Barefoot in Love- Tips On Planning Your Beach Wedding
THE SUN IS SETTING, the waves crash around you in a romantic symphony, and your guests bask in the warm summer air, their toes in the sand. This is the beach wedding that so many envision….and yet the reality itself can have a few more flaws than the dreamy ideal. Beach weddings are a fabulous option for the South Texas bride & groom, but they do take an extra level of attention to specific details to make sure that the “dream” stays intact! We consulted some of our seasoned South Texas wedding pros for some advice on tying the knot on the beach!
The event planners of Cinnamon Shore remind their couples to check on the licensing /permitting to rent beach space from the city for their ceremony. If the beaches are public- know that people could be walking through without that permit secured. Summer is very busy on the beach so they recommend off season dates, and always host the reception somewhere else to enjoy the party without the mess of sand!
Christy Veanlane, event planner at Mansion by the Sea encourages couples to keep their guest’s needs in mind: “Consider booking villas or beach condos so that guests can be together as a group and enhance their destination wedding experience.” As a wedding favor she also has seen how guests appreciate the summer sun relief of fans! Some couples print their program or a thank you and have the fans ready at each guest seat.
WEATHER OR NOT you are willing to admit it, the weather will be your one true area of concern. Mother Nature is stubborn, and no almanac can fully prophesy what will happen on your big day. So keep certain things in mind. Kerry Goodall, Beach Operations Manager for the Pavilions at Rockport Beach reminds brides to “make sure you have a contingency plan for weather. Thankfully the Pavilions at Rockport Beach offer the versatility of having the wedding on the beach, on the veranda (under cover) or inside. Also, plan for windy conditions; even if the sun is shining the wind can destroy decorations. Venues have alternate options available in case bad weather looms, so make sure that all of the options are clear as you anticipate the unknown, and be aware of extra fees or an advance notice required to reserve a backup tent or the timing for a venue to flip its original plan indoors. Ryan Murphy of Padre Ryan Photography encourages his couples planning beach weddings to consider wedding insurance, especially if their date falls within hurricane season.
Overall the nature (literally, NATURE) of beach weddings conjures a more casual affair. Remember that in sand heels sink, dresses drag and hair will stand on end, so think of movement when selecting your beach attire. Have you ever wondered why the average beach wedding boasts tan tuxes? Well that is because sand tends to attract itself to black, as does the heat of the sun. So khaki serves more of a purpose than just matching the sand! For the ladies, long and flowey dresses are gorgeous, but be aware that shorter skirts will want to be structured- otherwise the wedding guests could get more of a show than they bargained for. As for the bride, make sure your dress will stand up to the elements in comfort, lighter fabrics are generally preferred. Finally, remember that hardwiring your veil to your head may keep it on, but it could be a vertical tornado of tulle atop your updo. Often brides choose a petite veil like a birdcage, or opt for no veil at all. When it comes to styling, hair up will keep it from swirling in your face, and under the most control.
Be sure to read the FULL article in our June Issue! Read online here
-The One Bride Guide Team