25 How-To Tips for Planning a Wedding on Sand

So, you’ve decided to tie the knot with your toes in the sand? Congrats! A beach wedding is romantic, dreamy, and—let’s be honest—way more fun than a stuffy ballroom. But before you start picturing yourself walking barefoot down the aisle with the ocean as your backdrop, there’s a lot to consider. Sand, wind, tides, and seagulls (yes, seagulls) can turn your perfect day into a chaotic mess if you’re not prepared.

Don’t worry, though. I’ve got your back. Whether you’re planning a barefoot bohemian bash or a sleek coastal soirée, these 25 how-to tips will help you pull off a stunning beach wedding without losing your sanity. And hey, if a rogue wave crashes in during your vows? That’s just a free dramatic effect. 🙂

1. Pick the Perfect Beach

Not all beaches are created equal. Some are public, some are private, and some are basically just a sandbox for seagulls. Do your research! Look for a spot with soft sand (no one wants to walk on pebbles in bare feet), easy access for guests, and a killer sunset view. Pro tip: Check local permits—some beaches require paperwork even for small ceremonies.

A wide-angle shot of a pristine, secluded beach with powdery white sand, gentle waves lapping the shore, and a golden sunset in the background. A wooden arch decorated with flowing white fabric stands near the water, ready for a ceremony.

2. Time It Right (Tides Matter!)

Ever seen a wedding where the bride’s dress gets soaked by a surprise wave? Yeah, let’s avoid that. Check tide charts for your wedding date and time your ceremony around low tide. Trust me, you don’t want to fight the ocean for your aisle space. Also, aim for late afternoon—the lighting is magical, and you won’t melt in the midday sun.

A close-up of a tide chart on a smartphone, with a handwritten note saying "Ceremony at 4 PM—low tide!" next to a pair of sunglasses and a seashell.

3. Keep the Decor Simple (Wind Is a Jerk)

That gorgeous chiffon runner you pinned on Pinterest? It’s now a kite. Beach weddings = wind, so opt for heavy-duty decor like driftwood, lanterns, or potted plants. Skip the lightweight fabrics unless you want your aisle to look like a laundry line. And for the love of all things holy, secure everything with weights or stakes.

A rustic wooden altar adorned with hurricane lanterns and draped with heavy, wind-resistant fabric. The lanterns are lit, casting a warm glow as the sun sets behind them.

4. Choose a Sand-Friendly Gown

Your dream ballgown might not love sand as much as you do. Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or lace that won’t drag or collect half the beach as you walk. A shorter train or even a high-low hemline keeps things breezy. And skip the stilettos—wedges or barefoot jewelry are way more practical.

A bride in a flowing, lightweight lace gown walking barefoot along the shoreline, her dress slightly lifted to reveal delicate ankle jewelry. The sand is dotted with tiny footprints.

5. Warn Your Guests About the Dress Code

“Beach formal” is a thing, but your Aunt Karen might not know that. Give guests a heads-up—think linen suits, sundresses, and sandals. No one wants to be the guy sweating in a tux while everyone else is sipping cocktails in flip-flops. Include a note on your invites like, “Dress code: toes in the sand chic.”

A stylish invitation suite with a seashell motif, featuring a handwritten note that reads, "Dress for sand and sunshine!" next to a pair of folded linen pants and a floppy sun hat.

6. Provide Shade (Sunburn Isn’t a Wedding Favor)

Even if your ceremony is short, nobody wants to roast like a lobster. Rent a few chic umbrellas, set up a canopy, or choose a spot with natural shade. Bonus points for handing out sunscreen as part of your welcome bags—your guests will thank you later.

A row of elegant white market umbrellas shading wooden benches on the beach. Guests are seated comfortably, with a few holding personalized mini sunscreen bottles.

7. Skip the Paper Programs (Wind, Again)

Paper programs are basically confetti waiting to happen. Go digital with a QR code or use a cute chalkboard sign instead. If you must have paper, opt for heavier cardstock and clipboards to keep them in place. Or just let people wing it—it’s a beach wedding, not a Broadway show.

A rustic chalkboard sign on an easel, handwritten with the ceremony timeline in playful script. A few seashells are scattered at the base for decoration.

