We may be halfway through the summer already, but all that means is that we’ve still got a full half of fun-in-the-sun season left ahead of us. If you’re sweating it out in the Northeast through this crazy heat wave like I am, that may not sound like the best thing right this second, but, hey, things can only get cooler than this, right?
So don’t sweat it if you have a summer wedding coming up – you’re bound to get more comfortable temperatures for your big day. But what if you’re sweating something else? What if you’re sweating the planning of your summer beach wedding? Well, there’s nothing to worry about there either, because we’re here to give you some great tips to help make sure you and your guests have the time of your lives.
Get the Timing Just Right
In case you haven’t been outside in the summer since, well…ever, here’s a quick reminder: it gets really hot out around midday. OK, yeah, that’s stating the obvious, but think about what that means for your beach wedding. Even if you love to bake to a crisp out in the sun, remember that not everyone else does, and the sun’s rays can be especially harsh on older guests and little kids during the middle of the day.
That’s why a lot of beach weddings are held in the morning or around sunset. (Bonus: this also helps you avoid the biggest beach crowds.) If you have to have your wedding in the afternoon, though, you still have options. Make sure you have a shady spot or bring in some shade of your own. And don’t forget to keep your guests updated about the forecast on your wedding website and to remind them all to dress appropriately. Beach weddings are typically more relaxed and less formal, anyway, so there are plenty of viable cooler style options.
Put Someone Else in Charge
It’s the biggest day of your life, so it may be difficult to put someone else in charge of it, but you really should consider hiring a wedding planner. If you need to acquire special permits for your little spot of beach or need someone to shoo vacationers away from your wedding altar, you’ll be glad you did.
Dress for the Beach
Remember how I mentioned that beach weddings are typically less formal affairs? Well, this applies to you too. Your best bet is to forget about a classical ball gown and go with something a bit more lightweight. If you and your bridesmaids wear traditional dresses, you’ll be sweating away. And don’t forget about your groom and groomsmen’s apparel – they should all be wearing linen, not wool. And if it ends up really hot, then it’s OK for them to ditch the jackets. If you’re going for a really casual beach motif, they might even want to undo that top button, wear lose ties, skips shoes and socks and roll up their pant legs.
Pose for Fun Photos
Definitely look for a photographer with beach experience to ensure he/she is able to handle the unique lighting needs. Make sure the photographer works the beauty of the waves, dunes and other natural backdrops like the setting or rising sun into plenty of shots to really capture the feeling of your fun in the sun beach wedding.
Flower (Staying) Power
All that direct sunlight and strong heat isn’t great for a lot of types of flowers, and the last thing you want at your wedding are wilted bouquets. Poppies and some other popular flowers just won’t last in the hot sun, so speak with your florist about what flowers are better choices. He/she will likely recommend some chrysanthemums, orchids and/or plumeria because these hardy flowers hold up surprisingly well in just about any weather conditions. Keep the beach theme going by putting your flowers in sand buckets or conch shells.
The Right Food for the Right Mood
Think about what beach you’re getting married at. The Jersey Shore has its charm, but that charm is all its own and wholly separate from a “destination” beach wedding like the Caribbean or Hawaii. Work in whatever foods are customary for the area, so naturally some pineapple and roast pig makes sense for Hawaii, lobster for New England, crab cakes for Maryland, jerk chicken for the Caribbean, etc. Just like with flowers, don’t forget about the heat, as some foods will melt into mushy messes out in the sun. Pro tip for your cake: skip the buttercream and go with fondant.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Whether you’re getting married at the beach, in a backyard or in a church, there’s one thing that never goes out of style: cubic zirconia jewelry. Why? Because Russian Formula cubic zirconia jewelry reflects the light as beautifully as the real thing, ensuring that everyone who sees it can’t tell it apart from diamond jewelry.