Beach Wedding Basics
By Nanette Kallestad, The Proper Setting, LLC (Outer Banks)
Oceanfront weddings are beautiful, romantic, and serene. They also require a bit of respect for nature. Heres a primer on Coastal Carolina's unique environment and how to make it work for you on your wedding day.
ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP WEATHER PLAN. Set a specific time for the final weather call and have your plan ready for action if necessary. Make sure it is a plan that you can live with. Make sure you know specifically how you will inform your guests of the change in location should you have to go to Plan B.
KNOW WIND SPEEDS AND DIRECTIONS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY. Check a weather web site or local forecast and be prepared as wind is notoriously fickle on the coast. Summer southwest winds could carry insects from the sound and marsh, so prepare with insect repellent. North winds herald cooler temperatures and could mean higher tides and surf .
Strong north or northeast winds (15 mph and up) might create havoc with your veil and hair. A quick fix in this case is to place the groomsmen on the left side and the bridesmaids on the right side (bride and groom also flip sides) This way, veils and hair blow behind you, not in front, for better photos and overall comfort.
KNOW TIMES OF TIDES AND SUNSET ON YOUR WEDDING DAY. Avoid ceremonies at high tide if possible as you will have very little dry beach in certain areas. Chairs should be set up about one hour before your ceremony if the tide is coming in, so you can gauge where the tide line will be during your ceremony. Plan your ceremony 1-2 hours prior to sunset for the best photography light. Discuss natural lighting with your photographer to establish the best time for you.
CHECK TOWN REGULATIONS. Some of our towns allow only a few chairs for elderly and handicapped. Some areas, particularly within National Park Service areas, require permits for weddings held on their shores.
CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS WHEN PLANNING YOUR FLORALS so that they will hold up during your ceremony. Your florist should be able to assist you with selections that work well on the beach at any given time of year.
BUY INSURANCE if your wedding is during hurricane season. While rare, nothing will ruin your wedding day more quickly than a mandatory hurricane evacuation with no financial recourse.
MOST BEACHES ARE PUBLIC PLACES and you may have to contend with beachgoers near your ceremony site. While most people most are respectful and excited to be a part of such a special occasion, you can schedule your ceremony as late in the day as possible to minimize the impact.
But most importantly, have fun with it. Relax, settle in, and enjoy your wedding day. Its going to be a great day!
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