8. Plan for Bugs (Because Nature Loves a Party)

Sandflies and mosquitoes are the uninvited guests you didn’t want. Set up citronella torches or offer bug spray in cute little baskets. If you’re really committed, hire a pest control service to spray the area beforehand. Nothing ruins a first kiss like swatting away a mosquito mid-pucker.

A decorative wicker basket filled with mini bug spray bottles, tied with ribbon and labeled "Bug Off!" Next to it, a few citronella torches flicker in the sand.

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

Outdoor weddings are risky business. Rent a tent or reserve a nearby indoor space just in case. Even if the forecast says “perfect,” nature has a sense of humor. And if all else fails, embrace the chaos—rainy beach photos are kinda romantic, right?

A cozy, transparent event tent set up on the beach, with string lights and flowing drapes. Outside, rain falls gently, creating a dreamy, blurred effect.

10. Keep the Food Beach-Friendly

Lobster bisque and soufflé? Not the best choices for a sandy, windy setting. Stick to light, easy-to-eat bites like ceviche, sliders, or fruit skewers. And for dessert, skip the melting cake—opt for mini pies or ice cream bars instead. Pro tip: Cover the food until it’s served unless you want a side of seagull.

A stylish beachside buffet table with covered platters of fresh seafood, colorful fruit skewers, and mini desserts. A server is lifting a cloche to reveal grilled shrimp, while guests watch eagerly.

11. Rethink the Champagne Toast

Nothing says “classy” like warm champagne in plastic cups. Instead, serve a signature cocktail in mason jars or coconuts. Mojitos, piña coladas, or even a spiked lemonade will keep everyone refreshed. And if you’re set on bubbles, opt for prosecco—it’s less fussy in the heat.

A rustic wooden bar on the beach, with a bartender pouring a vibrant pink cocktail into a coconut shell. A chalkboard sign behind them reads "Beach Breeze: Rum + Pineapple + Love."

12. Skip the DJ (Let the Waves Be Your Playlist)

Beach weddings have a built-in soundtrack—crashing waves, seabirds, and the occasional dolphin squeak. If you want music, go acoustic with a guitarist or steel drum band. Save the dance party for the reception under a tent or indoors, where your speakers won’t drown in the sand.

A solo guitarist playing under a palm tree, with guests seated on blankets in the sand. The ocean waves provide a natural rhythm in the background.

13. Give Guests a Foot Rinse Station

Nobody wants to drag half the beach into the reception. Set up a cute foot-washing station with buckets of fresh water and towels. Add some lavender oil for a spa-like touch, and watch your guests sigh in relief.

A charming wooden foot-washing station with copper buckets filled with flower petals and water. A sign reads "Wash the sand away!" with rolled-up towels stacked nearby.

14. Choose Sand-Friendly Seating

Folding chairs sink. Benches wobble. Go for low wooden benches or even rented cushions on the sand. If you must have chairs, rent ones with wide legs or use plastic discs underneath to keep them from disappearing into the abyss.

Low wooden benches arranged in rows on the sand, each adorned with a simple white cushion. A few guests are testing them out, smiling as they settle in comfortably.

15. Keep the Bouquet Simple (Wind’s Favorite Toy)

That cascading bouquet? It’s now a sail. Opt for a compact, wind-resistant arrangement like succulents, tropical blooms, or even a single protea. Wrap it tightly with ribbon so it doesn’t unravel mid-ceremony. And maybe practice your grip—you don’t want to launch it into the ocean during the toss.

A bride holding a small, sturdy bouquet of white orchids and succulents, wrapped in thick twine. The wind is blowing her veil, but the bouquet stays perfectly intact.

16. Skip the Aisle Runner (Sand Will Eat It)

Aisle runners and sand are mortal enemies. Instead, mark your aisle with lanterns, flower petals, or even seashells. If you’re set on a runner, use a heavy burlap one and stake it down like your life depends on it.

An aisle lined with flickering lanterns and scattered rose petals, leading to a wooden arch on the beach. The soft sand shows faint footprints where the bride will walk.

