16 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Beach Wedding

Introduction

So, you’re dreaming of a beach wedding—soft sand underfoot, the sound of waves crashing, and that golden sunset lighting up your vows. Sounds perfect, right? Well, it can be… if you avoid the common pitfalls that turn dreamy beach nuptials into a sandy disaster. Trust me, I’ve seen it all—from runaway veils caught in ocean breezes to guests melting in the sun because no one thought to provide shade. Oops.

Planning a beach wedding isn’t just about picking a pretty location and calling it a day. There are sneaky little details that can trip you up if you’re not careful. And let’s be real, no one wants their wedding photos to feature Uncle Bob sweating through his suit or a gust of wind sending your carefully arranged centerpieces flying.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of 27 mistakes to avoid when planning your beach wedding. Whether you’re going for a barefoot bohemian vibe or a sleek coastal chic affair, these tips will help you dodge the drama and keep your day as smooth as a seashell. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

A couple standing barefoot on a pristine sandy beach at sunset, holding hands with the ocean waves gently lapping at their feet. The bride wears a flowing, lightweight gown with delicate lace details, while the groom sports a relaxed linen suit. Palm trees frame the background, and a few scattered seashells add to the romantic ambiance.

1. Not Checking the Tide Schedule

Picture this: You’ve spent months planning the perfect ceremony spot right at the water’s edge… only to arrive and find your “aisle” underwater. Yep, tides are a thing, and they don’t care about your Pinterest board. Always check the tide schedule for your wedding day and time. High tide can swallow your setup, while low tide might leave you with a less-than-romantic view of seaweed and wet sand.

Pro tip: Local fishermen or surfers usually know the tides like the back of their hand—ask around if official charts confuse you. And maybe avoid scheduling your ceremony during the “king tide” unless you want an unplanned swim.

A wide shot of a beach at high tide, with waves crashing close to a wooden wedding arch that’s partially submerged. The sky is moody with soft golden sunset light, and a few seagulls fly overhead, adding drama to the scene.

2. Forgetting About Wind

Ah, the ocean breeze—so refreshing… until it turns your veil into a sail and your hair into a tangled mess. Wind is the silent saboteur of beach weddings, and if you don’t plan for it, you’ll spend half your ceremony battling your own dress. Opt for lightweight fabrics that won’t turn into parachutes, and skip the voluminous ball gown unless you want to recreate a scene from a rom-com.

Hair-wise, updos or loose waves secured with plenty of hairspray are your friends. And maybe warn your officiant to hold onto their notes unless you want them to end up in the next county.

A bride laughing as her long, flowy veil billows dramatically in the wind, caught mid-movement. She’s holding it playfully while standing near the water’s edge, with the ocean and sky creating a soft blue backdrop.

3. Ignoring the Sun’s Position

Nothing says “awkward wedding photos” like squinting guests and harsh shadows because the sun is directly in everyone’s eyes. The golden hour (about an hour before sunset) is your best bet for flattering light, but if you’re stuck with a midday ceremony, position your setup so the sun is behind you or to the side.

Bonus points if you provide sunglasses for guests or set up a shaded area. No one wants to watch you say “I do” while shielding their eyes like they’re staring into the Ark of the Covenant.

A couple silhouetted against a stunning sunset, with the sun low in the sky casting a warm golden glow over the beach. The bride’s dress and the groom’s suit are slightly backlit, creating a dreamy, romantic effect.

4. Assuming Everyone Knows How to Dress

Newsflash: Not everyone owns a linen suit or a breezy sundress. If you’re going for a casual beach vibe, make it clear on your invites. Otherwise, Aunt Karen might show up in a floor-length ball gown and heels, only to sink into the sand like she’s in quicksand.

A simple note like “Beach chic attire: sand-friendly shoes recommended!” saves everyone the embarrassment. And maybe remind guests to skip the black suits unless they want to sweat through their vows.

