1 Define your style: Using benches or chairs? Drape them in linen. Programs? Use linen paper. Suits? You guessed it – linen is the fabric of the moment. When selecting flowers, think long and hard before using shells, as this is so obvious that there better be something special to the design. My advice? Pretend you’re not on the beach. Unexpected use of flowers and decor here can help you make your own statement about the day.
2 Clothing choices: Choose clothes that are elegant and practical and stylish. Guys – for you, polished cotton or seersucker in a light palette is best. Ladies – go for flowing fabrics. The bride’s gown can lightly touch the sand in bare feet (no train); this will allow your shoes to show at the reception. Bridesmaid dresses should be just under the knee.
3 Keep it short: Not the gown – the ceremony. Nobody wants to be in a long drawn out service fully dressed in the sun. Hydrate your guests and hold off on alcohol until after the ceremony, just as you would inside.
4 Speak up! Practice, practice, practice speaking loudly. It may be very hard for guests to hear while the waves are calling for attention and the breeze is lightly blowing on your (hopefully) perfect day. Opt for a sound system, if your budget permits. Ask your sound team for white equipment or have your designers mask it in white so it doesn’t bruise the visuals.
5 Keep it together: Keep your makeup and hair team throughout the event, so they can make adjustments as the lighting and setting changes. The last thing you want is to end up looking all disheveled! Make sure you wear a daytime natural look on the beach while deepening the look later so your features don’t get lost in the evening. Go for a formal up-look outside (so blowing wind doesn’t cover your face with your hair) and let it down once inside.
6 Keep it shoe-less: If the wedding party is going barefoot, spend a day together a few days before the wedding to get pedicures. I would offer a shoe-check for guests and mention it creatively in the invitation (your caterer should be able to handle this). Ideally, room temperature water would be available as a foot rinse for when coming off of the beach.
7 Got a permit? Make sure you get a permit far in advance. Different beaches have different rules, so arrive prepared.
