25 Beach Wedding Planning Tips Every Bride Needs

Picture this: soft sand between your toes, the sound of waves gently crashing, and a salty breeze playing with your veil as you walk toward the love of your life. A beach wedding is pure magic—but let’s be real, planning one can feel like herding seagulls. Between unpredictable weather, sand in places sand should never be, and guests who forget sunscreen (why?!), there’s a lot to consider. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot ceremony or a glamorous seaside soirée, these 25 beach wedding planning tips will help you pull off the perfect day without losing your sanity. Let’s dive in!

1. Pick the Perfect Beach Location

Not all beaches are created equal. Some are crowded with tourists, others have tides that’ll swallow your aisle whole, and a few might even have… questionable odors. Do your research! Visit potential spots at the same time of day as your ceremony to check for crowds, noise, and lighting. Pro tip: Look for beaches with nearby facilities (bathrooms are a must unless you’re cool with guests peeing in the ocean).

Also, check local regulations. Some beaches require permits or have strict rules about decorations and music. The last thing you want is a ranger shutting down your first dance because you didn’t file paperwork. Trust me, it happens.

A serene, empty beach at sunset with soft golden light reflecting off the water, framed by palm trees. A wooden arch decorated with flowing white fabric stands near the shoreline, ready for a ceremony.

2. Time It Right (Avoid High Tide & Midday Sun)

Timing is everything. Schedule your ceremony during low tide so you don’t end up with soggy shoes—or worse, a washed-away altar. And unless you want your guests melting into puddles, avoid midday sun. Aim for late afternoon or early evening when the light is dreamy and the temperature is bearable.

Oh, and check the sunset time. You’ll want those golden-hour photos, not a pitch-black “I do.”

A couple silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, standing at the water’s edge with waves lightly lapping at their feet. The sky is a mix of pink, orange, and purple hues.

3. Choose a Beach-Friendly Dress

That giant ballgown might look stunning in a cathedral, but on the beach? You’ll look like a seasick cupcake. Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or lace, and skip the train unless you want to drag half the beach down the aisle with you. A shorter hemline or a high-low design keeps things breezy and sand-free.

And shoes? Either go barefoot or choose flat sandals. Stilettos and sand are mortal enemies.

A flowing, bohemian-style wedding dress draped over a rustic wooden chair on the sand, with delicate lace details and a loose, beachy braid in the bride’s hair.

4. Keep Decor Simple (Wind Is a Jerk)

Wind doesn’t care about your Pinterest board. Heavy centerpieces? Gone. Delicate paper lanterns? Bye-bye. Stick to sturdy decor like driftwood, seashells, or weighted vases. If you’re using fabric, secure it tightly—otherwise, your aisle runner might become a kite.

Less is more. Let the natural beauty of the beach shine instead of fighting Mother Nature’s prankster tendencies.

A simple wooden arch adorned with draped white fabric and tropical flowers, anchored firmly in the sand. Loose petals lead to the arch in a natural, wind-swept pattern.

5. Provide Shade for Guests

Nobody likes a sunburned wedding guest (especially when they’re complaining about it during your vows). Rent umbrellas, set up a canopy, or choose a spot with natural shade. If your venue allows, consider parasols as favors—functional and cute!

Pro move: Have a basket of sunscreen and bottled water at the entrance. Your guests will thank you, and you’ll avoid any fainting incidents.

A row of white market umbrellas shading wooden chairs lined up on the sand, with a clear view of the ocean in the background. A small basket of sunscreen and water bottles sits at the aisle entrance.

6. Plan for Wind (Seriously, It’s Sneaky)

Wind will mess with your hair, your veil, your vows… everything. Use a heavy-duty hairspray, secure your veil with extra pins, and consider a chic updo instead of loose waves (unless you’re going for the “just survived a hurricane” look).

For your paperwork? Weight it down. A flying marriage license is not the keepsake you want.

A bride laughing as her veil playfully billows in the wind, with the ocean behind her. Her hair is in a secure, elegant updo, and she holds a small bouquet of tropical flowers.

7. Skip the Save-the-Date Magnets (Sand Happens)

Beach-themed save-the-dates are adorable, but avoid anything that can’t survive a sandstorm. Skip the magnets—they’ll just collect dust (and sand) on the fridge. Instead, go for a digital invite or a sturdy card with a waterproof finish.

