Gulf Coast Beach Weddings on the Beach
Beach weddings. Nothing is more romantic than a Gulf coast waterfront wedding on the beach. The siren song of the sea generates a natural romanticism, washing over the coastal beach wedding party, infusing hearts with a radiant glow like fireflies. This gulf coast tide of emotion lifts the momentous occasion onto a higher plane, with more feeling, more affection, more memories. Doesn’t every beach bride deserve this?
As romantic and inspiring as coastal waterfront weddings are, they don’t just happen. They, like all beach wedding ceremonies, require planning, effort and assistance. Advice from professionals who have made waterfront weddings their careers is invaluable. Fortunately, the Gulf coast is blessed with many waterfront beach wedding specialists. So no matter where you want your waterfront wedding, from South Padre Island to Key West, there is someone nearby to help make your dream wedding a reality.
What are the most important considerations when planning a beach wedding along the Gulf coast? We consulted wedding planners at four of the Gulf coast’s most sought-after waterfront wedding destinations to get answers to this and other critical questions.
According to Ryan Olin, Inn Keeper of Henderson Park Inn Bed and Breakfast in Destin, Florida, “privacy, surroundings, and uniqueness” are the key considerations in choosing your venue. Ryan personally organized 40 weddings at the Henderson Park Inn last year, which was voted one of the top five most romantic destinations in all of Florida.
Ryan’s lists privacy first because most people don’t want to have a beach full of strangers show up at their wedding. Selecting a beach that is private or less crowded will insure the privacy one expects with a wedding. If you intend to take your vows on a very public beach, Ryan suggested planning your date for one of the months where the beaches are less crowded, “April, May, September, October. These months are a lot less crowded and they are perfect for weather.”
Jenna Richards, wedding specialist from The Beach Club in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which averages 2-3 weddings per week, also recommends a Spring or Fall wedding. “Summer weddings are more difficult and less flexible. Spring and Fall are the best times for a wedding. It is not too hot and uncomfortable for your guests and occupancy mainly consists of the wedding party.”
One other thing to remember about Gulf coast beach weddings . . . they are outside. “A backup venue in case of rain is very important; you must make sure that the venue you choose offers a backup area in case of rain at no additional charge.” Said Carla J. Thomas, Catering Sales Manager at the WaterColor Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Carla also had this advice, “You want to make sure that if you are planning a sunset wedding that you offer enough time for the ceremony and pictures afterwards. Once the sun starts to set, it does so very quickly. You should give yourself at least an hour before scheduled sunset to begin your ceremony.”
At some point, someone is going to want to know how much the Gulf coast beach wedding is going to cost. Mandy White and Melissa Montgomery from the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, have been planning weddings at the Grand for 3 years. Together as a team they have planned over 100 beautiful weddings. Here’s their take on the costs: “Ceremony location rentals are about the same for churches or outside venues. Brides are still interested in arbors and floral arrangements as well as ceremony music regardless of location. Outdoor Wedding Receptions can be a little more expensive on the set up side of planning.”
But Jenna says cost depends on the type of Gulf coast waterfront wedding you are planning. “In some cases they are more affordable! You are paying a little more for the venue but in reality you are paying for a beautiful backdrop which cuts your decor costs down dramatically. With having a waterfront wedding you can be more laid back and cost efficient with table goods and decorations. Simple elegance really works with a beautiful backdrop and scenery.”
There is a wedding “off-season”. From around November to March, some Gulf coast wedding locations offer lower pricing. And weddings during weekdays often less expensive than a weekend wedding. Carla says at Watercolor Inn, “We do offer off season wedding packages for November – February which offers a great packaged rate for the rehearsal dinner, reception, ceremony, homes, food and beverage and different vendor credits. We also offer a lower site fee for Sunday – Friday weddings during peak season.”
What trends are out there in the Gulf coast beach wedding industry? “The only major trends we have seen lately are the kissing balls or lanterns hanging from the trees, fans for programs, and bamboo arbors,” said Mandy and Melissa. Jenna has seen that “more and more people are staying away from traditional small, round floral centerpieces and being more creative. Hurricane vases with floating candles, sand, seashells and decorative sticks are becoming very popular and common.”
In addition to an increase in evening candlelight ceremonies, Carla has seen more concern about eco-friendly Gulf coast beach wedding items. “Some brides are choosing flowers that are more organic. There is actually a company that makes eco-friendly wedding rings (http://www.greenkarat.com/). A lot of brides will purchase the pots or glass vases for their centerpieces and allow guests to take them.” Watercolor Inn is catering to green concerns also, said Carla, “WaterColor is a Two Palm Designated Hotel by the Green Lodging Association. Everything we do on our property is eco-friendly. All of our food is grown locally and is organic. We do not use paper or plasticware, but instead offer glassware, dishes, silverware and linen cloth napkins.”
What advice do our Gulf coast beach wedding experts have for the engaged couple when it comes to putting everything together? Ryan says, “Get everyone together, wedding planner, florist, caterer, band, a few weeks before the wedding. This way everyone acts as a team.” Jenna offers this, “It's pretty typical to have at least 3 meetings (one to view property and have site tour, second to meet after all vendors have been chosen and plans are coming together (usually 3-4 months before wedding) and the third the week of arrival to go over everything and make sure all details are covered and there are no surprises!”
And now for the most important advice . . . how to make this one of the most special days in your life. “Everyone says the day goes by so fast and it really does. Plan and be prepared but when it arrives just relax and enjoy it! Don’t let the little details bog you down,” say Mandy and Melissa.
Carla counsels, “Having a planner or coordinator is important. It lifts the pressure off of the bride and the family. Allow this person to help plan and facilitate your day! The beach wedding day is all about you! You shouldn’t have to stress over any of the small details. Just show up and have fun! Choose a fun band or DJ! Really customize your menu to incorporate your families’ tastes, but don’t forget abut your own! This is your day! Have fun! Enjoy your groom, eat the food, dance the night away! This is all about the two of you – and don’t forget that!”
And finally, Jenna offers this sage counsel, “Your ceremony and reception are a celebration of your new love and life together. Do not let stress and nerves ruin your celebrations. Try not to focus on small, minute things that will not effect your beautiful day. Things will not always go accordingly and how you envision them, but make the best of it and try to remember the bigger picture. Enjoy all your hard work and effort put in!”
No matter how much time is put in, nor how much planning has occurred, there is never a “perfect” Gulf coast beach wedding. Something will always come up. But with a Gulf coast waterfront wedding, you always have the benefit of one thing. You’re on the beach! How bad can things be?
Waterfront weddings. Beach Weddings. Gulf Coast Weddings.