17. Hire a Sand-Savvy Photographer

Not all photographers know how to handle beach lighting (or sand in their equipment). Look for someone with beach wedding experience who can capture the golden-hour glow without overexposing your shots. And ask about backup gear—saltwater and cameras don’t mix.

A photographer crouching in the sand, capturing a couple’s silhouette against the sunset. Their camera is equipped with a lens hood to combat the bright light.

18. Plan for Parking (Or Lack Thereof)

Beaches aren’t known for their parking lots. Arrange shuttles or valet service if your spot is remote, or give guests clear instructions on where to park. Nobody wants to hike a mile in heels just to see you say “I do.”

A vintage-style trolley parked near the beach entrance, with a sign that reads "Wedding Shuttle." A few guests are boarding, laughing as they kick off their sandals.

19. Embrace Barefoot (Or Get Creative With Shoes)

Heels and sand are a disaster waiting to happen. Encourage guests to go barefoot or provide cute flip-flops in a basket. If you must wear shoes, opt for wedges or flat sandals with straps. Just don’t blame me when you’re digging your stilettos out of the sand later.

A woven basket filled with personalized flip-flops in various sizes, each labeled with a guest’s name. A few pairs are already missing, with tiny footprints leading toward the ceremony.

20. Keep the Rings Safe (Sand Is Sneaky)

Losing a ring in the sand is a nightmare. Have the best man or officiant hold them in a small box until the last second. Or, if you’re feeling extra, tie them to a seashell necklace. Just don’t let the ring bearer loose near the water—kids and shiny objects are a risky combo.

A close-up of a velvet ring box nestled in the sand, with two wedding bands inside. A hand is reaching down to carefully pick it up as the ocean glitters behind it.

21. Skip the Confetti (Seagulls Will Thank You)

Biodegradable confetti is great, but it still looks like bird food to seagulls. Instead, use bubbles, flower petals, or even sparklers (if the beach allows). Your cleanup crew—and the local wildlife—will appreciate it.

Guests blowing bubbles as the newlyweds walk back down the aisle. The bubbles catch the sunlight, creating a magical, shimmering effect against the ocean backdrop.

22. Have a “Sandy Feet” Dance Floor

Dancing in sand is… a workout. If you’re having a beach reception, lay down a wooden dance floor or a sturdy rug. Otherwise, embrace the chaos and let everyone shuffle awkwardly in the sand. It’ll make for great photos, at least.

A temporary wooden dance floor set up on the beach, with string lights overhead. A few guests are dancing barefoot, their feet slightly dusty from the sand.

23. Keep the Cake Covered (Until the Last Second)

Sand + frosting = a texture nobody asked for. Keep the cake under a dome until it’s time to cut, and choose a design with minimal exposed frosting. Naked cakes or fondant-covered ones hold up better in the breeze.

A stunning naked cake decorated with fresh flowers and tropical fruit, displayed under a glass cloche. The ocean is visible in the background, but the cake remains pristine.

24. Send Guests Home With a Beachy Favor

Skip the monogrammed shot glasses and send guests home with something useful—sunscreen, mini aloe vera bottles, or even custom sand dollars. Bonus points if it’s something they’ll actually use instead of tossing in a drawer.

A display of small favor bags filled with mini sunscreen bottles, lip balm, and a handwritten note that says "Thanks for soaking up the love!" Each bag is tied with a nautical rope bow.

25. Relax and Enjoy the Chaos

Something will go wrong. The wind will blow your veil into your face, a seagull might steal a sandwich, and your makeup will melt. But guess what? Those will be the moments you laugh about later. So take a deep breath, wiggle your toes in the sand, and soak it all in. You’re getting married on a beach—how cool is that?

A candid shot of the bride and groom laughing as the wind blows her veil wildly. The groom is trying to help, but they’re both too busy smiling to care.

And there you have it—25 tips to make your beach wedding as smooth as possible (or at least as smooth as sand allows). Whether you’re going for boho chic or tropical glam, the key is to embrace the imperfections and have fun with it. After all, the best weddings are the ones where things don’t go perfectly… but you still end up married at the end of the day. Cheers to love, saltwater, and a lifetime of sandy adventures!