WHAT TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR BEACH WEDDING

What to consider for your beach wedding

When people think of Hawaii, they think of beautiful beaches. Many wedding magazines display beautiful photos of beach weddings that inspire brides and grooms to follow the beach wedding trend. Beaches in Hawaii are handled a bit differently from beaches elsewhere. Most beaches are government property, even those fronting Hawaii's hotels and resorts. They are not private and people will be frolicking on the beach, even during your wedding. Most people are respectful, but they cannot be forced away from your site. However, rules and restrictions apply, so be sure to learn about those before planning your wedding on a public beach. Although beach weddings present special issues that you would not normally consider at a traditional wedding venue, careful preparation and planning will help to eliminate any unpleasant surprises that may occur otherwise. We hope this proves to be a helpful resource to create a beautiful and joyous beach wedding experience..

COSTS:

Sometimes a beach wedding can be less expensive than a traditional wedding. Be sure to collect estimates for both scenarios and compare. It may be necessary to pay additional delivery fees, permit fees, and set up fees. It is best to select a beach that offers a pavilion or similar structure that will shelter your food and guests at your wedding. Most rental companies will not set up tents on the sand. However, they will set up tents at beach parks on the grassy area, if the government permits it. Keep in mind that you will need to provide lighting, which may require the rental of generators for electricity. You can use tiki torches, but the tropical winds may keep them from staying lit. Battery operated lighting works wonders at a beach setting.

TONE OF YOUR WEDDING:

A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats.

CONVENIENCE:

The ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. If you decide to have children at your wedding, Check to see if parking and bathroom facilities are available. Note how accessible they are from your wedding location.

CREATIVITY:

A beach wedding provides an opportunity to be creative with your wedding theme and setting. Some of our clients have incorporated a very casual beach theme involving flip flops for all of the guests as favors, beach balls, a volleyball game, and a clambake. Others have created a simple elegance of flowing fabric and lighting. Your budget will determine just how far you can go with your creative visions. Your wedding coordinator will help you adjust your budget to accommodate your beach wedding dreams.

Timing

The beaches and beach parks are very popular venues, so make sure that other events are not taking place at your wedding location. It is best to have your wedding on a Hawaiian beach on a weekday, when locals are not using it for their family picnics, barbecues, and fishing adventures. A little tip: when vacationing in Hawaii, every day is a weekend day for you. Also, many wedding professionals charge less for their services on a weekday. Be sure to check the tide chart so that you set up at an appropriate distance. You certainly do not want the unanticipated waves to wash away your wedding. Lighting will affect your photography and your guests' comfort. Check where the sun will be at the time of your wedding. It is in your best interest to make sure there is shade to protect your guests and food by providing beach umbrellas, parasols, canopies, tents, and/or hold the event in the beach's pavilion. Perhaps there is a cluster of shady trees under which you can have the ceremony. We discourage receptions under the trees due to the amount of uninvited creatures that will be using them, as well.

WEATHER/BACK UP PLAN:

Hawaii is a wondrous tropical paradise, complete with lush green mountains, an abundance of flowers and plant growth, and tall swaying palms. This is part of what attracts us to the islands to get married. Unfortunately, the rain that is required to maintain this beauty may cause some disappointment on your wedding day if you are not adequately prepared. The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that you have a PLAN B.

OTHER PRODUCTS OF NATURE:

Be prepared for the wind to blow sand around, so protect your guests and your food. The wind and crashing waves may also make it difficult for the guests to hear the most important element of your wedding---the ceremony. Be sure to ask your coordinator and involved wedding professionals for advice regarding sound for the guests and for your video. The seagulls and other uninvited creatures might be interested in your wedding events, as well, so be prepared. Perhaps some citronella torches and candles to keep away the mosquitoes?? You may also want to supply sunscreen and bug repellant for your guests. Keep garbage cans on the outside perimeter of the wedding site so that the creatures stay away from the actual festivities.

RULES TO FOLLOW:

Make sure you check with the parks and recreation department regarding the rules and regulations of the beach location of your wedding. Ask about the following: Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque? Can you set up a tent and rentals (tables, chairs, etc.)? Are you permitted to section off an area? What type of beverages can be served? Is glass permitted, or is plastic required?

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. It is also important to consider the needs of your guests with special needs. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements. They will also need assistance accessing the wedding site and facilities. Be sure to keep an abundant supply of water and beverages to keep hydrated. Keep a first aid kit on hand to assist the adventurers and explorers at your wedding. There are many shells and pieces of coral and lava that can easily cause injury.

The most important item to consider is that you should go with the flow of the day. Regardless of the extensive preparations you consider and put into effect, unexpected things will take place. Just treat these wedding imperfections as memories instead of mistakes. Enjoy and cherish every moment of this very special day! After all, the most important part of your wedding is you, so celebrate each other. Everyone will follow your lead.

This article was written by Tori Rogers, Hawaiian Island Wedding Planners

photo by Joe D'Alessandro Photography