Whether you choose a nearby or unique destination for your beach wedding, your ceremony’s natural outdoor setting influences everything from the date and time to attire and decorations. These trends, tips, and stunning locales will make your big day a scenic and memorable celebration.
Date and Time
Popular beach destinations offer ideal weather during tourist season, which brings larger crowds, fewer wedding spots, limited overnight accommodations, and greater expenses. Reserve sites and hotel room blocks and mail save-the-date cards well in advance of the high season when travel arrangements are more affordable. Or save money during the lower occupied shoulder season’s still enjoyable weather. Off-season periods feature unreliable temperatures and conditions with less open venues and vendors, but fewer visitors mean more privacy.
So bad weather won’t disrupt your nuptials, avoid hurricane seasons (June to November in Mexico and July to October in the Caribbean) and rainy seasons (November to March in Hawaii and summer in southern/central Mexico). Omit high tide times to prevent washouts. To miss crowds, skip dates coinciding with annual events like spring break and local celebrations.
Check beaches’ off-limit dates since many ban holiday nuptials. Find out how long before your ceremony’s start time you can claim the location for setup. If the venue imposes a curfew, allow enough cleanup time before it closes for the day. To avoid such issues, consider booking resort or hotel private guest beaches. They can reserve backup wedding/reception rooms indoors as bad-weather alternatives.
Romantic Coastal Destinations
Hawaii: In lovely Oahu where the sun sets in different directions throughout the year, you’ll find a perfect beach setting for every season. Maui’s enchanting waterfalls, rainbows, and sweeping ocean views welcome weddings. Or hold your gazebo vows on Kauai, the lush tropical Garden Island.
Mexico: Celebrate your union on the Riviera Maya’s picturesque Tulum beach beneath Maya ruins. Cancun’s sophistication caters to upscale travelers. Dance on a secluded Puerto Vallarta beach after a moonlit wedding in an intimate cove.
Caribbean: Exchange sunset vows at Ambergris Caye’s private sandbar in Belize. The British Virgin Islands offer fabulous waterfront sites. Providenciales’ gorgeous Grace Bay is laidback Turks and Caicos’ highlight. Antigua and Barbuda boast 365 beautiful beaches. Enjoy Grand Cayman’s glitz or Little Cayman’s unspoiled sand. At St. Vincent and the Grenadines, secret strands enable secluded vows. Or wed on dazzling rose-colored sand at sunset on Barbados’ Crane Beach.
Outdoor Attire For Your Beach Wedding
Wearing full ball gowns and tuxedos in sunny tropical humidity will drench everyone in sweat. So match your picture-perfect bridal gown and the wedding party’s attire to the setting, local climate, and season. Before shopping JJ’s House for gorgeous, made-to-order beach wedding dresses that fit any budget, consider these suggestions.
Shorter length: A floor-length bridal gown or longer train will get dirty dragging behind you. So, choose ankle- to knee-length beach wedding dresses.
Casual look: Beach weddings are more relaxed than most indoor services, so pick flowing lines for a soft, smooth silhouette.
Strappy style: Always-fashionable strapless gowns’ extra material and support can be uncomfortable and hot outdoors. Try sheer, lace, or spaghetti strap alternatives instead when selecting beach wedding dresses.
Lightweight fabrics: Floaty chiffon, charmeuse, lace, or tulle will keep you cooler in hot sunshine.
Breeze resistance: Avoid selections like a mini dress or long veil that might blow around in strong breezes. Upswept hairdos with securely pinned floral headpieces can withstand wind.
Comfortable footwear: Choose sand-friendly pumps, flats, sandals, flip flops, foot jewelry, or bare feet over stilettoes.
Easy packing: A destination wedding demands an ensemble you can pack in carry-on luggage easily, reducing loss and damage chances.
Ceremony Essentials
You or your wedding planner must handle these necessities:
Local marriage requirements: Legalizing your marriage in another country may be complicated. Residency requirements and authorizations vary by location. So make early arrangements accordingly.
Beach permits: Some locations require permits to reserve space for various beach wedding sizes at particular times. Check into all aspects including parking, maximum head count, delivery truck loading zones, and liability insurance.
Decorations and Supplies
If beach regulations allow, you may want to provide:
- Colors: Blue, green, turquoise, and sand
- Covered arbor or arch with string lights, palm fronds, or flowers
- Aisle runner
- Chairs or benches
- Tents or canopies for sun/wind protection
- Sound system, microphones, and music
- Tabletop décor: Seashells, sand dollars, starfish, coconuts, and pineapples
- Lanterns, LED candles, and fire pit
- Welcome bags: Sunscreen, bug spray, and bottled water
- Refreshments and wedding cake
