Trading in Pumps for Flip-Flops: Is a Beach Wedding for You?

Trading in Pumps for Flip-Flops: Is a Beach Wedding for You? Pictures

Trading in Pumps for Flip-Flops: Is a Beach Wedding for You?

When standing in front of a magnificent alter, in an ornately bejeweled cathedral, and dressed in layers of tulle and lace, the idea of standing at cool, breezy shore with the fresh wet sand under your feet can seem very appealing. An attractive alternative to a traditional church wedding is a beach wedding. This allows for great flexibility in dress standards, and it also sets a casual, laidback tone for the wedding, as opposed to the orchestrated pomp that results in a church wedding. While a beach wedding isn't for everybody (most notably for the bride that wants to dress up like Princess Dianna), the idea is something to consider when planning a ceremony.

Tuxedos or Boardshorts? What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

The question of what is appropriate at a beach wedding is very tricky - the ceremony is at a beach, so a monstrously elaborate Dior gown is definitely out of the question (not only would it be sweltering for the bride, but it would be eons before she would be able to rid all of the folds, puffs and lace of sand). The other extreme is wearing bikinis and that should also be out of the question.

The best bet for the bride for a beach wedding would be a light, flowing summer dress - a great example would be a simple, yet tasteful elegant linen dress by Calvin Klein. The design isn't fussy and the material ensures that the sun won't bake the blushing bride. The same rule should apply to the bridesmaids - have them wear simple, yet classy summer dresses, as well (the bride may want to instruct her bridesmaids to wear color, as the natural instinct when dressing for the beach is to go white).

For the groom and groomsmen, simple linen slacks and a loose white dress shirt is perfect. As for shoes - well, the best advice is to not wear any. Wearing heels can not only be dangerous, but it also can ruin a good pair of shoes - men should also opt to go barefoot at a beach wedding. If the wedding couple wants to wear shoes, then sandals are the best bet; however, it is best to avoid cheap Old Navy flip-flops and instead choose quality sandals. Men should also look into getting a pair of Kenneth Cole sandals instead of the drugstore variety - even though it is a beach wedding, it's still a wedding and the wedding party should keep the ceremony dignified, no matter where the location.

Make Sure You Can Have the Wedding

Making sure that having a wedding at the beach is even permissible, is a vital first step. Nothing puts a damper on a beach wedding like a fine. Call the park district or the city to make sure that having a beach wedding is allowed at the beach being considered. Also, when planning a wedding, make sure and ask if there are any restrictions on having a beach wedding - is there a limit of how many people can be gathered together, are chairs allowed, can you bring food (public beach properties almost always do not allow open alcohol).

The More, the Merrier

When having a beach wedding, on-lookers must be expected. Having a wedding in a public area will result in people stopping to take a look. If this will bother the wedding party then it shouldn't have a beach wedding. The strangers do not have to be invited to the actual ceremony, and most of the time, once their curiosity is satisfied, they move on. The best advice is to blissfully ignore the looks or respond graciously if the onlookers throw out well-wishes or congratulations.

Is This Going to Take All Day?

Another important thing to consider when planning a beach wedding is how much of the actual ceremony will be performed at the beach. Will the reception be also held at the beach? If this is the case, a better alternative than traipsing to your local beach is to find beach-side resorts. The resort will own the beach property, so the wedding party will not have to worry about a lot of the rules and regulations that can damper a public beach wedding. A beach-side resort will be more expensive, but this option gives the wedding party the privacy of a church wedding and the casual, relaxed feeling of a beach wedding.

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