There’s no feeling quite like the sound of waves crashing and sand between your toes as you say, “I Do.” We love beach weddings as much anybody, but pulling one off without a hitch requires a little extra planning. We turned to Dan Creppel Cuevas, Sales Manager at The Courtyard by Marriott Beachfront, in Gulfport, Mississippi for some expert advice on things to consider when planning your perfect beach wedding.
Budget
Seating, permits, décor…beach weddings can add up faster than you think. If you’re hosting your wedding through a venue, find out what amenities they provide. Some venues, like Courtyard Gulfport Beachfront, have beach wedding packages that could help you save big on your budget. They even secure your permit for you! “Planning a beach wedding can get costly fast,” Dan says. “Look for venues with a wedding package for the best value.” If your venue doesn’t secure permits, make sure you do the legwork to secure any needed paperwork ahead of your ceremony to avoid any surprises.
Reception planning
If you’re planning your reception outside, be sure to avoid anything that might spoil easily in the elements, like cheese. Buttercream doesn’t fare well in the sun either, so finding an alternative for your wedding cake might be a consideration. Some beach venues, like Courtyard Gulfport Beachfront, offer the use of a ballroom for your reception in their wedding packages.
Wardrobe
Whether you are getting married in or out of peak season, wardrobe is an important thing to consider when saying your vows on the sand. Skip the ballgown and stick with a sheer fabric, like chiffon or charmeuse. Instead of fussing with your veil the entire ceremony (hello wind!), opt for an updo with flowers or a fascinator. For the guys, consider lighter fabrics or a lightweight suit fit for a daytime ceremony. Heavier suits or tuxedos are generally uncomfortable (and too formal) for beach ceremonies.
Room blocks
Beach weddings often mean destination. Make sure you reserve a block of rooms for your guests that will be in attendance. Dan recommends starting with a minimum of ten rooms. Courtyard Beachfront will even give you a dedicated and customizable personal wedding page from which your guests can book their own rooms, making it easy for you can keep up with who’s booked and how many rooms are left. “We even offer the happy couple a room upgrade based on availability if they stay on their wedding night,” Dan tells us.
While beach weddings are as exciting and romantic as ever, they tend to require a bit more effort than your average ceremony. You have to make sure that your guests have somewhere to stay, food that can handle the sun, and a look that’s as manageable as it is beautiful. With all these tasks, stress can start to stack up. By using these expert tips and tricks, and choosing a great venue like Courtyard Gulfport Beachfront to help you out, you can be sure you’ll pull this perfect beach wedding off with ease. For more information on Courtyard Gulfport Beachfront, visit them online.
