Plan a Beach Theme Wedding, Planning Advice from OurWeddingDay.com

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Plan a Beach Theme Wedding

So, you’ve decided that you want a beach theme wedding and you can’t wait to say your “I dos” on the sand. When planning your perfect beach theme wedding, do your research early to find available venues. Take advantage of the hospitality and guidance offered in popular beach wedding packages.

A do-it-yourself beach wedding, on the contrary, may require some extra work, but the natural beauty of the setting will be worth every challenge. Trust that the pieces will fall into place as you clarify your beach theme wedding vision. A joyful, carefree day awaits; answer the following questions and decide which sea-loving scenarios whisper to you.

What’s Your Beach Style?
Are you and your betrothed both simple, all-natural beauties in search of an outdoor cove or are you high-class executives better suited for beach resort bliss? Determine which kind of beach venue lures you. According to your style, your focus for ideal beach venues will become apparent.

Plan to Travel?
Is this a destination wedding or do you live in a beach town? Asking guests to travel and spend a few days will mean that the guest count will be smaller. You decide if that's a pro or con.

What Does the Beach Mean to You?
There are many different variations to beach theme weddings: "Tying the Naut," "Sail into the Sunset," "Sand & Surf," "Wedding Bells and Sea Shells," "Nuptial with Neptune," "Some Like it Yacht!" Take the time to brainstorm all the images that make beach time special for you as a couple. The list will help you craft your day into a tropical luau, a dolphin dream under the sea, a romantic sand castle, a pirate’s ship or treasure island, oceans of the world, or perhaps thrilling movie beach scenes.

Have You Read up on Restrictions?
Beware of rules and restrictions for use of beaches. Secure permits for use and check about rules regarding alcohol. Are temporary structures allowed, like altars or tents? Ask permission, whether it's municipal or privately owned.

Looking at It Logically?
When planning an outdoor wedding on the beach, you'll have to take some extra precautions, especially if your reception will be in the same location. Prepare for heat, wind, tides, typical weather of the season and the unexpected, pesky mosquitoes or gnats, and unfavorable beach scents. Considerations for your beach attire may be easy enough to tackle, but spatial set-up on the sand requires more Q & A. Where are the accessible bathrooms? Is there a space nearby for food preparation? How will you dispose of garbage? Where will you power lighting and audio? How will you control the quality of sound of the microphone and music against the crashing waves, screeching gulls and beach traffic din? Is privacy a concern? What time of day will you gather, morning or sunset?

Fishing for Thematic Décor?
Tie in your beach wedding theme ideas through color and decorations. Beach décor for reception tables might include colored bowls of water and live fish, sand, shells, driftwood, dried kelp, nautical trinkets or supplies, tropical flowers and fruits, surf boards and beach games, or pirates' booty. Wedding color schemes for a beach theme wedding seem limitless. Deep blue-greens, crisp whites, warm beiges, dark browns, amber and grey-green colors highlight the natural surroundings, but bright jewel colors reminiscent of beach towels, boat sails, beach umbrellas and swimming suits expand the palette to any vivid hue. For a dramatic and classy look, a formal black and white wedding theme would beam in the sunshine on the beach.

See Seafood on the Menu?
Fit your beach theme wedding with a seafood-dominant menu, from appetizers to dessert. If at all possible, request a local catch of fresh fish. Think tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail or calamari. Satisfy your guests with crab cakes, lobster tail, sushi or grilled fillet of fish. Finish the beach theme wedding menu with a dessert table of chocolate seashells or aquatic-shaped cookies and wedding cakes featuring netting, seashells, seahorses and seagulls.

Thinking Beyond the beach?
Beach theme weddings need not take place strictly at the beach. Mountain lake shores, swimming pools, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, coast lines, desert dunes, and seaside cliffs can also provide the setting for an awesome beach themed event. Marry two ideas for a unique beach theme wedding.