But it’s a three day weekend, right? Extra time off work without using up vacation days. Yes, you and the rest of America are all thinking the same thing. But guess where nearly everyone wants to go on Memorial Day? The beach. And for all the right reasons: that fickle, warm then cool again, leftover spring weather is gone. The water is warming up and refreshing. The grill is hot and ready. So the message isn’t to avoid the beach for the holiday. But unless you want to pay double the hotel rates and airfare, and share the beach with every other stress-free-seeking Florida beach goer, avoid a Memorial Day or July 4 Weekend Wedding. So go ahead and hit the waves, but save the wedding vows for a better weekend. Read on to see why.
Hotel Rates
While the “price gouging” line is fuzzy and grey, hotel rates seem to increase up to $50/night during Memorial Day Weekend, on both the west coast and east coast of Florida. You do the math: that’s over $150 more for the weekend. Airbnb is a price flexible alternative, if you can actually get a property on the Gulf of Mexico, but book soon because the affordable, desirable places will get scooped up quick! So it might seem like a good idea to tie the knot on a Florida beach on the popular holiday weekends, in reality it could end up busting you and your guests’ budget. Furthermore, can you even find a beach wedding provider who will perform a ceremony on holiday weekends? Many will not do so simply because of the crowds. Think of those wedding pictures with hundreds of people in the background…not great.
Airfare
Prices for Memorial Day and July 4 travelers is approximately $30-$40 more per ticket compared to prices on non-holiday weekends. And traveling during popular months like May, can often increase prices $100 or more per ticket in comparison to less popular travel month like September and October. And don’t even mention Thanksgiving! Yes, prices have been much lower in 2020 but that is about to change…and the volume of travelers is about to increase as more people take to the skies after being at home for so long. Florida, especially, has already seen a record number of air travel into its airports. Be wise and look at alternate dates for your Florida beach wedding ceremony. An all-inclusive Florida destination wedding can be beautiful any time of year and any day of the week. You have options!
Crowds
Airports, beaches, restaurants, roads. All these Holiday weekend spots will be experiencing a heavy increase in traffic. So if you love a big beach party, bring on the Memorial Day or Independence Day Wedding Weekend. But consider this your warning: Heavy Traffic Ahead! And when we say heavy traffic, we mean it can take hours to get to your beach wedding location. Locations like Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key Beach are beyond popular and for good reason – it’s beautiful. However, unless you are staying at a hotel on the beachfront, you may wish to schedule your beach wedding or Florida elopement another day of the week.
Rustic Romance
Guests
So not only are you paying more for your hotel and airfare, but your guests will be as well. And often people have vacation traditions or book getaways planned around a year ahead of time knowing they have an extra day off work. So what seems like a convenient perk of the added day off, the added travel expenses may not be worth it. It’s worth looking at all your best Florida beach wedding options in advance.
Wedding Planning Savings
If you are actually looking to save money instead of spend more, avoid the holiday weekends which are NEVER sale weekends in the wedding business. You can actually save money on other select dates. Although beach wedding package prices may be the same most of the time, you can definitely find savings during the weekdays and Fall in Florida. Our Florida wedding planners can help you find the best wedding ceremony times for you. Click HERE to book your Beach Wedding today!
Nowadays couples want to focus on what marriage is truly about: the joining of two people in love. Right now that means a more simple wedding, usually outdoors. The perfect place? Siesta Key beach embodies romance and is ideal for a destination wedding that is affordable. Let’s explore how to make your beach wedding ideas a reality with this type of simple beach wedding.
Save Money
A weekday wedding is often the best way to save money on any wedding expenses and that goes for Florida destination weddings too. Although it can be difficult for some wedding guests to attend due to working schedules, consider a weekday wedding in Siesta Key Beach for an elopement or vow renewal. Save a few bucks and experience a less busy beach: we all know the beach is more crowded on the weekends.