FYI, a tiny packet of sand as a keepsake sounds cute until it bursts in the mail.

A flat-lay of elegant, beach-themed wedding invitations on a driftwood table, with a few scattered seashells and a soft linen ribbon. The design is minimalist with subtle ocean-blue accents.

8. Have a Backup Plan (Rain, Wind, or Seagulls)

Outdoor weddings are a gamble. Rent a tent or reserve a nearby indoor space in case of a downpour. And seagulls? They’re basically flying pirates. Keep food covered until serving time, or you’ll lose your cake to a winged thief mid-ceremony.

Pro tip: Assign someone to shoo away birds. It’s a weird job, but someone’s gotta do it.

A cozy, transparent tent set up on the beach with string lights and flowing curtains, offering shelter while still showcasing the ocean view. A few raindrops dot the fabric, adding a romantic touch.

9. Go Barefoot (Or Choose the Right Shoes)

Sand plus heels equals disaster. If you’re not going barefoot, opt for wedges or flat sandals that won’t sink. For the groom and groomsmen, loafers or boat shoes work great. Just remind everyone to shake out their shoes afterward—sand has a way of sticking around like an uninvited guest.

A close-up of a bride’s bare feet in the sand, with delicate anklets and a few scattered petals around her toes. The groom’s bare feet are beside hers, slightly larger and equally sandy.

10. Keep the Menu Light & Fresh

Heavy, greasy food + beach heat = unhappy guests. Stick to light, refreshing options like seafood, fruit skewers, and salads. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! A signature cocktail with coconut water or citrus keeps things festive without the dehydration hangover.

Oh, and avoid mayo-based dishes unless you want a side of food poisoning with your vows.

A rustic wooden table set with fresh seafood, colorful fruit platters, and tropical drinks in mason jars. The ocean is visible in the background, and a light breeze ruffles the linen napkins.

11. Use Natural Elements in Your Decor

Driftwood, coral, seashells—nature’s free decor! Scatter some along the aisle or use them as centerpieces. Bonus: They won’t blow away as easily as paper decorations. Just make sure everything is clean and sand-free (nobody wants a shell full of mystery beach gunk on their table).

A close-up of a driftwood centerpiece with a few candles, surrounded by scattered seashells and small succulents in glass jars. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the arrangement.

12. Mic Check (Wind Hates Your Vows Too)

Wind doesn’t just ruin hair—it steals your words. Rent a sound system with a wind-resistant microphone so your guests can actually hear you say “I do.” Otherwise, your vows will sound like a mumble-whisper-sandstorm hybrid.

Test it beforehand. If your officiant sounds like Darth Vader, adjust the settings.

A couple holding hands at the altar, with a small microphone set up on a sturdy stand. The officiant speaks into it while the wind lightly ruffles the pages of their script.

13. Keep Bugs at Bay

Sandflies and mosquitoes love weddings almost as much as your Aunt Linda loves open bars. Set up citronella torches or provide bug spray in cute baskets. If you’re serving food, keep it covered until the last second—bugs have zero respect for buffet lines.

A stylish wicker basket filled with mini bug spray bottles, tied with a linen ribbon and placed near the ceremony seating. A few citronella candles flicker in the background.

14. Assign a “Shoe Wrangler”

Guests will inevitably kick off their shoes. Assign someone to collect them in a basket or designated spot so nobody spends the reception digging through sand like a panicked archaeologist.

Extra points if you provide flip-flops as favors. Your guests’ feet will thank you.

A rustic wooden crate filled with assorted shoes, placed near the ceremony entrance with a hand-painted “Shoe Parking” sign. A few pairs of flip-flops are stacked neatly beside it.

15. Plan for Sand Management

Sand. Gets. Everywhere. Have a few large rugs or mats at the entrance to your reception area so guests can wipe their feet. Provide small towels or brushes for stubborn sand—because nobody wants a gritty dance floor.

Pro tip: Baby powder helps remove sand from skin. Toss some in the bathroom baskets.

A woven jute rug placed at the entrance of a beachside reception area, with a small sign that says “Wipe Your Feet, Please!” A few barefoot prints are visible in the sand nearby.

