Exchanging vows on a sandy beach with waves crashing in the distance is the dream of many brides and grooms. A beach wedding can be a beautiful affair that fits a wide variety of styles, from preppy to bohemian.

Here are some tips for having a successful beach wedding:

Escape the crowds: When it comes to planning any wedding, location is king – and when it comes to planning a beach wedding, location is everything! You want a private setting where your romantic ceremony won’t be interrupted by bikini-clad beachgoers or screaming kiddos with sand buckets. Book your wedding at a hotel with a private beach that hosts weddings, or reserve time on the private beach of an estate, beach club or park district. If you want to save money and keep the ceremony on a public beach, make sure to plan your wedding during an off-season time and at an off-peak time so there aren’t many outsiders.

Plan for sunset: For a storybook setting, plan for your ceremony to start before sunset, so that the setting sun over the water is your backdrop. Not only is this time optimal for a beautiful scene, but it’s also great to avoid sunny glare and discomfort in the hot sun. The moment may be ruined if you’re squinting at your groom because the sun’s in your eyes, or your sweating in your gown under the beating sun. Opt for early evening, just before sunset, and you’ll say “I do” in a much cooler atmosphere.

Easy-breezy dressing: You might have envisioned yourself in an over-the-top, crystal-encrusted princess gown, but that ball gown will look ridiculously out of place near the sand and surf. Your dress should fit the tone of your setting and the vibe of your wedding. If you’re having a beach wedding, choose a dress that’s more easy-breezy and natural; one that flows organically with the beachy environment will pull your wedding’s look together.


Wear wedding flip flops: Don’t make the mistake of wearing heels in the sand! The best bridal shoes choice for a beach wedding is wedding flip flops. On your wedding day, even if you’re saying “I do” next to crashing waves, you still want to maintain some formality and sophistication. Wedding flip flops are the answer because they’re fancier than regular flip flops (many are accented with rhinestones or crystals) and they offer height that’s necessary to accentuate your gown’s silhouette. Brides should wear a shoe with height so that their dress doesn’t drag and so that their silhouette is elongated (very flattering, especially for short brides!). Beach wedding flip flops have a comfortable wedge with the same heel height options as stilettos, so you can keep your gown looking great while staying comfy and casual in the sand.

Be a good hostess: Though it’s your special day, and all eyes are on you, you still need to be a good hostess and consider your guests needs – this is especially important at a beach wedding. You must warn your guests that the wedding will be on a beach, and you should outline the environment. If there will be no paved path, warn them. If there won’t be any shade, warn them. Make sure your guests are prepared. Also have some favors on hand in case they’re not: Greet guests with baskets filled with flip flops, sunglasses and fans to keep them cool and comfortable at the wedding.