5 TIPS FOR BEACH WEDDINGS

Bridal education

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7/14/17

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When planning a surf-side wedding, there are a few specific things to keep in mind so your big day is smooth sailing.

1. Permits

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While planning your beach wedding, there are some important government details to keep in mind to remain in compliance with the law. All California beaches are public, so whether your wedding is in Los Angeles or San Diego, you should not have trouble accessing a beach for your wedding. However, fees and requirements vary by park. You will need to check with the local government about applications, permits and rules and regulations specific to your destination. Los Angeles requires that you apply for a permit no earlier than 90 days before the event and no later than three weeks prior. The application does not guarantee dates or location.

2. Timing

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When choosing your wedding date, there are many things to consider. What season would you prefer? What is the weather like at that time of year? Which time of day best suits your needs and those of your guests? The busiest months for California beach weddings are July, August, and September.

What season would you prefer? What is the weather like at that time of year?

Summer months can be HOT and MUGGY! Keep this in mind not only for you but your guests. Keeping the sun out of their eyes with a pop up can make such a difference in the experience.

It is also important to take into consideration the tides! I would hate to see a bride not check the tide schedule and have her perfect location surrounded by water!

Save some time for those gorgeous golden hour photos! If you plan it just right you can plan your ceremony about an hour to 2 hours before sunset. TIP- If it is overcast that day the sun might not give us the sunset we want. That brings me to my next tip!

3. Backup plan

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All outdoor weddings should have a backup plan. If the weather turns sour on you, where can you move your big day? Is the reception space an option? Will you have tents on the beach for cover if people need to take shelter from rain? Let’s plan an alternate portrait location just in case.

4. Pick a location with good photo opportunities

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When deciding where you will hold your event, survey your surroundings for places to commemorate your big day with some lasting photographs. Some great beach backgrounds are bedrocks, beach trees, driftwood, the cliffs and sand dunes. You will of course want to take advantage of the sand and the sea around you, and if you are around for sunset you will not want to skip the photo op of those stunning colors. If you are really the adventurous type, you and your groom may want to actually get in the ocean!

5. Attire

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It is important to choose the right attire for your wedding day. When on the beach, clothing that breathes and allows the breeze to flow through freely are important. For women light and breezy boho dresses are a great choice for this, and men would be most comfortable in a light wool or linen suit.

BONUS TIP!

Have a mic on or a microphone. I know this isn’t the most glamours option but with guests standing several feet away with the waves crashing in the background NO ONE will hear you exchange your vows! Trust me on this one. I would never had thought of this unless someone would have suggested it. It’s one of those things that could be very easily overlooked.

I hope you find these tips helpful if you are planning a beach wedding!

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