Florida Wedding Packages
All-inclusive destination weddings are really the easiest way to go and the most budget-friendly, and you can do it all online from your home. Even with photography opted in, most beach wedding packages are less than $3,000! So what Florida wedding package do you choose? It depends on many things:
your guest count
your budget
your level of desired decorations
your options for first dance, toast as a married couple, wedding photography
your location and permits – in this case Siesta Key Beach or Lido Key Beach.
The best wedding package for under 10 guests:
Our Beach Beginnings Package is elegant and one of our couples’ favorites! Up to 10 people and chairs for your guests to witness your vows between two bamboo poles, along with shells and white/ivory flowers. Want tropical? You can have those flowers if you choose. It even incudes a greenery aisle for the bride to walk down and approximately 50 wedding photos.
The best wedding package for 10-24 guests:
Our Nautical Knot wedding package is perfect for a larger guest count but still small enough to be sweet and simple in Siesta! Starfish, wildflowers, pink ribbons…what does your heart desire? Up to 24 chairs are included but you can add more. The canopy of three bamboo poles and your choice of colors and accessories will make your special day stand out. Even adding professional beach photography won’t break your bank.
The best wedding package for 25 and up guest count:
Can you say, “I want it all for my wedding” and get it on the beach? YES you can! And in Siesta Key it’s all that more special with the sunsets. We recommend our Distinctive Design packages for the couple that wants a large, highly decorated beach wedding. With up to 36 chairs, a huge 4 post bamboo wedding arch, chilled water for your guests, chalkboard sign, music and more. Just add beach photography!
Easy Travel
If you want to tie the knot in Florida, choosing your mode of transportation to Sarasota is a good starting point. And depending on your starting and ending point, your most affordable option can vary.
Land: Calculate gas/mileage for a Florida road trip and travel time to your beach wedding location.
Air: Check travel sites like Orbitz or Travelocity to see flight costs. Don’t forget to consider additional fees like baggage (your wedding dress), seat selection, cost to park at the airport. Sometimes choosing a slightly higher “upfront” ticket can be cheaper in the long run by including free bags or seat assignment. Also check out Trip Advisor’s handy tool for some Sarasota, Florida Flight Stats.
Nicer Than You Can Imagine
Time of Year: Spring break is a hot season for travelers to Florida and hotel prices often reflect those demands. You can often get late August/September discounts as long as you can handle the heat. Otherwise, Fall is a great time to plan a Florida beach wedding. Less heat, less travelers, and traditionally cheaper rates. Also, avoid price hikes during holiday weekends. If you are a northerner looking to take a break from the brutal winter, Florida’s mild winter weather may be the perfect reason to ditch the snow shovel and get some Florida sunshine on Siesta Key or Lido Key beach.
Less Stress Than Traditional Weddings
A small wedding of your dreams can be easy and beautiful at the same time. And there are other perks. Walking on the beach with friends and family on the morning of your wedding, going fishing or just chilling watching the sunset on the eve of your Siesta Key ceremony.
So now that you have an idea of money saving travel tips for your destination wedding on this Gulf beach, are you ready to book the beach wedding of your dreams? With our complete wedding packages you can have a cheap beach wedding that looks expensive! Contact us today.
You’re big day is approaching on Clearwater Beach. And you’ve got the wedding planning ideas rolling like the waves! But before you end up drowning in the ocean of wedding planning, be sure to avoid these common mistakes. It’s easy to get caught up in your dream of getting married on the Gulf beach in the sun and white sand, but we have some professional advice to make your day a complete success.
