There’s nothing quite like a beach wedding. You can say “I do” with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background. It’s romantic, relaxed, and effortlessly beautiful. But hosting a seamless beach wedding requires a little extra planning.
To help you plan your wedding with ease, our ICONA Weddings team is sharing their best beach wedding tips and advice.
1. Dress for the Elements
When planning your beach wedding, comfort and style should go hand in hand. Consider lightweight fabrics like chiffon, linen, or cotton for your bridal party. They breathe easily and move beautifully in the ocean breeze.
Brides should choose gowns that are light and easy to move in. For extra ease of movement, choose flowy silhouettes, shorter hemlines, or side slits. Grooms look sharp in linen or lightweight cotton suits. Skip the jacket or tie for a relaxed, breezy look that still feels polished.
Don’t forget your guests! Encourage them to wear shoes like wedges or sandals so they can walk comfortably in the sand.
2. Choose the Right Time of Day
The beach is beautiful any time of day, but some hours are better than others for an outdoor event. The midday sun can be hot with harsh lighting, so it’s best to avoid that time.
Our planners recommend starting in the late afternoon, which is a magical time of day. You’ll get soft light, cooler temperatures, and a golden-hour glow perfect for the first dance. We recommend starting at 4:30 p.m., but adjust slightly depending on the season to ensure you can capture the sunset.
3. Keep Décor Simple
When the ocean is your backdrop, less is more décor-wise. Incorporate elements like driftwood arches, pampas grass, and soft neutral tones. This creates an elegant, natural look that complements the beach setting.
Remember that ocean breezes can be unpredictable. Be sure to weigh down décor, secure table settings, and choose lower floral arrangements that won’t tip over.
4. Prioritize Guest Comfort
A little thoughtfulness goes a long way to keep your guests happy. Provide shaded areas, hydration stations, and cooling towels to keep everyone comfortable. You can also provide welcome bags filled with sunscreen, bug spray, and bottled water. This ensures guests have everything they need to enjoy the day.
5. Test Your Sound Setup
With the wind and the waves, it can sometimes be hard for guests to hear what is being said during a beach ceremony. A reliable sound system is a must. Use professional audio equipment and lapel microphones for the best sound quality. A quick pre-ceremony sound check ensures your guests can hear every special moment.
6. Choose the Right Venue
Not every venue can handle the unique needs of a beach wedding. Look for a location that specializes in these types of weddings, like ICONA Resorts.
ICONA Resorts is home to several of the most stunning New Jersey beach wedding locations. Each venue offers breathtaking ocean views that provide a picture-perfect setting. You also get access to our expert planning team and thoughtful extras, like on-site lodging for your guests.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding Celebration?
From intimate barefoot vows to big seaside celebrations, ICONA Resorts makes beach weddings effortless. At ICONA, there are NJ beach wedding packages with options to suit every vision. Your beach wedding in NJ will be elegant, personal, and unforgettable.
Reach out to our team today to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
