A beach wedding, whether held at an exotic destination or on your hometown beach, can be a great experience both for you and your guests. After all, it's like a mini-vacation for everyone involved! There's nothing more romantic than the sounds of the surf, the sand between your toes and the sultry, salt-tinged air—it's all more amazing than you can imagine. This checklist will make sure that your beach bash is the most memorable experience for everyone! Plus, everyone is having a beach wedding these days so why not know all the goop there is to know about this fancy schmancy idea.
Image Source via The Wedding Salad★ 4.9
Start Researching Early
Start planning your beach wedding as soon as possible. Not only do you have to reserve your venue, but managing potential permit requirements for the beach in which you are to be wed may take a few months. We'll say ideally a year to 6 months is a good time!
Which beach should you choose?
To be honest, a resort that has a private beach is a good choice. But that doesn't mean any place is okay. Pick one that has a more intimate feel, a place where your rooms are not too far off from the event area. Pick a soft sand beach instead of a rocky one. Pick one that has a bar attached to it so your guests can have a drink or two and your planner need not create one. Ideally our choices these days are: Goa ( But pick a resort that's far away from the madding crowd) or Pondicherry ( super cute) or Gokarna (our fav place which is super exclusive) or Kumarakom ( very serene and very sweet). Try Varkala (Kerala) or Vizag too, they have some amazing spots. Outside of India, you have a lotta choices: Thailand, Koh Samui, Bali and Srilanka that come within a great budget!
Have a Daytime or Sundowner Ceremony
The ocean presents one of the most beautiful settings so consider having your wedding during daylight hours. Once the sun drops below the horizon, the water goes black — and unless you have a full moon, the sea is lost. And since it's time centric, make sure you have a timeline and stick to it. The baraat dancing for hours is a strict no-no.
Time It Right
Now we know that have a daytime wedding but not at 2 in the afternoon. High temperatures are not for everyone, especially older folks and young kids. 8-11am slot is great for morning and 4 onwards in the evening. Also check the tide schedule online: Tides coming in are noisier than going out—not to mention the risk of water creeping up on you as you wed.
Image Source via Karan Sidhu Photography★ 5
Public vs. Private
You might want to consider this carefully if you are having a destination wedding. Make sure that the beach side venue is completely restricted for other guests or else you may have to share your wedding venue with random strangers!
Dress the Part
Even if it’s a 5-star hotel, there are no ACs on the beach! Choose your lehenga or saree material accordingly. Raw silk lehengas will not only kill you with heat but you looking uncomfortable in your wedding pictures are absolute no-no. Choose chiffon or georgette and make sure you are comfortable. Also make sure these fabrics are well-tethered with can-can and tie-ups. Otherwise, you'll have a lehenga that's flying all over. Choose your heels well - the pointy ones on a sandy beach is not the right option, go for block heels or wedges to stay safe! Carry a pair of flip flops with your BFF for later!
Pay attention to beauty
There is a vast difference in an outdoor (salty air!) and indoor makeup stay durability. Talk to your MUA about what kind of makeup and hairdo will withstand the humidity! SPF is needed and touch-ups too, so have a person or an assistant behind you at all times. Hair too takes a beating - choose a good hair spray and get an up-do because you don't want hair flying all over! Don't forget to carry a spray on mist for your face for emergencies!
Inform your guests
Just because you are getting married in Goa, guests won’t assume that it’s a beach wedding! Mention in explicitly in your invite that it is a beach wedding so that they can dress accordingly. You don’t want your guests tumbling in heels in the sand. Keep the dress code strict and state everything clearly!
Make appropriate arrangements: Flip Flops help
Coolers, Mist Fans or a simple mandap go a long way in keeping your guests comfortable in the heat. You can also hand out hand fans, parasols or even hats as wedding favors! Some wedding hosts even keep brushes to help dust off sandy toes or flip flops for guests to be comfortable.
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Décor
Go easy on the décor. Your oceanfront background will do its job. Avoid going over the top with fussy flowers or décor. If you have a sun-set ceremony or function – you can just add fairy lights that will go on once it gets dark. Magic! And choose decor that enhances the beauty of your space not hide the view with gaudy mandaps and over-the-top florals.
Hydrate Hydrate
Both you and your guests! To keep your guests refreshed you can simply up a table with ice water, lemonade or juices that guests can enjoy in the heat. We would also recommend an ice-lolly station! Coconut water at a Kumarakom beach was our favourite!
Image Source Reels and Frames
Anchor your décor
Wind can topple tall floral arrangements, blow out candles and send other table elements flying. Stay away from glass vases and use hurricane-style lanterns or LED candles, which are flameless and long lasting. When wind-proofing place cards and favors, a little creativity can go a long way. Tie sea horses to each place card and weigh your menus and napkins down with maracas or coconut shells. Themed décor anyone?
Food Fare
Heavy food and heat don't mix. Choose a seasonal menu that includes grilled entrees and local, fresh produce. Juice shooters and grilled fruit skewers make tempting appetizers, and for dessert, consider fruit pies or tarts in lieu of cake. Frozen cocktails (mint, cucumber, or watermelon are popular flavours) or even Popsicles (use the sticks that catch drips) can be festive touches too!
Pic via Renoy & Sona’s Wedding
Have a Backup Plan
We know the last thing you want to do is scrap your wedding fun in the sun at the last minute, but sometimes Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. For backup in the event of a complete washout, make arrangements in advance with an indoor banquet.
By Apoorva Pagar
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