Wedding Planning Mistakes To Avoid
1. Poor Budgeting
From underestimating to overspending, don’t fall into the dreaded wedding money pit. Before you really get into any planning, know your budget. What’s your top dollar and what does your wedding week look like? If it is a destination wedding in Clearwater Beach, then you here are some budget items to consider:
Type “A” brides listen especially closely: there is such a thing as over-planning. Trying to plan out every minute is going to drive you to the “crazy bride ward.” That’s why choosing one of our Clearwater beach wedding packages really makes sense. Let Florida Beach Weddings do all the wedding planning for you so you have more time to focus on fun things. Things like which beachfront restaurant in Clearwater you’ll hit up after your Gulf beach wedding. Or what color is perfect for your bridesmaids’ dresses? And over-planning beach weddings only leads to our next mistake…
3. Stressing Out
There is certainly a healthy level of anxiety that comes with committing yourself to another human for the rest of your life. But cold feet and a stone cold stressed out bride are two different wedding animals: avoid falling into either category. At the end of the day, you’ll want to look back with fond memories of planning and your actual wedding ceremony. With over a decade in the beach wedding planning business, all inclusive weddings are the way to go. It helps you trust that you will have a beautiful wedding ceremony. Trust that you won’t be stuck with hidden fees with our up front affordable beach wedding package options.
4. Social Media
Yes, we said it. And since there’s no elephants roaming the beach, let’s address the blue whale in the room. Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram. It’s okay to get inspired but it’s not ok to get obsessed. Whether it’s the perfect wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, make up tutorial, hair D.I.Y., wedding photo pose, or beach wedding dream experience (you know the kind with magical sunset rays, the perfect amount of sea breeze, high heels in the sand), keep it in check. So get your beach wedding ideas, be inspired, but keep reality in check and focus on enjoying your day more than absolute perfection. Remember you will be having a wedding ceremony experience that many brides desire: outside on beautiful Clearwater Beach!
5. The D.I.Y. Wedding
Although it seems like a good idea, there can be some trouble with D.I.Y. weddings. But the bottom line is the budget, time planning, and details involved in planning and executing your own wedding is often misunderstood until you’re too far into the process. So why not let our all inclusive wedding packages in Clearwater Florida come to the rescue! Or if it’s just the two of you, steer clear of any stress with our Clearwater elopement packages where even wedding photography is included. Our complete beach wedding company gives you a stress free beach wedding experience and keep your budget. A win-win!
Well we’ve covered the Top 5 Beach Wedding Planning Mistakes, now for the #1 thing you SHOULD have on your Clearwater beach wedding planning list: contact Florida Beach Weddings!
There are so many options when it comes to deciding on the date, time and location of a wedding it can seem mind-boggling to a couple. The trend is for couples to get married outdoors, but there are barn weddings, park weddings, winery weddings and more to choose from. While many of these traditional wedding venues are delightful, there is one wedding ceremony that is set above all the rest…the sunset beach wedding on the Gulf coast of Florida!
Clearwater Beach wedding couple in Gulf water
There is no doubt that a destination wedding on the beach as the sun goes down can be the most romantic and beautiful ceremony with unforgettable photographs. However, to make that happen you need to time things just right at the best beach destination, with the best photographer. An experienced beach wedding company is the first step to take to make this dream come true. Here are 3 tips from Florida Beach Weddings to help you get the best experience for your sunset wedding on the beach.
In addition to saying your vows at sunset, you will also have the luxury of walking down an aisle way of soft white sand, beautiful wedding decor customized for you, choice of vows, and even the experience of dipping into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico after your ceremony. Gulf beach weddings also truly deliver the inexpensive beach wedding packages you desire…and they include just about everything you need to tie the knot in style.
St. Pete Beach sunset near Clearwater
2. Timing of the Wedding Ceremony
Getting married as the night approaches is truly an unforgettable experience. The weather will be cooler if you get married during sunset, but keep in mind that a wedding on the beach in Florida is still likely to be very warm or hot (depending on the time of year: check our temperature guide here). Florida Beach Weddings recommends you have your ceremony 1 hour before sunset. Afterwards, you have the option of a late-evening wedding reception or small party at one of the beach wedding pavilions or restaurants nearby. Florida Beach Weddings has experienced wedding planners that will provide you with recommendations.
