Getting married on the beach is a dream come true for many couples. Think about it; there’s just something inherently romantic and special about tying the knot surrounded by a cool ocean breeze with the glittering azure sea as your backdrop. But beautiful as that may be, it also goes without saying that beach-themed weddings come with a lot of preparation, especially for outdoor ceremonies. That’s why we’ve put together these tips and beach wedding ideas to help make your wedding as stress-free as possible.
Now, even with these tips, we still recommend hiring a beach wedding planner because there may be some situations you aren’t equipped to handle. Moreover, wedding planners already have access to highly-rated vendors and stunning locations with excellent wedding packages. Nevertheless, it’s still good to know about wedding planning essentials so you have an idea of what to expect. It’s also useful if you want to handle some of the planning steps on your own and leave the more time-consuming and intricate matters to your chosen wedding planner. Without further ado, read on for expert planning tips from our seasoned destination wedding planners.
Not all beaches are created equal, but there’s always a perfect beach location that embodies everything you’ve ever wanted. When picking a spot for your wedding, consider the venue’s overall aesthetic appeal, its available facilities and whether it matches your expectations. Think about how easy it will be for guests to get to and from the beach. The last thing you want is for your guests to struggle in the sand, trying to find their way to your ceremony.
There are plenty of beaches you can choose from, but ensuring the venue is reasonably private without a hundred uninvited onlookers is better for a more intimate experience where you, your soulmate and your guests can celebrate your big day without worrying about strangers intruding on your ceremony.
At South Pacific Bridal, our Alamanda Beachfront venue is the epitome of tropical paradise, showcasing a view of towering rainforests with a beachfront surrounded by golden sand and swaying coconut palms. Not only is it one of the best places for beach weddings, with stunning ocean views straight from a movie scene, but the added indoor option using the only purpose-built beachfront chapel in Australia makes it an attractive and convenient choice that’s hard to beat.
When you’re sending out your wedding invitations, make sure to advise your guests on what to wear to your beach wedding. We recommend light, airy fabrics that won’t be too hot in the sun. Keep it tropical casual with summer dresses and Hawaiian shirts to help your guests feel comfortable. This way, your photographer only captures moments of happiness and not discomfort.
Don’t forget to mention appropriate shoes for a beach wedding so your guests can walk comfortably on the sand. You can also provide a pair of flip-flops for your guests to change into after the ceremony. If you wish, you can even add a de-sanding station where guests can use soft-bristled brushes to wipe away the sand between their toes.
Ask your guests to bring wraps in case the wind gets a bit chilly, especially at night. But if you opt for a ceremony earlier in the day, provide cool drinks and fans to help your guests feel comfortable when it gets hot.
Another thing to consider is the time of year you want to get married. The off-season is usually cheaper and less crowded, but there’s a greater chance of bad weather. The peak season is when most people travel to the beach, which means it can be more expensive and crowded. However, you’re more likely to have beautiful weather during this time.
Even if you plan on getting married in the dry season, the weather can always take a turn for the worst at any moment. So, keep checking the forecast in the weeks leading up to your wedding, and have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Remember, the last thing you want is for your big day to be ruined by a surprise storm.
At South Pacific Bridal’s Alamanda venue, weather woes won’t be a problem since you have the option of an indoor ceremony with exclusive use of the Alamanda Great Barrier Reef Chapel. So, you won’t have to worry about surprises because your ceremony can still go on without a hitch.
When it comes to beach wedding decorations, less is definitely more. After all, you don’t want the wind and tide blowing or washing your decorations away.
You can go with cool blue hues to match the sea or a warmer palette for a tropical or sunset theme. Once you’ve settled on a colour scheme, you can start choosing your decorative elements.
Walking down the aisle symbolises the end of your single life and the beginning of your adventures in wedded bliss. It is also at this moment when all eyes turn towards you. You can make your aisle memorable by embracing the sand and scattering flowers around to complete the dreamy beach vibe, or cover it up with a runner.
An elaborately decorated altar becomes the focal point of your ceremony. But that doesn’t mean a simple one, or none at all, won’t have the desired effect either. What’s important is making sure that everything matches and that your arbour won’t look out of place.
But if you’re not sure about how to do this, you can leave this to your wedding planner, and they can coordinate with various vendors to create a uniquely beautiful arbour that captures your vision.
If you’re getting married during the summer, you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure your guests are comfortable in the heat. Provide plenty of shade and water for them to stay cool, and consider having fans or misting stations on hand.
Our Alamanda venue is surrounded by gorgeous coconut palm trees that make for a charming addition to your outdoor wedding decor that also doubles as shade for you and your guests. So you won’t have to worry too much about the heat.
When getting married on the beach, it’s essential to be mindful of the local environment. Leave nothing but footprints, memories and heaps of great photos. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, birds, and other animals that might be nesting in the area. You’ll also want to avoid using products that could harm the environment, such as confetti or balloon releases.
Ask for references and check out reviews before you commit to any vendor. It’s vital to choose experienced vendors who specialise in this type of event. But it’s not only crucial that you determine the quality of their work, but you must also ensure that you can communicate well with each other so that you won’t have problems later on. You’ll also want to ensure they have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
If you plan on getting married on a beach, you must obtain a permit from the local authorities. This is usually a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork.
There are plenty of factors to consider when planning a wedding. And at times, you may not have enough time and know-how to do it on your own. This is where a wedding planner comes in. With abundant connections with top-tier vendors and stunning venue options, you can relax knowing that your big day is in good hands. Then again, you can decide how much of the planning you want to handle and leave the rest to your planner.
At South Pacific Bridal, we are renowned wedding specialists who have made many wedding dreams come true, and we can do that for you as well. When you choose us as your wedding planners, you can forget about the stress and difficulties of planning and look forward to the day you say your “I do’s” with excitement.
Your wedding day is the beginning of your happily ever after. So, make sure you do it right and exchange your vows in one of the most enchanting tropical wedding venues there is – the Alamanda beachfront. We have various packages for your one and only wedding on the beach, from intimate to larger groups and options for everything you need, from photographers, reception packages, florists, stylists and music to extravagant additions like dramatic entrances, fireworks and more.
If you’re out of beach wedding reception ideas, we also offer delightful, all-inclusive customised packages that already include your reception, plus you get to work with a personal wedding planner. We also have simple and classic beach wedding packages for smaller groups of eight to 16. These packages come with bare wedding essentials as well as exclusive use of the Alamanda Great Barrier Reef Chapel as a backup venue in case of bad weather.
Keep it simple, or go all out. It’s entirely up to you. But no matter what, your wedding in a captivating tropical paradise will be a day you and your guests will never forget.
Picture yourself exchanging your vows in a magical garden or unique chapel with a picturesque waterfront view. The gentle sound of the waves and the fresh scent of greenery create an atmosphere of pure romance and intimacy. Not to mention, the natural beauty of the garden and waterfront provides a stunning backdrop that requires little decoration, and the chapel offers a one-of-a-kind indoor option you won’t see elsewhere. If you’re planning to say “I do” in such a setting, you will need help in making your ceremony a spectacular success. Read our blog on how to plan a waterfront garden wedding with a unique chapel venue and start planning your happily ever after.
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