Tips For the Perfect Wedding by the Beach

Saying yes with your feet in the sand, the summer breeze blowing through, is a classic image that many future brides and grooms fantasize about. Here’s what you need to know when you want to get married to the sound of the waves. 

Before we start, check out The 5 Spectacular Wedding Dresses of Lady Kitty Spencer

A Public or a private beach?

The first question that arises when considering a beach wedding is whether to opt for the hazards of a public beach or the security and lux of a restaurant with a private beach? Getting married with your feet in the sand requires authorization or else any one will be able to attend the festivities. Other difficulties: there will be no electricity, water or toilets available. This can be complicated for providers and guests. Nathalie Gros-Bonnivard, event designer at Majenia, says that most of the beach weddings she caters take place at restaurants or venues with private beaches. It's much simpler in terms of organization and more comfortable for everyone. Vincent Béchet, DJ founder of Dance Police confirms, "when there is a rear base, like a restaurant or an estate, the guests can go into the shade, go and cool off and above all this allows you to have a plan B in case of rain."

Take care of the timing

“When you organize a wedding on a private beach, the venue is often not available until 4 or 5 p.m.,” warns Nathalie Gros-Bonnivard. You have to be ready to quickly install all the decoration. Chloé Lapeyssonnie, photographer, advises planning your ceremony around three hours before sunset, "this is ideal for avoiding sunburn in summer, and it allows you to have the best light for photos." Gros-Bonnivard also warns future brides and grooms who wish to say yes in a tourist region "there is a lot of traffic, something to take into consideration.”

Taming the wind (and mosquitoes)

Who says seaside says spray and sea breeze. The wind is Nathalie Gros-Bonnivard's number one enemy when she installs decorations on a beach: "you have to weigh everything down, the vases, the ceremony arch, the place cards, the table names... and for candles, either we think of LEDs, or we opt for tall tealight holders." On the other hand, we don't hesitate to play with the curtains, which provide nice movement. We also remember to provide a stock of mosquito repellent (which makes a feast at sunset) and blankets for guests because the evenings can be cooler.

Sand, advantages and disadvantages…

The sand is what makes a beach wedding so charming, but it also could be the ordeal for your guests if they come in stilettos. It's better to specify this in the invitation and if you really want to pamper them, you buy a stock of flip-flops. Another option: we set up a space so that they leave their shoes on and remain barefoot. This also applies to the bride who can choose to be barefoot, in a ballerina or in an espadrille like those designed by the pretty brand Buttée Paris. The sand also prevents the installation of a photobooth terminal, but we can provide a few Polaroids. Finally, we take advantage of its convivial advantage by installing mats, rugs, cushions for a lounge feel. "Beach weddings are often very casual. It's best not to be too manic!" jokes the event designer.

A romantic ceremony

The beach is probably one of the most romantic places to get married, so make the most of it by organizing a lovely ceremony on the sand. “If the place is isolated, we ask the DJ to provide a battery speaker” recommends Vincent Béchet of Dance Police. On the photographer's side, we suggest thinking about a sheet over the bride and groom in case of high heat, "in addition to protecting them, it allows the light to be filtered for more beautiful photos" says Chloé Lapeyssonnie. Another

Avoid clichés

“When I propose a decoration to brides and grooms who have chosen the beach as their setting, I am careful not to fall into the cliché of turquoise and white, shells, nods to the marine world…. It is better to remain sober and bring it in by small touches” warns Nathalie Gros-Bonnivard. On the other hand, advises Vincent Béchet of Dance Police, “arrival of the bride and groom by sea is strongly recommended, whether by boat or paddle!”

Casual outfits

Two options for the bride. Either a short dress to be comfortable and be able to put your feet in the water or the sand without fear of damaging her train, or a long, slightly bohemian dress to maintain a relaxed style. Grooms can easily drop the jacket and opt for a vest, or even simply a shirt without a tie.