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from Dr Diana Carroll, Celebrant. 
Beach Weddings - Ten Top Tips for a Beautiful Beach Wedding! Saying “I do” on a beautiful beach is super romantic. The sun, the sea, the fabulous views…perfect! But what do you need to know for the perfect beach wedding? I’ve done many beach weddings so here are my Ten Top Tips for ensuring your beach wedding is truly wonderful. 1) Permits: Be aware that beaches in Australia are controlled by the local council. This means you usually have to apply for a permit to hold your wedding there. Sometimes there is a fee (usually around $200) and there may be requirements for insurances too. There will also be rules about the number of guests, what you can set up, alcohol, noise, rubbish, and many other details. Don’t be tempted to skip the permit. Nothing could be more upsetting than a council ranger interrupting your wedding and telling you to move along! The only exception may be for a totally private Ceremony where it’s just you and me, two witnesses, and a seagull or three. 2) Exclusivity: Even with a permit, you do not have exclusive use of the area in most places – it’s still a public beach. This means people will be wandering past in their swimmers or stopping to watch whilst they eat their ice cream. Every time I’ve done a wedding on the beach or in a park people have stopped to watch. And every time they have been quiet, respectful, and genuinely happy to share in the excitement, often applauding at the end. Just be aware that other people may be around and random strangers may appear in your photos. 3) Weather: Obviously you will keep your fingers crossed for the perfect day, but sometimes weather just happens! Apart from rain, the other beach weather problems are the sun and the wind. If it’s a 40 degrees Adelaide summer’s day, it’s going to be pretty unpleasant for you and your guests. Plenty of shade, oodles of sun-block, and lots of cool drinks (no, champagne doesn’t count!) will be essential. And keep it short and sweet – people can’t be kept waiting on a sweltering day! The wind is the other weather issue on the beach. It can whip up the sand, which is just uncomfortable; play havoc with your hair and dress; and can distort the sound for the microphone and the video. And don’t forget some personal insect repellent too! 4) Access: Some of our most beautiful beaches are a little inaccessible, hidden away down a winding path through the bush. If you pick one of these spots, be sure your guests will be OK with the walk. Can Nana make it with her walking frame? What about your friends with babies - could they navigate a stroller to the beach? A wheelchair? If you’re having a set-up on the beach, will your suppliers be able to get to the spot? Also think about the amount of parking that’s available for your suppliers and guests. (And do check if there are toilets nearby too!) If it is a remote location with limited parking, consider arranging a mini-bus to take your guests to and from the beach. 5) Timing: Late morning and sunset are the two best times for a beach wedding. The sun tends to be a little more gentle before midday and the beach may be quieter. You can then enjoy a glass of bubbles and head off for a lovely long luncheon reception. Sunset can make for some beautiful photos and leads naturally into an evening reception. Avoid the middle of the day as the sun is too harsh and the beach will inevitably be busier. Nobody looks good squinting into the glaring sun, so do think about your photos! Always go to the spot at the exact time of day in the lead-up to the wedding so you know the position of the sun and can plan where to stand. 6) What to Wear: Beach weddings naturally tend to be more informal, with couples often opting for a boho-luxe vibe. High heels, a big skirt, and a flowing veil are all out of place on the beach. Flats, fancy thongs, and barefeet are all a good look. A barefoot bride can look seriously sexy! And this is one wedding where the guys look great in white linen shirts with rolled-up sleeves and can even wear shorts if that’s their style. It’s a nice idea to have a big basket of thongs for your guests so they can take off their best shoes and enjoy the beach in comfort. 7) Hair & Make-up: Beach brides can forgo some of the more elaborate hair and make-up and go for a more natural look. Sun-kissed skin, natural make-up, and lots of sunscreen are always advisable! Experiment with your hair to find a style that looks natural but won’t blow about too much. You might fancy having ‘beach hair’ but it will probably blow in your face which doesn’t look so good in photos. A loose up-do that keeps it off your face is best. And a bit of bling always looks good on the beach, so a few jewels in your hair can be a nice touch. 8) Set-Up: If you’re using a stylist or hire company ensure they have experience with beach weddings. If you’re doing it yourself, be aware that anything and everything will blow away given the slightest sea breeze. Have weights to hold down any papers; use heavy sandbags to secure furniture and arches; and have lots of large clips to stop tablecloths and chair sashes from blowing away. Sand is very unstable so you need to be extra careful that signs, arches, tables and chairs won’t topple over. Remember too, it’s not only people who wilt on a hot day – your flowers will too. Check with your florist that the blooms you choose can withstand a few hours in the heat or opt for fake flowers. There are some really gorgeous artificial flowers available that look just like the real thing and won’t wilt in the sun. 9) Umbrellas: The easiest way to protect your guests from the sun (or the rain if you happen to get a brief shower) is to have lots of umbrellas on hand. The Japanese discount stores (such as Daiso and Kawaii) usually stock white umbrellas for $2.80. It’s well worth having some of these in a big basket for your guests to use as sunshades. And it looks much nicer in photos if all the umbrellas are matching. You could buy 35 for just $100 – this may be the best $100 you spend! And you could always sell or gift them to another couple after your big day. 10) Plan B: With all outdoor weddings you must have a Plan B in case of bad weather. I’ve done two weddings in the pouring rain and believe me, it’s not fun! Can you relocate the Ceremony to the reception venue if necessary? Is there a pavilion or deck nearby that would offer enough shelter? This decision really depends on the number of guests. If it’s a very small wedding, you may be able to take cover in a nearby rotunda or under the jetty on a bad day; that’s not going to work if you have 100 guests. Don’t just cross your fingers and hope for a good day – you will regret it forever if the weather is bad and your day is ruined! Always have a Plan B! I have performed beautiful Wedding Ceremonies on the beach, in the bush, in parks and gardens, and on the Harbour. Wherever your wedding, I’d love to help! Diana, xx As your Celebrant, I will guide you through the wedding. I am calm, relaxed, and happy! Call me on 0419 829 667 or email diana@bestweddingcelebrant.com.au 
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