Are you dreaming of a serene coastal wedding, surrounded by the gentle sound of lapping waves and the sand between your toes? You’re in the right place. In case you couldn’t tell, we love weddings, and beach weddings are among our favourites! The natural beauty of the seaside creates an idyllic backdrop for your special day, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration.
From choosing the perfect beach wedding venue to adding those personal touches that make your day uniquely yours, we’ve got you covered. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your beach wedding is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Ready to start planning your dream beach wedding? Let’s dive (pun not intended) in and create a seaside celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever. Here’s how to make your coastal wedding dreams a reality.
What is a beach wedding?
A beach wedding is a wedding ceremony or reception held on the sandy shores of your favourite beach. Beach weddings are beautiful, low-key, and perfect for couples who want a relaxed atmosphere on their big day.
The great thing about beach weddings is they’re brilliantly versatile. They can be as casual as a barefoot ceremony, with just a few close friends and family, or as elaborate as a decorated event with all the trimmings.
Can I get legally married on a beach?
Yes, you can get legally married on a beach, provided that the beach is part of a legally licensed wedding venue. But, if you’d like to get married in a more rural location, or you aren’t sure whether your venue is licensed, you could always get legally married before the ceremony, then have a blessing on the beach before moving on to a celebration at another location. This way, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach for your ceremony without worrying about the legalities.
How popular are beach weddings?
Beach and destination weddings are extremely popular among today’s couples. According to Bridebook’s 2024 Engagement Report, a whopping 32% of couples are planning their wedding outside the UK. Italy and Greece are the most popular destinations, with 24% of those couples looking to get married in Italy, and another 20% looking to get hitched in Greece. Spain and Cyprus are also high on the list, with France, Vegas, and Mexico making honourable mentions.
Although some of these destination weddings may be taking place in historic chateaus, beautiful villas, or charming local chapels, many of these couples will be opting for relaxed beach weddings on golden sands.
How to plan the perfect beach wedding
Ready to start planning your dream beach wedding? Here are some tips to help you create a perfect seaside celebration.
Step 1: Sign up to Bridebook
First things first — you need to sign up to Bridebook.
Bridebook is your one-stop-shop for all things wedding planning. From the handy guest list planner to preferential rates on vendors, our easy-to-use app has everything you need to plan your dream wedding. Sign up for your free account today and start exploring all the tools and resources available to make your beach wedding planning a breeze!
Step 2: Set a budget
Although it isn’t as glamorous as shopping for a dress or designing your invitations, setting a budget is a key part of wedding planning. Your budget will determine every aspect of your wedding, from the venue to the flowers to the food. We know it’s tempting not to keep track of spending, but small purchases add up quickly, and it’s important to keep an eye on your budget to avoid any surprises.
Bridebook’s built-in budget planning tool is perfect for helping you keep on track with spending. This handy tool will break your overall budget down into common spending categories like the venue, catering, cake, dress, rings and more, before asking you to record what you’ve actually spent and letting you know where you’re up to on your budget. You can also customise every aspect of your budget. For example, if you’re getting your cake for free because your friend is making it, or if you’re using family heirlooms for your wedding bands. It’s easy to plan exactly what you’re going to spend and your current outgoings with Bridebook.
Step 3: Set a date
The next step is to pick your date. Beach weddings are best planned in the late spring or early summer. This will give you the best chance of enjoying the beautiful weather without it being too warm.
Be sure to check the local weather if you’re planning a destination wedding. Make sure your chosen date aligns with the best weather forecasts for that country. For example, countries like the Maldives or the Caribbean have rainy seasons, whichyou’ll want to avoid. Choosing a date during the off-peak season can also be a good idea, as it might be less crowded and potentially more affordable.
Picking your date means you have something to work towards and can start making concrete plans. With a set date, you can begin booking your venue, sending out save-the-dates, and coordinating with vendors. Having a timeline for your preparations will keep everything on track and ensure your big day is just perfect.
Step 4: Consider going abroad
If you haven’t already started looking at destination weddings, now’s the time to consider where you might want to say “I do.” Destination weddings can be incredibly special, offering you and your guests a mini-holiday as part of the celebration and giving you the perfect opportunity to plan a mini-moon.
Popular destinations for beach weddings include Greece, Italy, and Spain. However, you can get married in any country with a coastline. Plus, you can usually get more for your money abroad, meaning you can have a truly spectacular wedding without breaking the bank.
