There is something irrefutably quaint and picturesque about a beach wedding. Phere at sundown, a floral mandap, hair blowing in the wind, toes curling in the sand, indescribable shades of orange and blue hues. A wedding near the ocean is a wonderful experience for both the couple and their guests.
But beyond looking extremely charming and beautiful, planning the perfect wedding event on the beach comes with its own set of challenges. From things you can’t control, such as tides and weather, to things that are unique to the location, such as costumes, makeup, and food, a beach wedding requires a lot of factors.
Are you dreaming of your own wedding embodied in that scenic beauty but don’t know where to start? No need to worry. Here is a checklist of things you might want to consider in order to ensure that your beach wedding goes off without a hiccup.
Selecting Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Have you already decided upon what the specificities of your beach wedding style would look like? Or are you feeling clueless without any idea about where to begin? Then you need to decide before you start looking for a venue. Here are a few types of beach locations:
- Resort by the beach wedding: A resort that is on the beachside or has a private beach is the most carefree and suitable option. A beachside resort or private beach wedding is the most hassle-free option. Beach resorts are secluded yet offer gorgeous ocean views, providing you with the most efficient opportunity to make the most out of your beach wedding. If you have the budget, this could be one of the best options for your wedding.
- Public beaches: Beaches where anyone can swim, sunbathe, and hold a wedding can also be an option to ponder over. You will need to apply for a beach wedding permit, so plan ahead. Check with the state and town governments for permit requirements. Your wedding planner will take care of the permits and licences, but sometimes you may need to detail all types of equipment you will bring to the venue, as well as all food and beverages that will be served. Also, remember to ask the planner about cleanup after the wedding. This option may not offer the privacy and intimate experience that a private beach wedding has to offer. Advice: Choose a beach that is soft and sandy. Avoid rocky beaches.
- Private beach: This is a dream wedding, but it can only happen if you, your friends (who are generous), and family have a home on a private beach, or you can afford to book a resort with its own private beach. If your guest list is small and you want to have a private wedding with only your closest friends and family, you can rent a villa on a private beach. This option indeed provides a secluded and intimate beach wedding experience.
If you are planning a beach wedding in India, places such as Goa, Pondicherry, Gokarna, and Kumarakom are gorgeous locations. The serene spots of Varkala and Vizag in Kerala are also recommended. Are you planning to go outside of India? Thailand, Koh Samui, Bali, and Sri Lanka are some of the most popular destinations for Indian weddings and are only a few hours away by air.
Choosing The Right Decor For The Beach
Seashells, anchors, lanterns, ribbons, flowers – including these items as part of the decor is the most fun part of a beach wedding. Here are a few things to consider before you decide what kind of decor you want:
- The spectacular ocean as a backdrop: If your wedding has the ocean as a backdrop, don’t go overboard with decorations. Keeping it simple and sophisticated is the way to go. A few fun details here and there should suffice. Mandaps can be draped and decorated with only light fabrics and flowers. Tip: If you have seating on the beach, light items such as tablecloths and place cards should be weighted down so that a light breeze will not spoil the decor.
- Practical decor: An attention-worthy factor to consider is that a wedding that is going to take place on a beach can get very, sandy, so to speak. You need to make arrangements that the areas where the ceremonies will be held are covered with sheets or wooden board planks, for ease of walking for everybody.
- Magical lighting options: If it’s a sunset wedding, use lots of fairy lights (think of the lights lining the aisle or aisle to the wedding venue), it adds up to a surreal effect. You can also put lights in mason jars or lanterns. Avoid glass vases and use hurricane-style lamps instead. Replace candles with LED lights.
- Think outside the box: Scatter palm leaves along the way to the aisle. Use clean, white wooden folding chairs because they are easy to carry and much easier to use than formal ones. Using foldable wooden chairs would also add up to the charm of the thematic beach wedding.
Timing Of Your Wedding
As you’re hosting a beach wedding, the timing of all the customs, including pheras becomes extremely important. This must be a deciding factor as the best time to get the pheras done by the beach would be the time of sunset.
Not everyone can tolerate high temperatures. Beaches are humid and sweaty during peak summer months, and the afternoon heat can be brutal. So, apart from the wedding month, try to hold your event after sunset or earlier in the day. However, if you can’t avoid the afternoon, choose a shaded location.
Pro tip: Check the weather and keep your guests informed (guests should have extra shoes, umbrellas, and raincoats in case it rains). You may also want to hand out cute umbrellas and comfortable flip-flops as wedding favours!
Dressing For The Occasion According To The Wedding Location
For a beach wedding, it is best to choose light and airy outfits. Avoid heavy velvet and raw fabrics and choose lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton, chiffon, or georgette. If you want to stay cool and comfortable during the ceremony, you should avoid layered clothing and heavy embroidery.
Heels are not suitable for walking on sandy beaches, so replace them with jutis. Pastel colors are best, and deep colors should be avoided.
Grooms should eschew jackets and bandis in favour of linen suits, cotton shirts and pants in lighter shades for a more casual feel.
Hair And Makeup To Honour Your Beach Wedding
Don’t leave your hair open and ask your hairstylist for an up do that can withstand gusts of wind. Twist buns are a great solution to hair problems, but you also need to pay attention to your makeup. You will only go to the beach once in your life with full makeup on. But keep your makeup minimal, not a heavy layer of foundation on your face. It’s a beach wedding after all. As for the make up, you can stick to the sunset theme and incorporate the sunset colours in your make up.
Yes, you’ve hired a makeup artist, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use a light serum to hydrate your face.
- Use a liquid matte foundation, blend it in properly, and cover blemishes with a waterproof concealer.
- If you are having a day wedding, avoid contouring. The sun can play up as your natural highlighter.
- Don’t forget to use a blush tint, as powder blush tends to clump.
- Prefer a dramatic look? Allow your eyes to do the talking. Red lips are bold, but do not represent a laid-back beach bride. Let your eyes be the highlight of your makeup. Use purple, lilac, or brown eye shadow and finish with two coats of waterproof mascara.
There are ample things to consider when planning your beach wedding. Like keeping the food limited and preferring finger foods so that the guests can eat while standing and enjoying the beach view. Planning the perfect wedding photography with the natural backdrop of the beach. And encapsulate every tiny detail in those captured memories forever. And so many more tiny details that will make your day special. A beach wedding is a magical experience, one that you will cherish for a lifetime. So use this list and make the most of your beach wedding. Happy wedding planning to you!
