The Do’s and Don’ts of a Florida Beach Elopement

October 18, 2020

So you’re planning a beach elopement in Florida? Chances are that you’re probably envisioning the soft sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets and cool ocean breeze. But when it comes to planning the smaller details and guest arrangements, there’s a few things to keep in mind to make sure your day runs smoothly. Here’s a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to Florida beach elopements!

Photo by Caroline Thomas Photography

Ditch the heels. When you’re walking down the aisle, it’s better to be barefoot or opt for a flat shoe. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in the sand on the way to the altar!

Lightweight fabrics are your best friend. Consider breezy fabrics for your bridesmaids (if you’re planning on including them in your ceremony) like chiffon or tulle. For the men, stay away from thick, wool blend suits and go for something a bit more breathable. 

Photo by Ledia Tashi Photography

Make sure your permits are in order. Here in Florida there are both public and private beaches along the coast. In order to ensure you don’t run into any issues on the day, make sure any permits needed are filed and approved beforehand. Don’t worry – this is something that we’ll help you take care of! 

Consider a weekday if it works with your schedule. With any of Florida’s private beaches, the weekends can be unpredictable. As a major tourist hotspot, it’s likely that a decent number of people could be on the beach that day. If you’re looking for things to be a bit more private, consider a weekday for your wedding as less tourists are likely to be lounging along the beach. 

Photo by Lifelong Photography Studio

Skip the loose petals. The ocean breeze can be marvelous, but not when it comes to flower petals scattered along the aisle. Oftentimes they can blow all over the guests and become a bit of a nuisance. On extremely windy days, it might be a good idea to pass on a long veil, too. Nothing is worse than your photographer trying to capture photos and a rouge veil ruining the shot! 

Coordinate with your guests ahead of time. Sometimes it can be difficult to secure parking right along the beach, so make sure you budget for plenty of time for them to arrive, park and find their seats on the beach. If there is limited parking available for your location, consider offering a method of transportation (like a beach shuttle or trolley) to make things easy for them. Overall, just be sure to communicate all of the options to your guests so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly. 

Photo by Beautiful Life Studios

Hydrate and wear your SPF! We can’t stress this enough – be sure to take care of yourself on the day to feel your best. Drink lots of water throughout the day and apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the body to prevent burns. If you’re not accustomed to Florida heat and humidity this is crucial.

Have any other questions about planning your beach elopement? Chat with us here. 

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