My beach brides .. any tips ? Regrets?

I love the beach as well, but I'm not a sand person (if that makes sense). I found a resort venue that had a deck overlooking the ocean so I didn't have to worry about the sand. However, one tip I would give you to be sure you have a backup plan to account for conditions that are not suitable for an outside wedding. Although the weather was gorgeous on the day of my wedding, I got married in Destin -- and it was downright cold -- not because of the temperature (although it was cool), but the WIND! I had not thought of or accounted for wind being an issue. You may have not that issue in St. Pete or the Keys, but just keep that in your back pocket just in case. Thank goodness we were able to use the resort's ballroom as our back up wedding venue, and it worked out well.

View Quoted Comment Hey there , yes backup is always important especially in Florida . It would be devastating to have planned for A beach wedding and for the weather to be a problem . The wind seems to always pick up at the beach even during sunset hour , I’m assuming a veil wouldn’t be the smartest and probably hair down would be all in the face

I got married in Clearwater Beach on the beach. A few things to keep in mind besides the backup plan would be wind for sure. I didn’t wear a veil because I was afraid the wind would have it everywhere. Keep in mind the direction of the sun and time of day. Your guests could be in the heat and might need some type of hand fan or something to keep them cool. Also think about other people being on the beach when you get married. Unless it’s a private beach then people can do what they want and I found some people to be very rude and wouldn’t move for pictures. I love the sand so I went barefoot but if you’re want to wear heels you will definitely need to build a platform or something. Good luck with your planning. I always love to see beach brides! 😊

I live in the Florida Keys. Depending on the time of year it’s going to be windy or hot 🥵 or hot AND windy. BUT many of the beach locations here (small beaches, we aren’t known for them!) are beautiful for weddings. Personally I would look into a hotel venue like Hawks Cay or the Courtyard Marriott. They have gorgeous spots and back up areas of weather is an issue. That for the middle keys. There are tons of places down here!

View Quoted Comment I know weather is such a gamble ! But they look so beautiful in photos !! I was looking into postcard inn or amara cay I love them and it’s not that far in

View Quoted Comment I’ve heard great things about both. They are in Islamorada, I’m in Marathon so a little farther south than them but gorgeous spots!

I wanted to get married on the beach but when saw how many other people are walking round (speedos and thing bikinis) that could end up in photos and the long walk onto the beach we opted out to a different outdoor venue and just did a photo shoot on the beach to make up for beach photos

One of my friends had to shift her wedding from the beach to a dock at the last minute due to high winds. She did end up taking some couple photos on the beach with her then-husband but it was so windy that her hair was all over the place and they kept getting sand blown in their eyes and faces.

My advice for beach weddings would be:

1) Have a back up plan.

2) Choose attire/hairstyles that aren't going to be a total wreck if its windy (or have Plan B options you can pivot to if needed). Even in good weather there is often a breeze and long, flowing hairstyles, lightweight veils, and delicate dresses can get blown around a ton. I feel like lightweight gauzey fabrics lend themselves to a beach aesthetic, but they can be tricky to manage if its windy. In general, I'd skip the veils in favor of flowers or a decorative hair comb, and choose a dress fabric and silhouette that won't become a safety hazard or risk exposing yourself it it happens to be gusty that day. For hair, I would choose a look that is at the very least pulled back from your face.

3) Consider going barefoot or wearing sandals or flats (there are also barefoot sandals, if you are into that sort of thing). You might be able to wear wedges or block heels but I think you risk rolling your ankle walking with higher shoes in sand. Consider getting married on the beach an opportunity to not spend a ton of money on fancy shoes. If you want to have a ceremony on th beach but do your reception indoors or elsewhere, keep that in mind when hemming your dress and choosing footwear.

I'm getting married at Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club in St. Pete and the wedding ceremony is on the beach with a gazebo. They have stones and a drape to cover the sand so that my dress and shoes won't be directly on the sand . Like others said, having a back-up plan is certainly a good idea but find out from vendors if they can get a sturdy and pretty way to walk without actually being on the sand

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I have been planning a beach wedding for a while. It is the only wedding I have always pictured for myself and up until today I have never thought about other random people being there. I don't like a lot of attention being drawn to me which is why our ceremony is only going to be our parents and siblings. I am a little worried about it now. I watched a wedding video from our venue and I am now super apprehensive about the whole thing. Do you have any advice?

View Quoted Comment I would say that if you can’t have a private area on the beach that you might not be happy. Keep looking around until you find someplace you love.

Getting married in October at Coconut Palm Inn in the Keys. Sand is harder so its perfect for a wedding. Venue is beautiful and can't wait to celebrate. Good luck!!

View Quoted Comment I’m getting married at the Marriott!

I'm getting married at the Coconut Palm Inn in Tavernier. Check it out

View Quoted Comment We just got back from our honeymoon at the Marriott in Marathon and we LOVED it. There were two weddings held while we were there and they were beautiful!
We got married in North Redington Beach (Gulf coast) which is near St. Pete but much quieter and less people on the beach. We had 25 people and it was great- although we did have a thunderstorm during the ceremony… because… Florida… haha