How would you like to say "I do" with the sounds of the ocean playing in the background, your toes in the sand, and the glow of a yellow sun setting on the horizon? picture perfect, huh? Which is precisely what is making many couples cease having their ballroom wedding and having theirs at a beach destination.
Before you do just that though here are some six things you should be aware of. Acquiring a destination beach wedding will be fun, yet it's so unlike planning one of your home. Here is a way to approach this question; just take it one step at a time.
It Takes More Time Than You Think
This is what most couples underestimate the most. A beach destination wedding isn't something you can pull off in a couple of months. It takes time for finding your location, booking vendors and in some cases it takes time to organize legal documents when you are in a foreign country.
A good rule of thumb? Getting there at least a year in advance. 12 to 18 months before the date will truly offer you enough time to iron out all details, so you won't have to stress; the sooner you arrive, the better (Mostly considering the hot popular beach spots you may have in mind during high season).
Location, Location, Location
Not every place is the same. Some beaches are peaceful and quiet. Many are lively and noisy. A few have hard limits on hosting events. Then again some require permits. So make sure you do a little research before falling in love with one of your favorite places you saw on Instagram.
Put yourself in the shoes of your guests: how accessible is your chosen location? Are there rooms available in the vicinity? What's the climate like in your favorite month? Take the ultimate destination beach wedding in Italy for inspiration: beautiful coastline surrounds you but different areas have different feels, policies and prices. Consulting a local wedding planner can help take the confusion out of the equation.
The Legal Side Matters
Here's something that far too many couples don't realize until it's too lateif you want to have a legal marriage abroad, there is paperwork involved. Every destination you choose will have its own legal requirements. Italy, for example, will have a list of paperwork you will need to have to legalise the event.
Some couples prefer to take care of the legal aspect at home and then perform a symbolic ceremony on the beach which is actually quite a popular and casual solution. Neither is to be left to the last minute it's something to be arranged in good time.
Your Guests Will Need Help Too
When you pick a beach destination wedding, you're asking your guests to travel for a bit. If you would like as many people to attend as possible, make sure your invitation makes that clear and specify when you are hosting it. Give them as much time in advance as you can.
It is also thoughtful to prepare a small guide for your guests accommodations in the neighborhood, travel advice, what to bring and fun activities around the wedding. The more information you give them, the more relaxed and delighted everyone will be on your wedding day.
Weather Is Unpredictable — Have a Backup Plan
This is the reality with any outdoor wedding, and even more so when doing it on a beach! Wind, rain (unexpected) or even scorching temperatures might impact on your day. A good wedding planner will make sure you have a contingency plan be it a stunning tent, a reception elsewhere or simply a flexible schedule. Please don't be alarmed.
Sure most of the time, beach weddings turn out great. But what you don't want to worry about during your big day is what you will do if the worse happen. So have a plan B!
Hire Someone Who Knows the Place
Planning a destination beach wedding from another country or state can be overwhelming. Luckily, a local wedding planner is there to help you every step of the way. They will be knowledgeable about the venues, vendors, and guidelines and even the obscure details you can't research online.
Mr and Mrs Wedding in Italy will take this empty little tablecloth and point you to all the best, most beautiful, easiest to plan and actually affordable bits of getting hitched in Italy. We do it all, legal paperwork venues flowers, photography, and day-of logistics, so that you are free to enjoy the planning.
Final Thoughts
A beach destination wedding is one of the most beautiful, unforgettable events you can create for you and yours. But like anything worth having, it needs a little time, a little patience and the company of the right people.
The secret is planning ahead, being well organized, and relying on experts who are more than familiar with where you are going. All of the time planning organizing, experiences people cocktail, sea breeze sunset smiles you'll be thankful every second you put in!
Talking about your wedding? Let's start to plan your dream day. Discover Mr and Mrs Wedding in Italy and we're on your way.
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