Beach
weddings entail more budget and preparation for the
couples. Yet there are ways to organize and enjoy such
a memorable event without experiencing too many hassles.
The key is to get suppliers at a minimum cost and to
be as efficient and organized as possible. Here are
some suggestions on some beach wedding needs:
For
the Reception:
Flowers
Flowers like wild orchids are good choices. Choose flowers
that do not wilt easily under the sun. Flowers should
coordinate with the venue setup and theme. You may also
add seashells, pearls and anchors to your wedding flower
arrangements.
Table
Set up
Formal setup can use silverware and chinaware with beach theme
designs. Suggested centerpieces are lamps/candles with seashells,
colored sand bottles and colored bowls. For formal setups,
silver/crystal wares will create an elegant, formal look.
For an informal motif, you can have guests eat in banana leaves
or large seashells and drink in fruit shells.
Instead
of the usual carpet flooring, the couple may opt for
bamboo or abaca mats. Flower petals or seashells can
be scattered in strategic corners.
Cake
Cake frostings easily melt in a non-airconditioned venue.
Choose fondant cakes rather than soft icings and buttercream.
Seashell candies; fresh flowers such as orchids, pearl
clusters and sugar flowers; fresh fruits like cherries,
strawberries can be used to adorn the wedding cake.
As for cake toppers, seahorse, dolphin couple or shell
rings may be used.
Food
Foods that are cool and refreshing are good choices
for daytime weddings. Cold salads, less saucy viands,
and cold tropical fruits would go well on the menu.
On the other hand, barbecues and grilled foods are appropriate
for a night celebration.
Music
For a more romantic setup, an orchestra or soloist may
play classic and romantic, old songs. Less informal
yet solemn ambiance may use acoustic setup. Lively,
informal atmosphere may dance to the beat of drums and
maracas.
Lights
If the wedding is to be held in the morning, then minimum
lighting will do fine. For night weddings with formal
theme, lamps and/or candles would bring elegance. Just
be sure to put candles inside bowls or glass casings
to protect them from strong winds. For informal setups,
torches and bonfires will surely create a lively atmosphere.
For the Couple:
Hair
Since the setting is outdoors, both the wind and the
sun can ruin the bride’s hairstyle. For a more
natural, informal look, use barrettes or headbands to
pull the hair away from the face while leaving the back
down. For a more formal look, bun or chignon style will
look elegant.
Did
you know?
Celebrities
Nora Aunor-Christopher
de Leon wedding was done by the lake
in Bauan.
Did
you know?
On
her wedding, celebrity Miriam
Quiambao’s long black hair
was tied into a neat bun by Jing Monis.
She was made up by Lala Flores using earth
tones (to imitate the hues in the beach
and expose the natural skin tone when touched
by sunlight) and lip gloss in deep rose.
Lala also dusted terra cotta bronzing powder
on Miriam's exposed skin.
Make-up
Minimum make-up is appropriate on a day wedding. Use
products with sunscreen to protect your face from the
sun. Lighten up on foundation and mascara. On evening
weddings, choose darker shades to have a more dramatic
effect.
Attire
The couple’s wedding attire must be coordinated
in style and colors. An elegant but simple white dress
for the bride and a white polo and pants for the groom
suit a formal, solemn atmosphere. Chiffon and crepe
are nice fabrics for beach weddings. Sarongs and colored
fabrics suit informal ambiance.
For
footwear, ladies can opt for elegantly hand bead crocheted
barefoot sandals or uniquely handcrafted beach wedding
foot jewelry for beautiful bare feet and toes! Men can
go for leather sandals or bare feet as well.
Other
Items
Invitations An invitation with seashell designs or with a sand
texture will help set the mood for your beach theme.
A wedding ‘message in a bottle’ is also
a nice choice.
Souvenirs
Small bottles with shells or colored sands, organza
bags filled with seashells, tin cans with sand dollar
cookies, candles with sea-inspired holders, and shell
bracelets are just some of the possible beach wedding
favors.
Sandcastle
and flower centerpiece, Handcrafted beach wedding
foot jewelry, Tiny seashell picture frame, Wedding
‘message in a bottle', Little bag of sea shells.
Restrooms
If the ceremony is to be held on a hotel or resort beach,
notify all guests to the exact location of the bathrooms.
If it takes place on a remote area near the beach, consider
renting toilets if none are available nearby.
Weather
Have a back-up plan in case of bad weather, whether
it’s an alternate location or an extra tent to
move to.
Have an area that’s out of the sun if your wedding
is during the day, or a place where guests can warm
up if your wedding is at night. This is especially important
if some of your guests are elderly, frail or prone to
sunstroke. A tent works well during the day.
Time
The best times for a wedding ceremony are either in
the morning around 6:00 am or in the evening around
5:30 pm. Beaches are less busy in the mornings while
evenings provide cooler atmosphere than mid-day.
Rules
Make sure to have the necessary permits if you plan
for a public wedding. Also, be reminded of certain restrictions
such as loud music, electricity and the space for the
reception.
