, this lovely spread's crystal goblets make us think of beach glass, and the wicker placemats make us think of a fabulous beach hat.

Naturally, the table runner and deep blue centerpieces also conjure images of crystal-clear waters and leisurely afternoons strolling along the shore.

What to wear for a wedding on the beach

Beachy bridal gown tips

There's no pressure, yet your wedding gown is most likely the most significant dress you will ever wear.

The following considerations should be made when looking for a beach-appropriate bridal gown:

• Fabric choice. Stick to breathable, light materials like organza, chiffon, and cotton to stay calm and stylish all day.
• Length. A dress that falls to the ground may absorb stains from the damp grass or sand, but a floor-length gown can look stunning as it billows in the ocean air. On a windy day, knee-length dresses might be easier to wear. 
• Color. The traditional bridal hue is white, but it is also prone to stains in outdoor settings. Consider off-white textiles, such as pastel pink, blue, or even neutral champagne, if this worries you.

Of course, without a bouquet, no bridal ensemble is complete. Because the glistening ribbons evoke the sound of waves crashing onto the beach, we love the above free-form Blush & Pearl bouquet for beach weddings.

DO BRIDES GO BAREFOOT AT BEACH WEDDINGS? 

Yes! Some women might want to remove their shoes and feel the sand between their toes because wearing heels on the beach might be brutal. As an alternative, you could wear wedges, sandals, or flip-flops. Depending on what you find most comfortable, that is!

Accessorize to the max.

Additionally, remember your bridal accessories. Consider using a lightweight flower crown, such as this do-it-yourself arrangement, instead of a bulky bridal veil. Making it at home with fake flowers is quite simple. You may be the star of your beach movie with just a pair of sunglasses.

Beach-inspired Groom's wear

Lightweight materials, similar to those used in bridal attire, can also make a groom feel fashionable and at ease at the beach. Additional things to think about when selecting a groom's outfit are:

• The color palette. Black and darker hues might attract the sun and make you feel hot. Consider going for lighter shades like beige, dusty blue, or gray for a suit.
• Formality level. A tuxedo could feel overly bulky and heavy for a breezy seaside wedding. Instead, think about wearing formal pants, vests, and light-colored shirts, which are a little more relaxed. 
• Shoe selections. In the sand, traditional dress shoes might be awkward. Alternatively, more beach-appropriate shoes, such as sandals or loafers, can complete the ensemble. Another option is to go barefoot.

A chic boutonniere, such as the one above with the shell and pearl details, can complete a groom's ensemble. Explicitly designed for beach events, it is shimmering and informal. Remember to work with your groomsmen as well.

Beach Wedding FAQs

What is the price of a beach wedding?

The location of your venue, travel costs, and other preferences or indulgences can all affect the average price of a beach wedding.

The average couple in 2022 spent around $35,600 on a destination wedding, more than the average wedding cost, according to statistics from The Knot's actual wedding survey. On the other hand, a seaside wedding can be planned for less money. Here are some pointers for organizing a wedding on a tight budget.

Can I have a beach wedding without a permit?

It depends. Many public beaches don't require special permissions if a wedding ceremony is small enough or involves no special equipment. However, you would need to obtain a permit from the local authorities to have a more elaborate ceremony with decorations. Before making firm plans, be sure to examine the rules of beaches both domestically and overseas since they may differ.

Which month is ideal for a beach wedding?

It depends on where you are. While having a beach wedding in the spring or fall can help you avoid the worst summer heat and enjoy the feeling of a warm ocean, there is a greater chance of unforeseen rainstorms or hurricanes. The solution will, therefore, depend on your particular beach.

At what time should I send out invites for a wedding on the beach?

It's common practice to offer guests six months to a year's notice for destination weddings so they can plan their travel and take time off from work or school. It is possible to survive less if you live near the ocean.

Conclusion: Beach wedding planning tips

Planning the beach wedding of your dreams should be simple with these suggestions and advice. And Flowersarch's has all you need for beach-ready fake flowers and wedding décor.

Our ready-to-use, readymade floral arrangements are delivered straight to your home. They will be prepared to enhance any beach wedding location, whether you pack them in your suitcase or carry-on. Or utilize our do-it-yourself flower boxes to let your imagination go wild and create a unique beach wedding day uniquely "you."