Clearwater Beach wedding at sunset
3. Use an Experienced Beach Wedding Photographer
Beautiful wedding photos can be taken as the sun sets and at twilight that compare to nothing else. Low light photography brings out colors that we don’t see during the day and is magical. A photographer experienced in beach photos, especially at sunset, will capture your Florida beachside wedding like no one else can. You only have one chance to get it right, so ensure your chosen photographer can show you previous beach wedding photos he or she has taken so that you will be delighted with the results. Look at their body of work to see how they have captured wedding couples in various types of light, angles and shadows. Choose the right wedding photographer, like those provided with our beach wedding on a budget packages, and you will have a breathtaking backdrop for your beach wedding photos to enjoy forever.
Eloping couple kisses at sunset in Clearwater
A sunset beach wedding or Gulf beach elopement could be just the thing for you if you want a memorable wedding ceremony to treasure for years to come. Why not book one of the best beach weddings in Florida today. Call or contact us to find out more.
Sarasota has a reputation as an upscale city which attracts many visitors each year. As an engaged couple, you might think the beach wedding cost in Florida is out of reach. However, using an all inclusive beach wedding package is a game changer. Instead of planning your wedding day a la carte, the simple act of booking beach wedding package can leave you money left over to really enjoy the Sarasota beaches, dining and shops.
Weddings in Siesta Key
Weddings on the beach are extra special when they include sunsets. Siesta Key beach has earned a reputation as one America’s Best Beaches and continues to be one of our most popular Florida weddings destination. From the moment you step foot onto Siesta Key Beach, you’ll be delighted by its sugary, quartz white sand. You can also visit beautiful Crescent Beach, which is also right in Siesta Key.
Beach weddings in Siesta Key are for couples who love a laid back vibe. Whether it is a destination elopement with just the two of you, or a larger Florida wedding, Siesta is the perfect place to say “I do” with your toes in the sand. No shoes needed for a beach wedding! And beach wedding prices in Siesta are not as costly as you might expect…a complete package will include just about everything you need for your special day. You can use the affordable package for a vow renewal or same sex wedding on the beach too, and many smaller packages include our professional photography.
Weddings in Lido Beach
Sarasota is also home to Lido Beach, which is stunning and offers natural scenery and tranquil beauty. Your guests will be amazed and may enjoy staying longer than they intended! You will not be able to get this wedding experience at home so take advantage of it and book your honeymoon here too. There a variety of hotels, motels, and condos that are available to rent in Lido Key. Less crowds, more relaxed and romantic is the vibe in Lido Key Beach. What a hidden gem!
Shops are only 20 minutes away if you decide to venture out after your wedding day. St. Armands Circle offers the perfect environment for a stroll with your new spouse to enjoy locally crafted brews, brunch, arts and crafts, and restaurants. Lots to see and do but finding your way around St. Armands is easy with conveniently located, color-coded map kiosks. Palm trees and fresh delights await you and your wedding party in Sarasota.
Your Wedding Ideas Await
So perhaps we have convinced you that a Sarasota beach wedding is the one for you? It’s time to get to work planning but wait…you can do it in one day! Yes, weddings on the beach are among the easiest celebrations to plan when using a package…and they are so beautiful! Why not choose the hottest trend: dusty blue wedding decorations? This Distinctive Design package includes up to 36 white chairs, chilled water, a chalkboard sign, officiant who also coordinates your ceremony, music and more. Just add our beach wedding photography for $350. Other Distinctive Design packages are available for you to customize.
Do you want a simple beach wedding with fewer guests and photography included? Our Beach Beginnings all-inclusive wedding package is a great choice. Inexpensive yet still elegant on Siesta Key Beach, it will keep your memories alive forever.
As destination wedding booking continues to rise across the US, if you are considering a Siesta Key beach wedding then it’s time to reserve your date. Don’t hesitate and lose your opportunity to tie the knot on this fabulous beach venue. Contact us today.
