19 Things Brides Forget When Planning a Beach Wedding

So, you’re planning a beach wedding? Congrats! Sun, sand, and salty breezes—what’s not to love? But before you start daydreaming about sunset vows and barefoot walks down the aisle, let’s talk about the sneaky little details that often slip through the cracks. Trust me, as someone who’s seen more than a few beach weddings go sideways (thanks, rogue waves and uninvited seagulls), I’ve got your back.

Beach weddings are magical, but they come with their own set of quirks. Between the wind, the tides, and the fact that sand gets everywhere, there’s a lot to remember. And let’s be real—when you’re juggling florists, caterers, and that one relative who insists on bringing their emotional support parrot, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff. But hey, that’s why I’m here! Let’s dive into the 19 things brides often forget when planning a beach wedding. Consider this your friendly, slightly sarcastic survival guide.

1. The Wind Factor

Ah, the ocean breeze—so romantic until your veil becomes a sail and your hair resembles a tumbleweed. Wind is the uninvited guest at every beach wedding, and it will mess with your decor, your dress, and your dignity. Opt for heavy-duty clips for your hair, weighted tablecloths, and maybe skip the lightweight chiffon aisle runner unless you want it to double as a kite.

Pro tip: Do a “wind test” during your venue visit. Hold up a lightweight scarf or napkin to see how gusty it gets. If it flies away like it’s late for a meeting, adjust your plans accordingly.

A bride laughing as her veil billows dramatically in the wind, with the ocean in the background. Her bridesmaids are holding down tablecloths while guests clutch their hats. The scene is chaotic but joyful, with golden sunset light filtering through the fabric.

2. Sand-Friendly Footwear

Those gorgeous stilettos? Yeah, they’re about to become sand anchors. Unless you want to spend your ceremony wobbling like a newborn giraffe, rethink your shoe game. Barefoot is classic, but if you’re not into that, consider flat sandals, espadrilles, or even those fancy “beach heels” with wider bases.

And don’t forget to warn your guests! A cute sign like “Kick off your shoes—sand awaits!” saves everyone from awkward sinking moments.

A close-up of a bride’s feet in delicate lace-trimmed sandals, half-buried in soft white sand. A pair of abandoned high heels sits nearby, tilted at a comical angle. The ocean waves foam gently in the background.

3. Backup Weather Plans

You might be praying for sunshine, but Mother Nature has a dark sense of humor. Rain, wind, or even a surprise heatwave can crash your party. Always have a solid Plan B—whether it’s a nearby tent, an indoor space, or at least a stash of umbrellas for guests. I once saw a bride swap her beach ceremony for a cozy lighthouse rental last-minute, and it was perfect.

Check the venue’s policy on weather backups, and don’t assume “it won’t happen to me.” Spoiler: It might.

A dramatic shot of a stormy beach with dark clouds rolling in, juxtaposed with a cheerful, well-decorated indoor backup venue. A bride and groom smile under string lights, holding hands as rain streaks the windows behind them.

4. Sunscreen Station

Nothing ruins a wedding faster than a lobster-red groom or a sunburned grandma. Set up a cute sunscreen station with SPF 30+, aloe vera, and maybe even some floppy hats for guests who forgot their own. Bonus points if you personalize mini bottles with your wedding date—practical and a fun favor!

FYI, spray sunscreen is a lifesaver for reapplying over fancy outfits without the greasy hands.

A rustic wooden tray filled with elegant sunscreen bottles, aloe vera sprays, and rolled-up towels, placed on a driftwood table under a linen canopy. A handwritten chalkboard sign reads "Sun Protection Station" in cursive.

5. Tide Schedules

High tide might sound like a pirate adventure, but it’s less fun when your aisle is underwater. Check local tide charts for your wedding date and time—you don’t want to arrive to find your ceremony spot swallowed by the ocean. Some beaches even have “disappearing” sandbars at high tide. Talk about awkward timing.

Ask your venue coordinator or a local fisherman for the best tide windows. Trust me, they know.

