The Day Of: It’s Hot

If your event is between April and October there is a good chance it will be HOT. While Florida is known for its warm temps and beautiful weather year-round, most folks who come here from another state do not know about the humidity. Days can be brutal. We can not stress the importance of hydration. Water water water! Start drinking plenty of water starting 3 days before your event. Bring a small cooler with water for you and your spouse. Ask about a water station.

Food: Make Sure You Eat

We understand nerves and how that will make your appetite disappear. This is big no no! Have a well-balanced breakfast to start your day. Make sure you eat lunch as well before a late afternoon wedding. Avoid greasy & spicy foods. Try light foods, snacks, fresh veggies and fruits. Fruits will also help with hydration. Try to avoid alcohol before your event, Spirits do not agree with the heat.

Clothes/Bra Lines; Loose Clothes Day Of

Do you have a dress with an open back? Wearing shorts or maybe rolling up your pants leg? Your undergarments may leave lines/impressions on your skin throughout the day. Try wearing a sports bra to avoid lines across your back. Wear flip flops so you will not have lines from your socks. Skip your watch for the day if you do not plan on wearing it during the ceremony. Same thing with hair ties, keep them off your wrists.

Bugs: Use Spray

The state bird is the mosquito…not really but that’s what the locals say. With our warm weather these pesky bugs seem to buzz around all year long. Maybe consider applying bug spray or bringing some for you and your guests. We have an awesome all-natural & light smelling recipe if you need help.

Water Water Water

Hydration is key. We talk about it a lot. Coolers and water are welcome and encouraged. If you do not want to lug additional items to the beach let us know and we can add a hydration station to your event.

UN-plug

It is strongly encouraged to ask your guests to unplug. Ask your guests to be present. You will thank us later when you see your photos and your guests are enjoying your day with out a sea of phones and devices in the air.

Timeline – time for photos, have guests head to reception

If you have a reception planned let us know. We will help and pass the information along as your guests arrive. This will help everything run smoothly after the ceremony. Once the ceremony is over most of your family and friends will want to congratulate you. Typically, on the beach there isn’t a receiving line and everyone will surround you quickly. Plan on spending a few minutes with your guests and then you will begin taking photos immediately. We love to get a huge group shot, well several. Have a plan in mind of who you want photos with. Bridal party, Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunt, uncles and so on. We recommend starting with anyone who might need to get out of the heat first. Then folks can then head to your reception as you and your spouse are taking your personal intimate photos.

Cooling Towels

You and your guests will appreciate these. You can make our own, purchase prepackaged towels or add them to your package. These are straight forward. A small damp individually wrapped cold towel. Super refreshing, discrete and will help cool you down.

Accessible for guests (beach wheelchair rental)

If you have any guests that need assistance getting onto the beach, please let us know. There are vendors who rent wheelchairs just for the beach. We can direct you to the nearest vendor of the beach you choose.

Its Windy

The wind can be anything from a light breeze to constant strong winds that will blow your bouquet down the beach and everything in between. Keep this in mind when selecting a hair style. Long loose hair can be picked up by the wind and end up in your face or straight in the air. Yes, you can look like Albert Einstein in your photos. We are not sure if even Aqua net super hold from the 80’s can compete with the wind on some days.

Attire-Light Weight Clothes

When choosing your clothes for the day think about the heat. Light weight fabrics are encouraged. A tuxedo or a large train with a bustle might be extremely uncomfortable. If you have a date in the winter, consider layers. Every once in a while, we have chilly days.

Veils

Veils are beautiful and we love them! However maybe consider a head piece or decorative hair pins. You can always bring a veil and use it just for photos.

Shoes-Go Barefoot

Shoes? Skip them! It is exceedingly difficult to walk in the sand with heels. You can save your beautiful shoes for your reception.

Shoe Station

Speaking of shoes…. Consider a shoe station for your guests. Everyone will want to wear shoes from their vehicles but once you hit the sand loose them. With a shoe station they will be organized and less likely to be haphazardly thrown all around your setup or in the photos.

Sand-It’s Everywhere

Ahhhh sand! It is everywhere! Boy do we mean everywhere! It’s ok! You may end up with sand on your hands, legs…everywhere. Do not worry about it. That’s part of the charm of a beach wedding. Be prepared to have sand on you and your clothes. Most beaches have rinsing stations and you will be able to rinse off your feet before you get back in your vehicle.

Tan Lines

If you arrive to the beach a few days before your wedding (even one day) and spend time on the beach or in the sun before hand be mindful of your tan lines. Even 30 minutes in the sun can give your skin a burn and those can and will show up in your photos.

Towels

It is a good idea to bring a few small hand towels or baby wipes. If you get sand on your face you will be able to wipe it away easily for your photos. Also, great to remove lipstick from your partner after your first kiss.

What can guests throw at the couple on a beach wedding?

It must be biodegradable. Do NOT throw rice, it is actually unhealthy for the birds. Bubbles are a great alternative and make great wedding favors. Sugar confetti (you can DIY), Dried flowers/petals or bird seed to name a few. We would not recommend any of these before your photos are taken.
* We will help you incorporate this tradition if you would like.

Throwing the bouquet

If you are using one of our bouquets, you most certainly can throw it. If you would like the person who catches to be able to keep the tossed bouquet, we suggest you bring a small one of your own or ask us about purchasing your own to keep.