Having a beach wedding can be a fairy tale come true for many brides. But planning a beach wedding has its own unique challenges.

Mother Nature

Perhaps the most important factor in planning a beach wedding is Mother Nature. There are many more factors that can’t be controlled when having your wedding on the beach instead of indoors, and these need to be taken into consideration. First is the weather. Look at weather trends for the beach, and if there are times of the year that are particularly dry or rainy. Avoiding hurricane season (for an east coast beach) is a must, as is having a backup location (or a tent) in case it does rain.

Second are the tides. Having your beach wedding as the tide is coming in may sound romantic, but can be problematic if the waves begin lapping at your guests’ toes! Talk to your wedding planner about locating your wedding along a portion of the beach that is not affected by the tides, or as the tide is going out so that you won’t accidentally get wet! Bugs can also be an issue; if the beach is prone to mosquitoes, plan appropriately. Finally, consider time of day. Some beaches are beautiful at sunset, but have glares or strange odors at other times.

Guests

While a beach wedding may be beautiful, it can be tricky for guests. Few beaches are wheelchair accessible; if you have guests in wheelchairs, checking accessibility is a must. You will also want to consider amenities at the beach. While few amenities are really needed, be sure that the beach does have bathrooms available, and that those bathrooms will be open during your wedding.

Type of bathroom might be an issue as well, as some beach bathrooms are simply outhouses (and no one wants to use an outhouse in a bridesmaid dress!). Finally, think about whether or not you are ok with uninvited guests. If you are getting married on a public beach, your wedding, then, will be open to the public. Some people don’t mind if sunbathers take in their vows; others may want to look at a private beach where their wedding will be, well, private.

Uniquely Beach

Having a beach wedding means that certain parts of your wedding can be uniquely beach. Many couples choose more casual attire for a beach wedding; a simple white wedding dress for the bride, a light colored suit for the groom. Sundresses and Hawaiian shirts are popular attire for wedding parties in beach weddings. The music for your beach wedding can also be unique; steel drums, local musicians, or a ukulele. Your reception can also feature “beach” food; seafood and fruit are popular choices.