A group of well-dressed wedding guests standing on the beach, laughing as one man struggles to walk in formal dress shoes that keep sinking into the sand. The women wear flowy sundresses and wide-brimmed hats, perfectly suited for the setting.

5. Not Having a Backup Plan for Weather

“But the forecast said sunny!” Famous last words. Coastal weather is notoriously unpredictable, and even a 10% chance of rain can turn into a downpour when you least expect it. Always have a backup plan—whether it’s a nearby tent, a rented indoor space, or even a stack of cute umbrellas for guests.

I once attended a beach wedding where the couple swore they didn’t need a Plan B… until a sudden storm sent everyone sprinting to their cars. Spoiler: Their photos were… memorable, but not in the way they hoped.

A dramatic shot of a storm rolling in over the ocean, with dark clouds contrasting against the last streaks of sunlight. A few raindrops are visible, and a couple stands under a large white umbrella, laughing as they huddle together.

6. Choosing the Wrong Footwear

Stilettos and sand are mortal enemies. If you’ve ever tried walking in heels on a beach, you know it’s like trying to ice skate in flip-flops—disastrous. Opt for wedges, flat sandals, or even barefoot if your venue allows it. And for the love of all things holy, break in your shoes beforehand. Blisters are not the souvenir you want from your wedding day.

FYI, this applies to guests too. A basket of flip-flops near the ceremony entrance is a thoughtful touch (and might save you from a few twisted ankles).

A close-up of a bride’s feet in delicate bejeweled sandals, half-buried in soft white sand with a few scattered seashells nearby. The ocean waves are gently rolling in the background, creating a serene vibe.

7. Overlooking Guest Comfort

Beaches are beautiful, but they’re not always comfortable. Scorching sand, blazing sun, and zero shade can turn your wedding into a survival challenge. Provide essentials like sunscreen stations, bottled water, and shaded seating. If you’re getting married in a hotter climate, consider handheld fans or even misting sprays to keep guests from melting.

And chairs? Non-negotiable. Unless you want your grandma to attempt sitting cross-legged in the sand, invest in proper seating. Your guests’ knees will thank you.

A rustic wooden cart filled with rolled-up towels, bottles of sunscreen, and mini fans, decorated with a small chalkboard sign that reads “Stay Cool!” in playful handwriting. The cart sits near a row of white wooden chairs facing the ocean.

8. Not Securing Decor Properly

That gorgeous gauzy runner or those delicate paper lanterns might look amazing in your vision board, but wind has other plans. Anything not nailed down (or, in this case, sand-buried) will likely take flight. Use heavy-duty weights for arches, tie down fabric with clear fishing line, and opt for sturdy centerpieces that won’t topple at the first gust.

I once saw a couple’s entire seating chart blow into the ocean because they used lightweight cardstock. Moral of the story? Sandbags are your friend.

A beautifully decorated beach wedding arch with flowing white fabric, secured firmly with heavy driftwood logs at the base. The fabric flutters slightly in the breeze, but the structure remains stable against the ocean backdrop.

9. Skipping the Sound Check

Waves are romantic… until they drown out your vows. Outdoor ceremonies are already tricky for sound, and the ocean adds extra competition. Test your sound system (if you’re using one) beforehand to make sure it can handle the ambient noise. Or, go acoustic and keep the ceremony intimate so everyone can hear.

And if you’re planning to play music, make sure your speakers don’t sound like a tin can. Nothing kills the mood like distorted audio during your first dance.

A small wooden podium with a microphone set up on the beach, surrounded by a few potted tropical plants. A sound technician adjusts the levels while the ocean waves crash softly in the background.

10. Not Considering Sand in… Everything

Sand gets everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Your shoes, your dress, the food—it’s the glitter of the beach world. If you’re having a buffet, keep it covered until the last minute. For photos, bring a towel or brush to quickly wipe sand off before posing. And maybe warn your photographer to expect a few “gritty” shots.