A serene beach at low tide, with a wooden archway set up on dry sand. In the distance, the ocean creeps closer, hinting at the incoming tide. A tide chart hangs from the arch, fluttering slightly in the breeze.

6. Sound System Struggles

Waves are loud. Like, “did-you-even-say-I-do?” loud. A basic Bluetooth speaker won’t cut it—invest in a professional sound system with waterproof gear. Microphones, especially. You want your vows heard over the crashing waves and that one seagull screaming like it’s being haunted.

Test the setup during your rehearsal. If you can’t hear the officiant over the ocean, neither can your guests.

A sound technician adjusting a sturdy, weatherproof speaker system tucked discreetly behind a dune. The bride and groom stand at the altar, microphones in hand, as waves crash dramatically behind them.

7. Sand-Free Seating

Guests + sandy chairs = itchy regrets. If you’re using chairs, wipe them down right before the ceremony or cover them with fabric. Better yet, opt for benches or wooden chairs that sand can’t cling to as easily. Nobody wants to leave your wedding with a backside full of grit.

For extra credit, provide little brushes or towels for guests to dust off their seats. They’ll thank you silently.

A row of white wooden chairs draped with flowing linen covers, each with a small decorative brush tied to the arm. The sand around them is neatly swept, and a few seashells are scattered for decoration.

8. Bug Repellent

Beaches aren’t just sun and fun—they’re also bug buffets. Sand flies, mosquitoes, and other uninvited guests love a good sunset gathering. Set out citronella candles, bug spray, or even those fancy ultrasonic repellents if you’re feeling techy.

Pro tip: Avoid super fragrant flowers or candles that attract bugs. That lavender might smell heavenly, but so do your guests to mosquitoes.

A stylish wicker basket filled with natural bug repellent sprays, citronella candles in glass holders, and a handwritten note: "Bite-free zone! Help yourself." The basket sits on a vintage crate near the ceremony seating.

9. Dress Code Clarity

“Beach formal” means different things to different people. Uncle Bob might show up in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops (which, honestly, iconic), while Aunt Karen arrives in a ball gown. Spell it out on your invites: “Light linen suits, sundresses, barefoot-friendly shoes.”

Include a note about sun protection, too. “Sunglasses encouraged” is a classy way to say “you’ll need these.”

A playful invitation suite laid out on sand, with a detailed dress code card that reads "Beach Chic: Sundresses, linen, and sandy toes welcome!" A pair of sunglasses and a seashell rest on top.

10. Hydration Station

Sun + salt air = dehydration central. Skip the champagne toast for now and set up a water station with infused pitchers (cucumber-mint, anyone?) or coconut water. Guests will love you for it, especially if they’ve been dancing under the sun.

Add a cute sign like “Stay hydrated, lovebirds!” to tie it into your theme.

A rustic table with glass dispensers of fruit-infused water, surrounded by sliced lemons and mint sprigs. Copper cups are stacked nearby, and a chalkboard sign leans against a pitcher with the hashtag "#HydratedAndHappy."

11. Parking Logistics

Beaches aren’t known for their abundant parking. If your venue has limited spots, arrange a shuttle or rideshare codes for guests. The last thing you want is your cousin circling the lot for an hour, muttering curses under their breath.

Include clear parking instructions in your invites or wedding website. GPS doesn’t always play nice with coastal roads.

A vintage-style map tucked into a wedding invitation, highlighting shuttle pickup points and parking areas near the beach. A tiny wooden car charm is tied to the map with twine.

12. Sand-Free Exit Strategy

That romantic barefoot run into the sunset? Adorable, until you’re shaking sand out of your dress for weeks. Keep towels and a foot-washing station near the exit so guests (and you!) can de-sand before hopping into cars or limos.

Bonus: Provide flip-flops for dancing guests who ditched their shoes. Their feet will thank you.

A whimsical foot-washing station with a wooden barrel filled with fresh water, surrounded by fluffy towels and baskets of flip-flops. A sign reads "Wash the sand away, but keep the memories!"

