Beach weddings are one of the most desirable types of wedding to have. Mainly, it’s because of the beauty, serenity, and absolute adventure they offer. However, when planning a perfect beach wedding, it can be very easy to let the costs get way out of control. In the blink of an eye, you can deplete you entire budget on simple things like travel. However, there are several affordable ways to get the most out of your beach wedding without spending an arm and a leg just to have your ceremony. Meanwhile, you can get all the benefits that a beach location can offer your magical day. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Choosing a Location
Location can be a vital part of saving money on your dream beach wedding. There are literally hundreds of great beaches to have your ceremony in the United States alone, so knowing what to look for can mean the difference between expensive and affordable. One simple way to take advantage of location is to choose a public beach. This will allow you to have your ceremony for virtually free! However, you will still have the beautiful ocean as the backdrop for exchanging your vows.
However, if you choose a public beach, be sure to get acquainted with local regulations and guidelines. Certain things such as bonfires, sparklers, and live music may require a permit; which can put a damper on your whole event if you don’t acquire the proper paperwork. You could even get a major fine if you’re not careful! That would really add some unnecessary expenses to the labor you’ve put into planning a perfect beach wedding.
Deciding on the Time of Year
Selecting the perfect time of year for your beach wedding is also a great way to keep things on budget. By having it during the off-season, you can cut down on the risk of crowded beaches. Additionally, it eliminates other ceremonies conflicting with your schedule. This is particularly valuable if you are having it on a public beach because; they tend to be very busy during peak season. One important thing to note, however, is that you don’t want to have your event during the time of year when weather will be a factor. Study up on the average weather patterns for the beach you are interested in using. Then, you can choose the perfect balance between a non-crowded beach and excellent weather for your special day.
Finding Fun Activities
Choosing activities for your reception is also very important. Typically, the reception will also happen on the beach; so there are a few ideas that come to mind. First, you could perform a group release of sky lanterns for some memorable photos. The beach is the perfect place to perform this activity!
Additionally, simple activities like having a bonfire or an overnight camp-out are great options. Lastly, consider classic beach games like Frisbee or volleyball to round out your event. Or, perhaps you could all go swimming or snorkeling if the water is warm enough. Overall, I find it’s best to embrace your location for ideas; and the beach has plenty of great ones to offer.
Selecting the Appropriate Wedding Favors
Another huge money-saving area can be something as simple as your wedding favors. Many beach weddings are also destination weddings. So, you will likely have guests coming from many regions to witness your ceremony. This can be a perfect opportunity to put together some beach-style welcome bags for each of your guests! They will make their experience better, and save you some money versus having several types of other favors at your ceremony.
Destination wedding welcome bags will typically consist of things that your guests may not have remembered to pack or overlooked in their own planning. For a beach-style bag, you might consider things like sunscreen, beach towels, or even small trinkets such as seashells. By being thoughtful and creative, you can save some money. Additionally, you can really improve your guests’ experience when planning a perfect beach wedding.
Final Thoughts on Planning a Perfect Beach Wedding
Beach weddings are one of the most desirable ways to say your vows. With the beautiful scenery and nice weather, it’s the perfect venue for a romantic celebration. However, you need to take the time to consider all of the important factors first. Hopefully, I’ve pointed out the most pressing issues so you know where to start. Good luck, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
