Have you been dreaming about your wedding day since you were 5? Ok, maybe not that log but surely since you received that bling on a certain finger, are we right? Well here is a guide to help you with planning the perfect Sarasota Beach Wedding!
Timing Is Everything
Your ceremony timing is important! The best part about beach weddings is the beautiful natural light of the sun. It should be taken advantage of in every way. Avoid scheduling your ceremony during the sun’s highest point in the day around the noon hour. Heat and glaring light can be an issue for your photos, video, and for you and your guests.
You want to be able to open your eyes and see the love of your life while you say your I do’s and not sweating off your makeup. Our best advice is to schedule an early morning ceremony before the sun gets too hot or schedule your ceremony 1.5 to 2 hours before the sunsets. This will allow enough time for your ceremony (roughly 30 minutes) and your family and wedding party photos/video following the ceremony. This also allows you enough time to get incredible sunset photos and video footage of the two of you.
Comfort for You and Your Guests
You want your guests to be comfortable. If you are getting married on the beach, do not forget to have water available for yourself and your guests. Handheld fans are very popular, and you can customize them with your wedding theme or colors. Towels and shoe/flip flop stations are all very much appreciated by brides, grooms, and guests.
Clear the way
Hire someone to direct beachgoers make sure they don’t wander into the wedding area. No one wants the public bombarding your gorgeous wedding video or photos.
Have a Back-up Plan
Florida weather is ever-changing, especially during the summer months. Late afternoon showers and storms may delay or eliminate a ceremony at the beach. Check with your venue to see if they have policies that close beach access during stormy weather. Some venues will close beach access if they receive reports of lighting within a certain radius of their venue.
Beach Wedding Logistics
In some areas, permits and even liability insurance policies are required. Also check to see if enough parking is available, setting up tents or arches is approved.
Power Options
Beaches do not typically have AC power for DJ sound equipment. Check with your venue and with your DJ company to see if they can provide a sound system that runs on a battery or a generator.
Microphone for the Officiant
When you’re planning a wedding on a beach with 25 or more guests, it is recommended to have a microphone for your guests to hear the ceremony. We recommend using a handheld microphone to minimize background noise from the wind and waves.
Have more questions on planning your beach wedding? We can help!
Complete Weddings and Events in Sarasota, FL
If you’re looking to tie the knot or throw an epic event, you have come to the right place. Complete Weddings + Events in Sarasota, FL will help you find the right event or wedding photographer, videographer, and DJ to throw a phenomenal party, plus we have a fun photo booth and lighting rentals to elevate your event and give you the type of unforgettable experience you’re looking for. In addition to Sarasota, Bradenton, & North Port, we also serve Parrish, Venice, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island, Englewood, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Osprey, & Port Charlotte.
Complete Weddings + Events, Sarasota’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, DJ services & photo booth rental.
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