27 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Beach Wedding

So, you’re dreaming of a beach wedding—soft sand, crashing waves, and that golden sunset lighting up your “I do” moment. Sounds perfect, right? Well, it can be… if you avoid the common pitfalls that turn this dreamy vision into a sandy disaster. Trust me, I’ve seen (and made) enough beach wedding mistakes to fill a seashell collection. From forgetting the tide schedule to guests melting in the sun like ice cream, there’s a lot that can go wrong. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the 27 mistakes you absolutely need to avoid when planning your beach wedding.

1. Not Checking the Tide Schedule

Picture this: You’ve set up a gorgeous arch right by the water, only to watch it get swallowed by the rising tide mid-ceremony. Yikes. Always check the tide schedule for your wedding day and time. High tide might leave you with a soggy aisle, while low tide could expose less-than-picturesque seaweed or rocks. Pro tip: Local fishermen or surfers usually know the best times—ask around!

A couple standing at the edge of the water with a wedding arch behind them, waves creeping closer as the tide rises, guests looking concerned in the background.

2. Ignoring the Wind

Wind and beach weddings go together like salt and pepper—except when your veil ends up in another zip code. Opt for heavier fabrics, secure decor with weights, and skip the loose confetti (unless you want to litter the ocean). And ladies, maybe reconsider that floor-length veil unless you’re going for the “mermaid caught in a net” look.

A bride laughing as her long veil whips dramatically in the wind, guests clutching their hats, and a few napkins flying off a nearby table.

3. Forgetting Shade for Guests

Nothing ruins a wedding faster than sunburned, dehydrated guests. Provide shade with umbrellas, a canopy, or even a tent. Bonus points for offering sunscreen and bottled water—your guests will thank you when they’re not peeling like lobsters the next day.

A stylish beach wedding setup with white parasols shading guests, a refreshment table with sunscreen and water bottles, and everyone looking relaxed under the shade.

4. Choosing the Wrong Footwear

Stilettos on sand? Good luck with that. Unless you’re aiming for a comedy routine, opt for wedges, flat sandals, or even barefoot (just watch out for hot sand). And tell your bridal party to do the same—no one wants to see groomsmen wobbling like newborn giraffes.

A close-up of a bride’s feet in delicate flat sandals adorned with seashells, standing on soft sand, with a few abandoned high heels buried nearby.

5. Skipping a Sound Check

Waves are romantic until they drown out your vows. Test your sound system beforehand to ensure everyone hears your “I do”s over the ocean’s soundtrack. A small PA system or even a microphone can make all the difference.

A couple holding hands at the altar, a small speaker system discreetly placed nearby, and guests leaning in to hear the vows over the sound of gentle waves.

6. Overlooking Permits

Public beaches often require permits for events, and some don’t allow weddings at all. Don’t assume you can just show up—check local regulations and secure permits early. The last thing you need is a ranger crashing your ceremony to hand you a fine.

A close-up of a wedding permit document with a beach backdrop, a pen resting on top, and a pair of sunglasses beside it.

7. Not Having a Rain Plan

Beach weather is unpredictable. A sudden downpour can turn your dream wedding into a wet T-shirt contest. Always have a backup plan, whether it’s a tent, a nearby indoor venue, or at least some cute umbrellas for photos.

A couple sharing a kiss under a clear umbrella as rain falls lightly around them, guests huddled under a nearby tent laughing.

8. Picking the Wrong Time of Day

Midday sun = squinting, sweat, and shadows that make everyone look like they have raccoon eyes. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temps. Plus, golden hour photos? Chef’s kiss.

A couple silhouetted against a stunning sunset, the sky painted in shades of pink and orange, with the ocean waves gently rolling in.

9. Forgetting About Bugs

Sandflies and mosquitoes love beach weddings almost as much as you do. Set up citronella candles or provide bug spray to keep uninvited guests from feasting on your actual guests.

A decorative table with elegant citronella candles, a stylish bug spray bottle, and a few seashells scattered around.

10. Not Considering Accessibility

Sand is a nightmare for wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone with mobility issues. If you have elderly or disabled guests, consider a boardwalk or solid pathway. Or at least offer assistance—no one wants Grandma stuck in the dunes.

A smooth wooden pathway leading to the ceremony setup, with a guest in a wheelchair smiling as they easily roll toward the seating area.

11. Using Regular Paper Decor

Wind + paper programs = instant confetti. Use heavier materials like cardstock or fabric for programs, menus, and signs. Or go digital with a QR code—eco-friendly and windproof!

A close-up of a sturdy fabric wedding program tied with a ribbon, resting on a wooden clipboard, with the ocean in the background.

12. Not Securing the Cake

A gust of wind can turn your beautiful cake into a sandy mess. Keep it covered until serving time, or opt for a dessert less prone to disaster (cupcakes, anyone?).