Pro tip: Baby powder works wonders for getting sand off skin. Just saying.

A playful close-up of a groom brushing sand off the bride’s bare feet with a soft towel, both of them laughing. The background shows a few scattered seashells and the edge of a white wedding dress draped over the sand.

11. Picking the Wrong Time of Day

Midday sun = squinting, sweating, and generally miserable guests. Early morning or late afternoon light is softer, temperatures are cooler, and your photos will look infinitely better. Plus, you avoid the crowds that flock to beaches during peak hours.

If you must go for a noon ceremony, at least provide parasols or a shaded lounge area. Your makeup artist will thank you.

A serene early-morning beach scene with the sun just rising over the horizon, casting a soft pink and gold glow. A few seagulls fly by, and the sand is untouched except for a single set of footprints leading to the water.

12. Forgetting About Bugs

Nothing ruins a romantic sunset like a swarm of mosquitoes treating your guests like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Coastal areas often come with uninvited guests—sand flies, no-see-ums, and other bitey critters. Set up citronella torches, provide bug spray, or even consider a professional pest control treatment if your venue allows it.

And if you’re near mangroves or still water? Double down on precautions. Trust me, scratching mosquito bites in your wedding photos is not a good look.

A stylish arrangement of citronella torches lining a sandy aisle, their flames flickering gently against a twilight sky. The torches are placed in sleek metal holders, adding both function and ambiance to the beach setting.

13. Not Planning for Parking and Access

Beaches aren’t always easy to get to—especially if your guests have to trek half a mile through dunes with their formalwear. Check if your venue has nearby parking or shuttle options. If not, give clear directions (and maybe a warning about the walk).

And if your beach requires a permit for large groups? Get on that early. The last thing you want is a ranger shutting down your ceremony because you didn’t file paperwork.

A wooden signpost at the entrance to a beach path, with arrows pointing toward “Ceremony” and “Parking.” The sign is decorated with simple floral wreaths, and the sandy path is lined with small lanterns for evening guidance.

14. Overcomplicating the Menu

Lobster and champagne sound fancy, but they’re a nightmare in sandy, windy conditions. Keep your menu simple and beach-appropriate—think grilled seafood, fresh fruit, and dishes that won’t turn into a mess at the first gust of wind. Avoid anything that requires delicate plating or a million utensils.

And for dessert? Skip the towering cake unless you want it to become a leaning tower of frosting. Cupcakes or a dessert bar are way more practical.

A rustic wooden table set up on the beach with a casual seafood buffet—grilled shrimp skewers, fresh oysters on ice, and colorful fruit platters. The table is decorated with simple linen runners and a few scattered starfish for a coastal touch.

15. Not Having a “Sandy Feet” Solution

Guests will inevitably track sand into your reception area, whether it’s a tent or a nearby hall. Set up a foot-washing station with buckets of water and towels near the entrance. It’s a small touch that keeps your dance floor from turning into a sandpit.

Bonus: Add a cute sign like “Wash the sand away before you sway!” to make it fun.

A charming wooden foot-washing station near the reception entrance, with a row of buckets filled with clean water and rolled-up towels stacked neatly nearby. A small chalkboard sign reads “Sandy feet? Rinse and repeat!” in playful lettering.

Conclusion

Planning a beach wedding is like building a sandcastle—it takes patience, the right tools, and a little creativity to make it stand strong against the elements. But when done right, it’s absolutely magical. By avoiding these 27 common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a day that’s more “dreamy coastal romance” and less “sand-in-uncomfortable-places disaster.”

Remember, the best weddings are the ones where you actually enjoy yourself. So take a deep breath, embrace the occasional hiccup (because let’s face it, something will go sideways), and focus on what really matters—you, your partner, and the love that brought you to this beautiful moment by the sea.

Now go forth and plan that perfect beach wedding—just don’t forget the sunscreen. 😉