For more inspiration, check out our dedicated post on top destination wedding locations.
Step 5: Think about the logistics
While planning a beach or destination wedding is exciting, it’s important to consider the logistics to ensure everything goes smoothly. For example, remote locations may not be accessible to guests who use wheelchairs or are on crutches. Equally, a destination wedding may not be accessible to grandparents or older family members.
You also need to think about the cost aspect. Although you can get more for your money abroad in terms of the celebration, some guests may not be able to afford the plane ticket or cost of accommodation.
If your heart is set on going abroad, consider throwing a smaller, post-wedding celebration when you come home for all the guests who couldn’t make your big day. This ensures everyone feels included in your big day, regardless of their ability to travel.
Step 6: Start your planning
Once you’ve ticked off the major decisions, it’s time to dive into the fun details. Check out these creative beach-themed wedding ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Beach wedding catering
Beach wedding catering should make the most of the local flavours of wherever you’re getting married. For example, if you’re getting married on a UK beach, consider using local mussels, local fish, leeks, or other root vegetables as part of your meal. Equally, if you’re getting married in Italy, consider using fresh pasta, local cheeses, olives, and tomatoes to create a delicious, authentic menu. Incorporating local flavours not only makes your meal memorable but also supports the local economy!
Beach wedding colours
When it comes to your wedding colour scheme, white, light pastel tones, light earth tones, and pale blues or seafoam green are all great options for a beautiful beach wedding. These colours blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings and add a touch of elegance to your seaside celebration. Think of incorporating these shades into your decorations, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and even your wedding cake, for a harmonious look.
Beach wedding attire
Think light, floaty fabrics, flat shoes, and casual, yet elegant styles. Flowy dresses, linen suits, and sandals or even barefoot options are perfect for a beach setting. Make sure to let your guests know the dress code so they can dress comfortably for the sand and sun.
Beach wedding decorations
Try to incorporate the natural beauty of the coastline into your beach wedding decor. Think driftwood, seaglass, seashells, and even small potted plants or succulents. You can also use lanterns, fairy lights, and candles to create a magical ambiance as the sun sets. Personalised touches like engraved seashells or beach-themed place cards can add a unique flair.
Beach wedding favours
Although wedding favours aren’t always expected, offering beach-themed wedding favours can be a nice touch to show your appreciation to your guests. Consider giving out small bottles of sand from the beach where you’re getting married, personalised flip-flops, or beach towels. Eco-friendly options like reusable tote bags, bamboo utensils, or handmade soaps can also make thoughtful and practical favours.
Beach wedding invites
Lean into the coastal aesthetic with your invitations by using beach-themed designs. Think about incorporating elements like seashells, starfish, and waves in your invites. You can use textured paper to mimic the feel of sand or opt for pastel colours that reflect the serene beach atmosphere. Adding a touch of whimsy with a message in a bottle or a nautical map can make your invitations truly memorable.
Beach wedding cake
Beachy wedding cakes are all about incorporating elements of the sea and shore. Think about cakes adorned with edible seashells, starfish, and coral. You could opt for a simple yet elegant cake with a watercolour finish in shades of blue and green, mimicking the ocean waves. A naked cake with fresh tropical fruits and flowers can also add a delightful and natural touch.
Step 7: Have a foolproof backup plan
No matter how confident you are that your wedding will be filled with sunshine, it’s crucial to have a backup plan. The UK has famously unpredictable weather, and you can’t count on destination weddings being perfectly sunny either. Renting a tent or canopy can provide shelter from unexpected rain or intense sun. Additionally, having an indoor venue nearby as a contingency can ensure that your celebration goes off without a hitch, come rain or shine.
Step 8: Sit back and relax!
The final step is to sit back and relax. You’ve done it! The hard part is out of the way and now you have your lovely wedding day to look forward to. Take time to yourself, try to switch off from wedding planning, and maybe schedule a few beach walks? You’ve earned it!
Plan your dream beach wedding with Bridebook
Beach weddings are a beautiful but low-key way to celebrate your love. It’s easy to keep them chilled and laid-back, or dress them up to be a truly fabulous affair. Whatever your preference, you’ll want to have Bridebook on your side.
Bridebook is your free, all-in-one wedding planning tool. With Bridebook, you can effortlessly organise every aspect of your wedding, from managing your guest list to finding the perfect beach wedding venues. Sign up today and start planning your dream beach wedding with ease!
