Hi, loves! Happy Tuesday! We received an Ask Emmaline question recently from bride-to-be, Sarah. She asks, “I’m planning a beach ceremony. Do you have any pointers?” Great question! A beach ceremony is a beautiful location for your nuptials but requires a little pre-planning to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. To help, we’ve compiled a list of nine beach ceremony blunders to avoid. Read on to find out more…

Beach Ceremony Blunders to Avoid

Beach Blunder #1: No backup plan.

You never know when Mother Nature will do her thing. Rain and wind are always possible, so plan accordingly and have an alternate location just in case. Also, consult the long range weather forecast from the almanac.

Beach Blunder #2: Wearing heels.

Heels + sand = an awful combination. Instead, wear barefoot sandals and change into your gorgeous wedding shoes for the reception.

Beach Blunder #3: Uncomfortable attire.

Wear a dress, veil, and accessories that work for a beach wedding. Make sure your wedding party is dressed comfortably (don’t make them wear heavy fabrics or multiple layers). Make sure guests know it is a beach ceremony so they dress comfortably and more casual, too.

Beach Blunder #4: Hard-to-find location.

Make sure to include clear, concise directions on your invitations for guests. Also, include a sign at your beach ceremony location so guests know they’re in the right spot.

Beach Blunder #5: No permit (if required).

Make sure you obtain a permit for your beach ceremony ahead of time, if required in your location.

Beach Blunder #6: Forgetting to rent sound equipment.

It will be windy; make sure you have proper sound equipment in place so guests can hear the ceremony.

Beach Blunder #7: Timing.

The ideal timing for a beach ceremony is late afternoon, approximately ninety minutes before sunset. This ensures the best quality of light for photographers; plus, any on-lookers will have left by then leaving only your invited guests.

Beach Blunder #8: Gusts of wind + programs.

A beach ceremony is a time when you may opt for no wedding program, since they’ll be blowing in the wind. Or, use a wedding program sign instead.

Beach Blunder #9: No chairs.

It’s ideal to offer chairs for guests to sit at your beach ceremony. However, if you plan to have a standing ceremony, be sure to offer a few chairs for elderly guests.

Beach Ceremony Ideas

We’ve also rounded up seven beach wedding finds to inspire you…

above:

1 – guest book oars | seaweed designs
2 – sea urchins | beachy chic decor
3 – welcome beach ceremony itinerary booklet | beacon lane
4 – seashell ring holder | by the seashore decor
5 – beach wedding invitations | cricket printing
6 – beach wedding veil | all for love by gina
7 – gorgeous beach ceremony arch | spotted via pinterest via wedding chicks – photo: alex michele photography

So, what would you add to our list of beach ceremony blunders to avoid? Tell us with a comment below!

♥
-E.