13. Seagull Sabotage

Seagulls are the ultimate wedding crashers. They’ll steal your cake, your snacks, and possibly your sanity. Keep food covered until serving, and assign a “gull wrangler” (usually a willing cousin) to shoo them away during outdoor meals.

True story: I once saw a seagull nab an entire dinner roll mid-speech. The groom still hasn’t recovered.

A mischievous seagull perched on a chair near the buffet, eyeing a tiered wedding cake. A server in the background waves a towel dramatically, while guests laugh and shield their plates.

14. Sunset Timing

Golden hour photos are a must, but sunset waits for no one. Work with your photographer to nail the timing—you don’t want to be mid-vows when the light disappears. Schedule portraits before the ceremony if needed, or build in a buffer for “just married” shots.

Check sunset times for your date and location. Apps like Photographer’s Ephemeris are clutch for this.

A couple silhouetted against a blazing orange sunset, holding hands at the water’s edge. The photographer crouches in the foreground, capturing the perfect moment as waves lick their feet.

15. Marriage License Logistics

Beach weddings often mean destination paperwork. Research local marriage license requirements early. Some places need blood tests, waiting periods, or notarized forms. Nothing kills the vibe like realizing your wedding isn’t legal because you forgot a stamp.

Pro tip: Pack your license in a waterproof folder. Salt air loves to warp paper.

A close-up of a couple signing their marriage license at a wooden desk under a palm-thatched roof. A local officiant smiles as they hand over a pen, with the ocean visible through an open window.

16. Accessibility for All Guests

Sand and wheelchairs (or walkers) don’t mix. If you have guests with mobility challenges, rent a wooden walkway or choose a venue with paved access. No one should miss your ceremony because the terrain is too tough.

Talk to your venue about ADA-compliant options. It’s 2024—this shouldn’t be an afterthought.

A smooth wooden ramp leading from a paved path to a beach ceremony space, flanked by rope railings. A guest in a wheelchair smiles as they’re escorted to their seat, with the ocean in the background.

17. Officiant’s Comfort

Your officiant might be sweating buckets in their robes under the sun. Provide shade, water, and maybe even a handheld fan. If they’re miserable, your ceremony might feel rushed. (Also, nobody wants a fainting mid-vows situation.)

Same goes for musicians or readers. Keep everyone cool and hydrated.

A kindly officiant in lightweight linen robes, standing under a flowing canopy with a glass of iced tea in hand. The couple laughs as they fan themselves with paper programs decorated with palm fronds.

18. Post-Wedding Cleanup

Leave no trace—unless you want angry locals and fines. Assign a cleanup crew (or hire one) to collect decor, trash, and rogue champagne bottles. Many beaches have strict rules about leaving things behind, especially if you used flowers or confetti.

Pro tip: Biodegradable decor = less guilt when a wave carries it away.

A team of staff collecting folded chairs and gathering fallen petals into woven baskets as the sun dips below the horizon. A "Leave Only Footprints" sign is staked into the sand nearby.

19. Enjoy the Moment

Amid all the planning, don’t forget to actually enjoy your wedding. So what if the napkins blow away or your hair gets wild? You’re marrying your person with the ocean as your witness. That’s pretty damn magical.

Take a deep breath, feel the sand between your toes, and soak it all in. You’ve earned this.

A candid shot of the bride and groom laughing as they embrace, her dress slightly windswept and his tie loosened. The setting sun casts a golden glow over them, with blurred guests clapping in the background.

And there you have it—19 things even the most organized brides forget when planning a beach wedding. Whether it’s battling seagulls or mastering tide charts, you’re now armed with the knowledge to pull off a flawless (or at least laughably memorable) day. Remember, perfection is overrated. A little sand in your shoes just means you’ve had an adventure.

Now go forth, embrace the chaos, and have the most joyfully imperfect beach wedding ever. And when someone inevitably asks, “Did you think about the wind?” you can smugly reply, “Obviously.” Happy planning, lovebirds!