16. Skip the Confetti (Eco-Friendly Alternatives)

Traditional confetti is a nightmare to clean up and terrible for marine life. Use biodegradable options like dried flower petals, leaves, or even bubbles. They’re just as pretty and won’t leave the beach looking like a parade exploded.

A couple walking back down the aisle as guests blow bubbles toward them. The sunlight catches the iridescent bubbles, creating a magical, eco-friendly effect.

17. Have a First Look Session

Beach light is *chef’s kiss* perfect during golden hour. Schedule a first look photo session before the ceremony to capture those dreamy, soft-lit moments without rushing. Plus, it’ll give you two a quiet moment before the chaos begins.

A groom turning to see his bride for the first time, with the ocean in the background and golden sunlight filtering through her veil. His expression is pure awe.

18. Keep Your Bouquet Simple

Big, heavy bouquets are a pain to carry in the heat. Go for smaller, lightweight arrangements with tropical flowers or succulents. Bonus: They’ll survive the heat better than delicate blooms.

A bride holding a small, loose bouquet of white orchids and greenery, with a few strands of her hair blowing in the breeze. The simplicity complements her beachy vibe.

19. Provide Transportation for Guests

Beaches aren’t always easy to access. Arrange shuttles or golf carts for elderly guests or anyone who might struggle with sand. Trust me, Grandma will appreciate not having to trek through dunes in her heels.

A cute beach shuttle parked near the ceremony site, decorated with flowers and a “Just Married” sign. A few guests are stepping out, smiling and adjusting their hats.

20. Choose a Beach-Suitable Cake

Buttercream melts faster than your patience when dealing with RSVPs. Opt for fondant or a semi-naked cake that can withstand the heat. Or go rogue with a dessert bar—cupcakes, macarons, and fruit tarts are way less fussy.

A elegant, semi-naked cake decorated with fresh flowers and a few seashells, displayed on a rustic wooden table with the ocean in the background.

21. Have a Sunset Send-Off

End your night with a romantic sunset send-off—sparklers, lanterns, or even a barefoot dash into the waves (if your dress allows it). It’s the perfect Insta-worthy finale to your beachy love story.

A couple holding hands and running along the shoreline at sunset, with sparklers in their hands and laughter on their faces. The sky is a mix of pink and gold.

22. Pack an Emergency Kit

Sand, sun, and saltwater are a trifecta of chaos. Pack a bridal emergency kit with sunscreen, stain remover, bandaids, hairpins, and a mini sewing kit. Throw in some blotting papers too—sweaty bridal glow is only cute in photos.

[Image Prompt: A stylish woven basket filled with emergency wedding-day essentials: sunscreen, bandaids, a sewing kit, bobby pins, and a small bottle of stain remover. A handwritten label reads “Just in Case.”]

23. Hire a Local Photographer

Local photographers know the best angles, lighting, and hidden spots. They’ll also know how to work around the wind and tides. Plus, they won’t spend half the shoot complaining about sand in their equipment (probably).

A photographer crouching in the sand, capturing a couple’s first kiss under a wooden arch. The waves crash gently behind them, and the light is soft and golden.

24. Relax & Enjoy the Moment

Things will go wrong. The wind might flip your veil like a dramatic soap opera reveal, or a seagull might photobomb your first kiss. Laugh it off! At the end of the day, you’re marrying your favorite person on a beautiful beach—what could be better?

A bride and groom laughing together, mid-ceremony, as the wind playfully tosses her veil over his face. Their joy is palpable, and the ocean sparkles behind them.

25. Leave No Trace

Respect the beach! Assign a cleanup crew to collect every last shell, ribbon, and program. Leave it prettier than you found it—future couples (and sea turtles) will thank you.

A clean, pristine beach at sunset, with only a few footprints left in the sand. A single seashell sits undisturbed near the water’s edge, symbolizing a perfect day with zero environmental impact.

And there you have it—25 tips to make your beach wedding as smooth as a seashell and twice as beautiful. Remember, the best weddings aren’t the ones where everything goes perfectly, but the ones where you’re too busy having fun to care about the little mishaps. So slap on some sunscreen, kick off your shoes, and get ready for the most unforgettable day of your life. Cheers to love, saltwater, and happily ever after!