Beautiful, Bright
Beach Weddings
By Joan Burns, Event Planner Extraordinaire

Nothing is more romantic than a wedding ceremony on a beautiful beach with a gentle breeze and a beautiful sunset.  Southern California offers the opportunity to have such a wedding within a short drive or flight.  Mother Nature sets up the perfect venue for a special day, but there are some items to carefully consider.

* Consider the beach site.

- Is the location a public beach?  If so, be prepared for strangers and on-lookers to be watching as you say your vows.

- Make sure you have proper government permits in place, especially if you are also having your reception on the sand.  Some beaches will not allow alcoholic beverages. Do they allow chairs, tents and a sound system?  Some cities insist on proof of event insurance. 

- What about parking and access for elderly guests?  Is your beach site accessible or are special arrangements needed to accommodate everyone?

 * Check your date and time of day.

- Look at weather reports for previous years and check the tide schedule. Make sure the tide won’t be rising to the site you are exchanging vows.  What time is sunset?

- Choose a time day that won’t be too hot.  It wouldn’t be practical to have the high noon sun beating down on you and your guests in the middle of August.

 * Sketch out your site.

- After you have selected your beach site, date and time, draw out your vision.  Will the guest be seated in rows of chairs with an aisle for you to walk down?    If allowed, will there be flower petals strewn or maybe the aisle will be lined with shells. Perhaps the guests will be better standing in the sand surrounding you as you exchange your vows. Or maybe you desire a casual environment with beach chairs and blankets.  Anything is possible!

- If your reception is also on the beach, sketch out a diagram for guest tables, gift tables, dance floor and the food and beverage areas.

 * Think of the dress.

-A beach wedding allows the bride and groom to be a little casual if they desire.  In fact a tight fitting or heavily laced gown might be too much on a hot day.  A long flowing dress will definitely be caught up with sand in the hem and train.  High heels are difficult in the sand.  Sandals are the best.

-And what about the guys?  Tuxedos might be too formal and too warm.  Linens and khakis might be the way to go.

 * Don’t forget your guests.

- Making sure your guests are comfortable is also very important. Consider having a "shoe check" as guests step onto the sand. Guests would leave their shoes with an attendant in exchange for a pair of flip-flops. Parasols can be provided to shade guests from the sun. You might also want to have a few baskets on hand filled with sunblock, bug spray, sunglasses, and hats.

 * Make sure you have a Back-up Plan!

- Most important, make sure you have a Plan B just in case the weather does not cooperate. Create flexibility in the day in case of rain delay or a sudden wind. Work with your vendors closely.

With a little planning and flexibility and the realization of what the day is all about, your wedding day will be as perfect and special as it can be.

To listen to our interview with Joan, an excerpt from our online radio show Champagne Sundays, please double click on the Play button below.