A stylish cupcake tower with ocean-themed decorations, each cupcake securely nestled in its spot, under a clear acrylic cover.

13. Ignoring Local Wildlife

Seagulls will steal your food, crabs might crash the dance floor, and jellyfish… well, let’s not go there. Check for local wildlife habits and plan accordingly. Maybe skip the buffet if you’re in seagull territory.

A humorous shot of a seagull eyeing a wedding cake from a distance, with a bridesmaid shooing it away playfully.

14. Not Providing Seating for All

Standing for an hour on sand is exhausting. Ensure there’s enough seating for everyone, especially older guests. No one wants to watch Aunt Linda face-plant into the sand halfway through the ceremony.

Rows of comfortable white chairs half-buried in the sand, with cushions and a clear aisle leading to the altar.

15. Overcomplicating the Menu

Lobster and caviar sound fancy, but sand + delicate food = disaster. Stick to easy-to-eat options like sliders, skewers, or anything that won’t require a fork battle in the breeze.

A rustic wooden table with simple, delicious beach-friendly food like grilled shrimp skewers, mini sliders, and fruit cups.

16. Forgetting a Changing Area

Changing into your wedding attire in a porta-potty? Hard pass. Arrange a proper changing area or nearby restroom for you and the bridal party. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle your dress in a tiny space.

A stylish beach cabana with flowing curtains, a full-length mirror inside, and a bridesmaid helping the bride adjust her dress.

17. Not Having a Cleanup Plan

Leave the beach as pristine as you found it. Assign someone to handle cleanup or hire a service—because nothing ruins the romance like picking up stray napkins in your wedding gown.

A couple walking hand-in-hand down the beach at sunset, with a clean ceremony site behind them and a staff member discreetly collecting decorations.

18. Skipping a First Look

Beach weddings often have tight timelines due to tides and light. A first look ensures you get those magical photos without rushing. Plus, it’s a sweet private moment before the chaos begins.

A groom’s emotional reaction as he turns to see his bride for the first time, the ocean waves softly crashing behind them.

19. Not Testing Hair and Makeup

Humidity + beach = frizz and meltdowns. Do a trial run with your stylist to ensure your look holds up. Waterproof mascara is non-negotiable, unless you’re going for the “just swam with dolphins” vibe.

A bride laughing as a stylist sprays her updo with anti-frizz hairspray, a makeup artist touching up her waterproof mascara nearby.

20. Overlooking Guest Comfort

Provide blankets if it’s chilly, fans if it’s hot, and clear instructions on parking/transport. Happy guests = a happier you.

A cozy basket filled with folded blankets and handheld fans, placed at the entrance of the ceremony site with a sign saying "For Your Comfort."

21. Not Having a Day-Of Coordinator

You shouldn’t be the one directing vendors or fixing decor mishaps. Hire a coordinator or ask a friend to handle logistics so you can focus on, you know, getting married.

A professional coordinator with a clipboard and headset, discreetly directing vendors as the ceremony begins in the background.

22. Choosing a Flimsy Arch

That Pinterest-perfect arch won’t last five minutes in the wind unless it’s anchored properly. Go for sturdy materials and weights—or just embrace nature’s backdrop and skip it altogether.

A solid wooden wedding arch decorated with flowing fabric and secured with heavy weights buried in the sand, standing strong against the breeze.

23. Not Considering Sand in Everything

Sand will get everywhere—your shoes, your dress, your cake. Accept it. But you can minimize it by having towels and a rinsing station for guests.

A stylish outdoor rinsing station with buckets of water and towels, a few guests washing sand off their feet and laughing.

24. Forgetting About Parking

Beach parking is often limited. Arrange shuttles or carpooling so guests aren’t circling for hours like hungry seagulls.

A vintage-style shuttle bus parked near the beach entrance, guests stepping out and walking toward the ceremony site.

25. Not Breaking in Your Shoes

New shoes + sand = blisters from hell. Break them in beforehand or bring comfy backups. Your feet will thank you during the dance party.

26. Skipping a Reception Floor

Dancing on sand is harder than it looks. Rent a dance floor or pick a venue with solid ground unless you want your guests to look like they’re doing the “stuck in the mud” challenge.

A wooden dance floor set up on the sand, guests dancing under string lights, with the ocean in the background.

27. Not Enjoying the Moment

Amid all the planning, don’t forget to soak it in. Take a deep breath, feel the sand between your toes, and remember why you’re here. It’s your day—sandy mishaps and all.

A couple sharing a quiet moment, foreheads touching, as the sun sets behind them, the ocean waves gently rolling in.

And there you have it—27 mistakes to avoid so your beach wedding is nothing short of magical. Sure, things might go a little off-script (when don’t they?), but with these tips, you’ll be prepared for whatever the ocean throws your way. Now go forth, say “I do” with your toes in the sand, and dance the night away—preferably on a solid floor. Cheers to your happily ever after!