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.”
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